CYCLE TO ZERO South Africa. 2018: Information Pack

Transcription

1 CYCLE TO ZERO South Africa 2018: Information Pack

2 TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S This team needs you: Cycle to Zero South Africa 2018 Cycle to Zero : The Journey Begins Why Cycle to Zero Our work in South Africa Babalwa s Story The Route for 2018 Fundraising targets: Breakdown What s Included in Tour Costs FAQ s Health and Travel Guidance Where do I sign up?

3 T H I S T E A M N E E D S Y O U Saturday 20 th October Thursday 25 th October 2018 mothers2mothers (m2m) is transforming lives each and every day. Over the past 15 years we have reached almost 1.5 million HIV-positive women with life-saving education and support, but we cannot stop now. Together we must keep pedaling towards an HIV-free generation. Our dream is of a world where no mother dies of AIDS and no baby is born with HIV. In its third time running, Cycle to Zero is helping to make this dream a reality. This year we re going back to South Africa where it all began for m2m - and we need you on our team. Be part of our journey and raise much needed funds towards m2m s vital work. Together, let s Cycle to Zero! 1

4 C Y C L E T O Z E R O : T H E J O U R N E Y B E G I N S Now in it s third year running, Cycle to Zero is going from strength to strength 2014: THE INAUGURAL CYCLE In October 2014, a team of 27 intrepid cyclists gathered at Swaziland s beautiful Usutu Forest for our inaugural Cycle to Zero Challenge. With m2m CEO Frank Beadle de Palomo and trustees Carolina Manhusen Schwab and Derek Lubner at the helm, they embarked on a 500km breathtaking journey across the mountainous kingdom of Swaziland to Mpumalnga, South Africa. The team raised an incredible 100, : THE MALAWI CYCLE 2016 marked the 15th anniversary of mothers2mothers and to celebrate this important milestone Malawi was the host country for our second Cycle to Zero! The team rode for 4 days from the lush Tea Plantations of the Southern Highlands of Conforzi to the heights of the Zomba Plateau, finishing the ride along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Malawi at Cape Maclear. The team raised an astonishing 255,000 2

5 W H Y C Y C L E T O Z E R O? An amazing, incredible opportunity to spend time with a nucleus of individuals that love and support m2m - Frank Beadle de Palomo, President and CEO of m2m Raise vital funds for women living with HIV We need you to help us make zero transmission of HIV a reality in sub-saharan Africa. By joining Cycle to Zero, you will be raising valuable funds to provide frontline support and bring hope to HIV-positive mothers and their babies, families and communities. Be part of the ultimate challenge Get up and close with the work m2m does It s all about team work Experience the place where the sun rises Pedaling between km every day is no easy feat. You will be pushing yourself to your physical and mental limits, but at the end of each day you will feel amazing and come that finish line, you will be on top of the world! Along the way, cyclists will have the unique opportunity to visit m2m sites, meet with Mentor Mothers and members of country teams, and see the inspiring work they do. Meet some of the incredible people that make the organisation tick, and see firsthand where the money you are raising will be going. The Cycle to Zero team is like one big close family. Whether you sign up on your own or join with others, you will be part of an extraordinary group of people providing all the support and motivation you need for each leg of the journey. Some of you may have never been to South Africa, and some of you may know it well but one thing s for sure, this is the first time you will have seen it like this. With a route specially designed to highlight the country s diverse landscape and the incredible people we work with, this promises to be a life changing ride. 3

6 Statistics from UNAIDS 2016 data S O U T H A F R I C A It s been almost 16 years since our founding at a Cape Town hospital in 2011, and since then m2m has reached nearly 1.5 million HIVpositive mothers in nine African countries. m 2 m I N S O U T H A F R I C A S O U T H A F R I C A H I V & A I D S The birthplace of m2m s first programme, m2m has reached almost 50,920 HIV-positive women and 27,800 HIV-exposed infants in South Africa through both direct service delivery and technical assistance. Through our facility-to-community and familycentred approach, m2m facilitates integrated quality services, in addition to providing care and treatment support for HIV-positive pregnant women and their families. 7,100,000 People living with HIV 18.9 % Adults aged prevalence rate 6,800,000 Adults aged 15+ living with HIV 4,100,000 Women aged 15+ living with HIV 320,000 Children aged 0-14 living with HIV 1,700,000 Orphaned due to AIDS aged 0-17 Our work in South Africa has expanded with an Early Childhood Household Stimulation programme, in which Family Mentors support parents and caregivers at their homes - providing children with a range of safe, accessible early childhood development services. And through our Adolescent Health Initiative, young women employed as Peer Mentors promote HIV counseling and testing, as well as critically needed safer sex education, among their peers. The only person who is dying is the person who doesn t know their status, I know mine and I am not going anywhere. Beauty, Mentor Mother in South Africa 4

