On March 25, Body Culture’s annual spin-a-thon returned to raise money for charity, while putting cycling enthusiasts to the ultimate test with a 15-hour day/ night marathon.
The event raised upwards of R50,000 including donations and sponsorships.
The proceeds raised are going to Kings Children’s Home to support the work they do with vulnerable children and babies and marathon was earmarked for 15 hours in honour of the home’s 15th birthday.
This is the second year the proceeds from the spin-a-thon are going towards the home as part of Body Culture’s efforts to highlight the importance of the work Kings Children’s Home does.
Well before the event, tickets were sold out, with some attendees pledging to finish the entire 15 hours.
Tracy Kitching, who finished the 12 hours of the event last year and saw the entire event through again this year, said, “I am finishing the full 15 hours because the pain I will experience is short term compared to the difficult circumstances that some of the kids have to experience.
“We do this all for the kids and for their futures.”
Cassandra MacDonald from ETA College said, “Seeing the kids at the end makes it all worth it because we are able to give them so much just by exercising. It’s all for the kids and all for our communities.”
With 41 bikes, non-stop entertainment and one-hour sessions, hosted by accredited instructors, attendees were able to raise thousands in support of the home, which will go towards crucial resources such as food and education.
Owner and founder of Body Culture, Michael Ott said, “Last year’s funding raised enabled some the children from grade R to grade 3 to attend school, as well as paid for much needed maintenance on two of their safe houses.
“The two houses have been running for 15 years and were never able to afford any maintenance. The maintenance to was carried out includes replacing floors, carpeting, baby compactums, curtains, painting, fixing broken cupboards.
“This year our aim was to raise funds, clothing and baby toiletries as well as awareness in our community for the King’s Home and the amazing blessing that they are to the abandoned children right here on our doorsteps.
“For us, as the gym, a spin-a-thon also presents an opportunity to have a fun-filled day of social spinning, dancing, hit music and sing-alongs that brings our local community together to exercise and feel happy. It’s a win-win for everybody,” Ott said.
Body Culture would like to thank the following for their sponsorships and support; ETA College East London, Meyers Motors, Lo’Cal Soda, Team Pink Fairy, Beaconhurst School, Smith & Tabata Attorneys, Sanlam Glacier, Link FM, Supplements SA, Jo Jackson Dance Company, Boston College, DJ Nade, Cindy Novello Hair, Alex’s Pools, Fishing EC Magazine, Avoca Group, Oxford Book Exchange, PWC, Table 58, Aldersons Ambulance Service, Stone Haven Wedding Venue, Salon Dog, Charmed Jewellery, Belle Maree Salon, Belle Vita Salon, Headz Hair Salo, Twizza, Yellow Sands Caravan Park, Aquella Viv Sports Drinks, Holistic Healing and Bev Co.
