Climb4Hope SA Montagu 2022 Event Report

Another excellent and well attended Climb4Hope fundraising event this year in Montagu.

This was the fourth year in a row now and with Covid slowly becoming a memory, more people are getting out, thereby growing the event – about 50 competitors split about 60% hiking and 40% climbing, made up the sum total.

A bright and early 6am registration and start at De Bos, saw the field scatter in all directions. Hikers going for various options. Some, with young children, opting for more leisurely trails like the Montagu Nature Garden, while others went more extreme and ticked off the summit of Bloupunt, and lots of stuff in between. A group even went and enjoyed the newish hiking trails at Groenland Farm

The climbers also took to the hills, but those were of a more vertical nature. Most went straight for, or ended up, in the deep shade and the comfortable platforms of Bold and the Beautiful Crag. Climbers were strung out across the whole crag, giving a very cozy vibe to proceedings.

From 4.30pm, tired and worn out participants started returning to the De Bos to hand in their “race cards” and also their sponsorship forms. By 6pm most participants were semi refreshed and recongregated at De Bos for the closing ceremony, prize giving and the social braai.

So many sponsors came to the party this year. Some with cash donations and some with stuff for the Goodie Bags and also prizes, so we had tons of prizes to give away. In fact almost everyone got something. And each of the three beneficiaries had a chance to come forward and tell us about the wonderful work they do for their respective organisations:

DKMS (Sunflower Fund): For their tireless work in the field of bone marrow transplant in cancer patients.

Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary: For their deep love and care for all things donkey.

Animals Matter Langeberg: For their incredibly selfless work helping animals in the Langeberg area.

Although much fun was had by all, Climb4Hope is all about raising funds. Last year we set a target of R100 000, which at the end of the final count we got just over that amount. So this year we set the target at R150 000, which to be honest, I thought was quite ambitious. I put out a plea to all and sundry and was quite amazed at the incredible response, and together with the help of all the participants, some of whom brought in well over R10 000 each, we managed to reach our goal of R150 000. Quite a remarkable achievement once again.

A really big thank you to everybody who took from their time to come support this event and raise these funds. To all the many people who pledged money to the causes, and of course a huge thank you to all our sponsors: Petzl, Black Diamond, Adventure Inc, Cape Union Mart, Outdoor Warehouse, Sportsmans Warehouse, Sanbona, Montagu Country Hotel, Montagu Snacks, Mimosa Grill Room, Leon’s Bistro, Assegai Rest, Cama, Abigail’s Cottage, Lionel’s Choice, Eseltjiesrus and local artist, Belinda Hewer.

And a huge thank you also to Tracy and Andy of De Bos for hosting the event in brilliant style, once again! – from their entertaining donkeys, to doing an exceptional job with the braaing and food, and with delicious brownies from Patsy (my wife). Thanks also to the Montagu Tourism Office – for your sponsorship and all the exposure you gave the event – much appreciated.