7 B A B A L WA S S T O R Y Babalwa learned she was HIV-positive in 2002 while pregnant with Anathi, now 14. Through mothers2mothers, she was able to access counseling, as well as the lifesaving medical care that prevented her from passing the disease to her daughter during birth. When I was eight months pregnant with my second child, Anathi, I learned I was HIV-positive during a routine test. I went into shock. I worried that my baby would be born with HIV, and that I wouldn t live long enough to care for him or her. I felt lost and afraid, with no idea what to do. That s when my counselor told me about mothers2mothers, which she described as a support group for women who were HIVpositive. I was connected with a Mentor Mother, a local mum living with HIV who had been trained as a front-line healthcare worker. She reassured me that my diagnosis was not necessarily a death sentence for either me or my baby. I began to feel empowered like I was finally in control of my life after months of feeling like a victim. Almost 99% of babies in m2m s South Africa program test negative for HIV, and that makes me thrilled. I feel like I ve done my job. Babalwa and her daughter Anathi speak on a panel at an AIDS conference in South Africa When I learned Anathi was HIV-negative, (m2m) were the first people I told. I was so grateful that I had them in my life that I agreed to become a Mentor Mother. I wanted to give back to a group that had given me so much. It was empowering for them, but also for me. Over the last 14 years I ve gone from counseling other women on HIV and family planning to training other mentors and seeing them go on to have fulfilling careers as nurses and social workers. Babalwa and Anathi at home in South Africa Almost 99% of babies in mothers2mothers' South Africa program test negative for HIV, and that makes me thrilled. I feel like I ve done my job. I ve watched countless pregnant women break down when they tell me they have HIV and then helped build them back up. These mothers face so many challenges, yet they all come back for follow-up visits proud and determined. And I m determined to always be there for them. 5

8 T H E R O U T E F O R With project sites scattered around the Eastern Cape, the route for Cycle to Zero 2018 will be an incredible journey - hugging the coast from Port Elizabeth and travelling inland all the way to East London. Cycle to Zero distances in kilometres per day: For the first time, we have introduced three routes to choose from. There are now options for each participant to sign up for the longer (Grande) route - averaging km each day, a medium (Medio) route - averaging km a day, or the shorter (Piccolo) route - averaging 40 km each day. Piccolo Group Medio Group Grande Group 6

9 F U N D R A I S I N G TA R G E T S B R E A K D O W N Every new Cycle to Zero 2018 participant must raise a minimum of 3,500. In addition, tour costs for each participant total 850 and a non-refundable registration fee of 350 is required upon application (as shown below). Breakdown of Costs & Fundraising Target Registration Fee* Tour Costs** Flights Min. Sponsorship Flight costs 3,500 *Registration Fee is non-refundable **Please see What s Included on page 8 to see what is included in the tour costs Options for structuring your fundraising, to include additional tour and travel costs: Option 1: Can I include my tour costs in my fundraising? Tour Costs Min. Sponsorship ,500 Total Sponsorship 4,350 Option 2: Can I include the flights in my fundraising target? Tour Costs Min. Sponsorship ,500 + Flights Flight costs Total Sponsorship 4,350 + Flight Option 3: Can I just cover the costs myself? (self funding option) While we would encourage you to fundraise, the total amount you would need to cover would be a minimum of 4,350 (plus the cost of your international flights) Fundraising support For every cyclist we will provide a fundraising pack, with top tips and advice on how to get prepared and meet your fundraising target. We ve also set up a JustGiving page for you and have fundraising materials on hand for whenever you need them. We are with you every step of the way! 7

