Route | Cost | Sponsorship | Beneficiaries | Cyclists | Gallery | What they said |
The Warm Heart of Africa embraces the 2010 Change a Life Cycle Event
Nearly seventy captains of industry took part in the 2010 Change a Life Cycle Tour in Malawi, raising nearly R3.5 million for the Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust in the process.
Poverty is pervasive throughout Malawi, the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’, where the average monthly income is just under R300. But so is hope and joy and a warm sense of community spirit that touches all who visit this charming and beautiful country. It was a fitting destination for the executive participants in the 2010 Change a Life Cycle, who set off from the comfort of their homes for six days in the heat and dust of Malawi, and returned having changed the lives of others and, in many cases, transformed their own.
Stan Lorge, CEO of Computershare South Africa, describes the 2010 Change a Life Cycle as “brilliant, exhilarating, hugely emotional and a lot of hard work”. “We are delighted to have raised nearly R3.5 million this year, which brings the total amount generated over the three years since launching the event to nearly R9 million.” As major sponsor, Computershare matches rand for rand all funds raised.
The Change a Life cyclists take time off each year to cycle together in a beautiful location whilst raising funds to help combat crime in South Africa. Their financial contributions to the Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust help fund crime detection and victim support initiatives whilst providing hope and inspiration for those who lack the resources to transform their own lives.
The 2010 field, as with previous years, was a Who’s Who of South African Business, with CEOs, directors and senior managers of companies, sweating it out in their peletons as they churned through the Malawi miles. For the 69 cyclists, the grueling 480km route brought with it equal parts of agony and ecstasy – ecstasy at the surrounding beauty and camaraderie amongst the group; agony at the stomach-churning hills and the excruciating pull up to Zomba Plateau on the final day. As they powered through the baobab-studded landscape, the cyclists were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of local people who often ran alongside them on foot or challenged them on thick-wheeled local bikes.
As part of the social contribution made by Change a Life, 35 bicycle ambulances, manufactured with steel sponsored by MacSteel, were donated to rural villages to improve access to local health clinics and hospitals. Malawian Government representatives warmly thanked the tour for choosing Malawi as its 2010 destination and for bringing such benefit to its people.
Route
Our route in Malawi is 480 km long, it’s not too hilly (except for the last day…) and the individual days are not too long (well perhaps the second day..). As for the roads, they are in great condition and usually carry very few cars. Add to this smiling and friendly local people and some stunning scenery. It’s a sure recipe for success. We will cycle for three days, starting off from the capital Lilongwe and ending atop the spectacular Zomba Plateau.
Cost
Each cycle participant has paid R27 000 to enter, with all proceeds going directly to the Mike Thomson Change a Life Trust. Computershare has again shown its commitment to combating crime by matching rand for rand all funds raised.
We thank the following sponsors for their commitment:
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Afrifocus
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ASG Sport Solutions
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Bene
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Bell Dewar
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Blue Label
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Burlington-Dataprint
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Compendium Insurance Group
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Computershare
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Computershare Pan Africa
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Connection 42
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Cyclesure
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Dis-Chem
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First Freight Couriers
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Hertz
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Holistic Wellness Company
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INCE
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Johnson & Johnson
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JSE Ltd
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The Kelly Group
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Konica Minolta
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KWV
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Lange Sports
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Macsteel
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Medi Clinic
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Metrofile
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Micro Motor Engineering
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Namaste Wellness Retreats
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Perago
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Pick n Pay
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Pinarello
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Premier Floor Care
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Rudy Project
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STT
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Sun International
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Tracker
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USN
What they said
I am sitting at my desk, sipping an early morning cup of coffee. This is something I have done most mornings for many, many years. Yet the feeling is an unfamiliar one. It might have something to do with the fact that I am wearing a soft cotton shirt and not the figure hugging lycra I have recently become more comfortable with. But I don’t think that is what it is. It’s a wonderful feeling made up of memories. It’s a smorgasbord of the crisp clunk of a Campag gear change; the creaking moan of high quality wheels as the peloton stands as one to tackle a gentle rise and to relieve pressured nether regions; it’s the ever present but permanently distant African haze; the soothing chatter and laughter of children who seem to be everywhere, miraculously and instantly quadrupling in number should you stop for any reason; the gentle and constant buffeting of wind; it’s the hour after hour of banter from close friends and soon to be close friends; it’s the quiet request from the Captain to do duty in the wind or assist a mate taking a little strain; it’s the plunge in a cool pool to relieve a too tired and too hot body; the ice cold gin and tonics not normally prescribed as a rehydration drink but perfect in Malawi; the painful pleasure of the skilled masseuses hands as they iron away the knots after every marathon stage; it’s the constant surprises of every spoil every day and night – all unique, special and ridiculous in the amount of thought and effort that went into each one; it’s the wonder and slow realisation of what a wonderful country Malawi is, slow because it takes a while to see through the poverty in order to see the wealth of friendliness, the pride, the cleanliness, the resourcefulness, the beauty and the absolute charm which is perhaps the real Malawi.
