In the lead-up to a bumper month of cycling events, South Africa’s premier online fundraising platform GivenGain has today challenged cyclists worldwide: can they beat their personal best for a worthy cause?
As the official fundraising partner of the Cape Town Cycle Tour and ABSA Cape Epic events for several years, and platform for other cycle races, GivenGain is proud to have helped the cycling community raise over R11.5 million for more than 500 charities. And with both renowned events taking place in March and boasting nearly 40 000 cyclists, the non-profit foundation will once again be the fundraising platform of choice for many.
Pedalling for a good cause with GivenGain
Charitable giving is an important part of the Cape Town Cycle Tour and ABSA Cape Epic, with each event having its own list of participating charities. Through GivenGain’s online platform, participants are able to create custom fundraising projects, each linked directly to a registered charity close to their heart. By sharing their fundraising project with their personal network, cyclists are able to make a meaningful difference while knowing that all donations are sent directly to the charity.
Since coming on board as its official partner in 2020, GivenGain has helped hundreds of Cape Town Cycle Tour participants raise R3.5 million for major charities, including The Rondebosch Vuleka Trust, iKhaya le Themba Project in Hout Bay, The Kusasa Project in the Cape Winelands and more. As the biggest timed bike race in the world, this has made a positive impact on the lives of many, helping South African charities during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. This year, the 45th Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on 12 March and will see up to 35 000 cyclists pedal it out in the Mother City.
Positively impacting local communities
The 20th ABSA Cape Epic kicks off on 19 March and will see race participants crossing the finish line on 26 March. Covering more than 658 kilometres with some 15,775 of climbing, this landmark eight-day race is the world’s biggest full-service mountain bike stage race.
“The Western Cape is central to the ABSA Cape Epic and we’re proud to be able to leave a lasting legacy and enrich the lives of the people living in local communities. Each year we encourage our riders to fundraise among their friends and family on GivenGain as the process is quick and secure, and gives charities much-needed exposure,” says Melissa Dold, ABSA Cape Epic Services Manager.
Notably, a fundraiser on GivenGain raises an impressive 20 times more in donations than an individual donor. For riders wanting to make a difference, setting up a fundraising project is a powerful way to help charities.
Make your cycle race even more meaningful
Since its founding in 2001, GivenGain has been used by countless athletes, charities, event organisers and more to make a positive change by giving them the online tools to empower their supporters to fundraise on their behalf. Through this unique approach, the non-profit foundation has helped fundraisers achieve their goals.
“Many event participants miss out on the opportunity to make their race even more meaningful because they think fundraising is limited to only cyclists with charity entries,” says Jannie Smith, Regional Manager for Sub-Sahara Africa at GivenGain.
But that’s not true; any cyclist who takes part in the Cape Town Cycle Tour or ABSA Cape Epic can easily raise funds for a cause they care about. So, if you haven’t already, now’s your time to make a difference on – and off – the saddle.”
