Pretoria prepares for the Cyclethon at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, in aid of Smile Foundation and HospiceWits.
For the first time since its inception, the ever-popular Cyclethon that raise funds for both Smile Foundation and HospiceWits, will take place in Pretoria this May, with members of Planet Fitness and other corporate Companies putting their weight behind the cause and award-winning actor, theatre producer, singer and voice over artist, Harry Sideropoulos, taking up the reins as MC.
The Cyclethon is being made possible by the generous sponsorships of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, which is hosting the event, and Planet Fitness providing 75 spinning bikes and spinning instructors.
Fitness fanatics; spinning enthusiasts; moms, dads and kids; and everyone looking for a fun-filled morning out are invited to join our local celebs on the bikes as they help to raise much-needed funds for the Smile Foundation and HospiceWits. The spinning sessions will be 50-minutes long, with a 10-minute break in between.
Olive Ndebele, General Manager of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, says the centre is delighted to host the capital’s first-ever Cyclethon. “As a hub of our local community, we’re committed to supporting corporate social investment initiatives that uplift those less fortunate, and make a real difference in their lives. Both HospiceWits and Smile Foundation does exceptional work in this regard. The Smile Foundation assists children from across the country – including Pretoria and the surrounds – with vital facial and all types of burns surgeries. We would like to call on all Menlyn Park shoppers to support this wonderful initiative,” says Ndebele.
Planet Fitness has supported the Cyclethon since 1996, and is proud to once again actively assist in the hosting of this event in 2017. “Planet Fitness is honoured to support the Cyclethon at Menlyn Park and giving back to both charities. It’s a great morning out to raise funds for kids in need while getting fit and having fun! This is a big year for both the Cyclethon and Planet Fitness, as the event’s debut in the capital coincides the opening of our Menlyn club as well as our growth in Pretoria throughout the year. We urge all Pretoria residents to come cycle, to have some fun with us and to support this very worthy cause,” says Manny Rivera, CEO of Planet Fitness.
Hedley Lewis, the Smile Foundation's Finance and Fundraising Executive Director, says the foundation is grateful for the ongoing support of its generous sponsors, and the opportunity to once again work with the public in raising these vital funds in such a fun and entertaining way.
Joy Ruwodo, the Marketing & Fundraising Manager for HospiceWits, expressed gratitude for the support of individuals and communities in fundraising initiatives such as these. With the decline in Corporate Social Investment observed over the last few years, the support of individuals and communities enables HospiceWits to continue providing the highest quality care and support to the hopeful families that reach out to them at a very difficult time in their lives. We are honoured to again work with the Smile Foundation in an effort to raise funds for two very worthy causes.
The funds raised for the Smile Foundation will be used to facilitate surgeries for children with facial anomalies, and the funds raised for HospiceWits will go towards the care of patients living with life-threating conditions.
The Cyclethon takes place on Saturday, 20 May from 8am until 1pm at Central Park Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.