But, maybe it is none of the above that has caused this new feeling. Maybe I just can’t put a finger on it. Maybe I don’t need to. All I know is that the change is a permanent one and it is definitely good.
Mike Chapman
When we left Johannesburg on Friday we were on a mission to go and change lives in Malawi for the benefit of the Change a life projects. Little did I know how much it would change my life. The tour in Malawi touched me in such a profound way. To be surrounded by remarkable individuals such as Dale and Linda. Their perseverance and tenacity in dealing with the cards that life dealt them brought tears to my eyes and will be my constant inspiration. It also was very touching to be giving back to the community in Malawi. We arrived there with big fanfare and hopefully the small contribution made by us will also change some of their lives. Thank you very much to you all for an amazing experience. Your immaculate planning and attention to detail was visible every step of the way and appreciated and admired by all. It has been a privilege to cycle to the beat of Africa.
Kobie Hamman
Well done again on a great 2010 Change a Life Cycle Challenge. You, Computershare, your staff, the sponsors, the other support staff, the project beneficiaries and the cyclists keep alive Mike’s memory and make a big impact in his name. Mike would be proud to be part of something like this.
Nigel Payne
It really is a great honor to be part of the Computer Share Change a Life Family and being fortunate enough to be able to contribute to the worthy causes that you have chosen. I sincerely hope that this event will continue for years to come and that you and your team grow from strength to strength.
Granville Rolfe
Thanks once again for getting me involved, you have certainly changed my life!!
Gerald de Kock
Thank you very much for what was a true highlight for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience from departure to arrival. It was truly world-class!
Enzo
You and your team outdid yourselves again. Well done!
Nicky Newton-King
Thanks again to you for including me in the tour. You never cease to amaze with your creativity and logistical feats!
Martin Pienaar
Thank you again for organising such a wonderful trip. Every day ran like clockwork, nothing was left to chance and the whole thing was just a masterful exercise of planning and foresight!
Tak Hiemstra
Thank you for going out of your way to make me fit in and feel welcome on this tour. It was truly magical. I am really looking forward to Namibia and will put in a couple thousand more miles training, I promise you.
Nigel Biffen
Congrats from me and the team. The tour was outstanding and something I will never forget. Thanks for your team’s dedication and brilliance in putting this event to air and for having NFB extend its support of this groundbreaking initiative.
Mike Estment
Thank you for a special and memorable event, and for leading from the front. See you next year as a sponsor, if you will have us again.
Ferdie Pieterse
Many thanks for the privilege of being part of a magical event.
David Cleasby
Like previous years, you have organized another spectacularly memorable Tour. It is a privilege and honour to have been part of it again!
Well done on the success of this tour and thanks again for everything you and your team has done for all of us. Each year just gets better and better and I’ve enjoyed each and every minute of this tour.
Terry Gormley