Have you ever wondered where all the money goes that is raised by hard working Hoedspruit Rotarians running the K2C Cycle Tour?
This tour is Rotary Hoedspruit’s main annual fundraiser and since commencement 10 years ago, the awards have become bigger and bigger each year. On 15 September 2025 at the annual awards evening hosted at The Clubhouse, the R650,000.00 raised was distributed to deserving causes. It is through the efforts of our community, our sponsors and the backing or our 126 riders and their support teams that made this amazing amount possible.
As always, the reserves who allow the event to traverse their beautiful land were each handed large cheques by Christine du Preez Past President of Rotary and Michael Henderson Director and Chair of the 2025 K2C organising committee. These awards are used mostly for conservation and social upliftment – anti-poaching and supporting vulnerable groups in their communities.
Every year, with great care Rotarians select a number of worthy causes in their neighbourhood which are close to their hearts due to the good work they do in the areas of conservation and community services which align with Rotary’s vision. This year there were very varied recommendations of worthy recipients to receive awards. The process of selection is open and transparent and all club members are involved in research, recommending and approving the final list of recipients. Areas of consideration are nature conservation, supporting wildlife, environmental and leadership education and projects directly supporting our communities.
These awards are becoming even more critical as funds from government agencies, foundations and other organizations are drying up due to the American stance towards South Africa and our own economy. It therefore becomes even more important that organizations such as Rotary can help to make sure the money is properly directed.
The 2025 recipients for Conservation were Timbavati PNR, Thornybush GR, Kapama GR, Metapopulation Initiative, Southern Ground Hornbill Project, Provet Wildlife Services and Nature on Tap.
Timbavati PNR Warden, Edwin Pierce and General Manager of Timbavati Foundation, Candice Pierce thanked Rotary with a certificate of appreciation reading “Presented to the Rotary Club of Hoedspruit for the generous donation and support to our conservation and community efforts.”
Community awards recipients included Farm Watch, Timbavati Foundation, Jahara, HFM Stream (our Radio Station) and Paramedic – Pieter Papsdorf.
The Management of Farm Watch sent a message after receiving their award, saying “We are truly blessed to have such a supportive community. We can never thank you enough”
As our event is 10 years old Rotary decided to give two very special Friends of Rotary, deeply involved in the event over the 10 years, one of the highest honours awarded by Rotary – the Paul Harris award to Tony Patton and Debby Thomson in recognition of their amazing contribution as non-Rotarians to our event. They can proudly wear their Paul Harris pins which will be recognised around the world.
