Locals take a hike

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Over 80 residents of Graaff-Reinet and surrounds laced up their hiking boots (and some even their cycling shoes) last weekend to participate in the at-home Hike & Hobble.

The popular event, in aid of the Camdeboo Hospice in Graaff-Reinet, usually takes place in May, in the form of a one-day 50km hike from the top of Ouberg to Nieu-Bethesda.

Due to lockdown restrictions, it was ultimately decided to take the event online.

"The board of the Camdeboo Hospice has been placed under tremendous [financial] strain due to the unprecedented disaster of Covid-19," said Brian Hough, chairperson of the board, at the time.

Thanks to the recent ease in restrictions, locals were able to participate in a downscaled version of the event in smaller groups.

According to organiser Sharon Shell, the Volkskool team has 35 participants, who completed the 50km in relays. Union, represented by teachers, family members and friends of the school, had 30.

Zelda van Rooyen and Danelle Botes, also representing Union, opted to cycle from Graaff-Reinet via Ouberg to Nieu Bethesda.

Other teams included that of Elise Steynberg and Yvonne Drummond.

We did it! These hikers represented Volkskool.

"A heartfelt word of thanks to all those who participated and supported this endeavour," said Shell. She extended a special word of thanks to Suliza Conradie-Van Wyk of Hoër Volkskool and her group for their support of this initiative. She also thanked the involved sponsors.

This hike for a cause has been making a difference in town for the last nine years. Locals looking to support the Camdeboo Hospice through this initiative can still do so by pledging at the following link: www.backabuddy.co.za/hikehobble-for-hospice2020

The cold didn't bother these hikers. Of course a cup of coffee also helps.