10 W H AT S I N C L U D E D I N T H E T O U R C O S T S INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED Full fundraising Entrance fees to International Gratuities the and training any national Flights local guides and support reserves or parks Travel insurance staff all work All overnight accommodation and breakfasts All lunches (including soft drinks) All evening meals (not including alcohol) Bananas & water during the ride visited on cycling days In country transport and luggage transfers Public liability insurance Three English speaking, highly experienced tour leaders/guides policy (required) Personal expenses, such as soft and alcoholic drinks, gifts and international calls. Visas & vaccinations, where required. Children s program costs please ask the m2m team for more details. extremely hard to ensure a successful trip, so we advise demonstrating your appreciation through a group tip. Onward travel extensions. 8

11 F R E Q U E N T LY A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S Who is the cycling tour operator? m2m is partnering again with local South African company, African Bikers, who are specialists with 20 years experience in creating and leading cycle tours in Malawi and South Africa. Their team is led by Jens Deister, who ran Cycle to Zero in 2014 and 2016, is a German national who made his home in South Africa in 1993 and set up African Bikers in the same year. Jens and his partner and cofounder of African Bikers started their own love affair with Africa by cycling from Frankfurt to Cape Town between 1990 and a route that covered 25,500km. Jens is unflappable, highly experienced and very much looking forward to welcoming Team m2m on the Cycle to Zero 2018 challenge! How will I be supported? Beforehand You will be sent a welcome and fundraising pack with great tips on how to meet your sponsorship target. We will also support you to maximise your online fundraising presence via JustGiving, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and . We will then be in touch regularly with training updates and will organize various events in the next 12 months where you can meet other participants. During the trip Your group will be accompanied by three highly experienced tour leaders/ guides, as well as three local mechanics who will act as guides also, who know the area and the terrain very well. You will also be supported by the m2m team in ensuring the whole event is fun, inspiring and memorable. 9

12 F A Q S C O N T I N U E D Who can take part? You must be 16 years or over to take part. The group size will be 50 with people of all ages My starting point is not London. Can I still take part? Yes! In the past we have had a number of supporters taking part from Cape Town and multiple European destinations! The best option would be for you to book your international travel directly. Will I need specific gear? Each participant needs to bring their own cycle helmet. m2m will provide each participant with two branded specialist cycling shirts for the trip, a branded water bottle, and a recommended packing list which will detail any equipment you may need. Can I bring my own bike/equipment? Yes! It is possible to box up your bike and bring it with you. You can buy bike boxes from most good cycle shops and the approximate cost of transporting your bike will be 80. Equally you can bring your own pedals to be fitted by the team mechanics upon arrival. What type of bikes will be used? We will provide touring bikes in a range of frame sizes suitable for both men and women. In order to find the right size frame for you, please ensure you note down on your booking form your height and inside leg measurement. It may be possible to request a certain amount of road bikes for the Grande Route. Please us with your request. What will the weather be like? South Africa has a lovely temperate climate with plenty of sunny, dry days. Between October and November, temperatures range between 15 C in the morning and 28 C in the afternoon. The sun rises around 5.30am and sets around 6pm. Mild rainfall is expected in the afternoons, so we recommend bringing some waterproof clothing. 10

13 F A Q S C O N T I N U E D What happens if I don t reach the minimum fundraising target? The office is here to support you fully in your fundraising needs. In 2016, the majority of people exceeded their targets, so we know with the right support we can help you to do the same. Please also see our fundraising pack with lots of ideas on how to get started. We ll set milestones for you to support you and check in along the way. If you don t reach a milestone, we will do our best to help you, some may make up the difference themselves. How do I know the correct messaging to use in my fundraising? Please see the fundraising and welcome pack for all the essential fundraising messaging, logos, talking points and a donation menu detailing what various amounts of donations can support. What online platform should I use for my fundraising? In the welcome pack you will receive once you sign up for the challenge, there is a step by step process to fundraising using the suggested online fundraising platform, JustGiving. There may be better or more appropriate fundraising platforms that you would like to use. Please let us know. What will the accommodation be like? The accommodation is all of a good standard with own WC/bathrooms, graded 3 or 4 stars locally. All local accommodation will be done in partnership with our Travel Agent, who have local expertise and will support us in country over the course of the Cycle. Will I be sharing a room? The tour costs are based on two people sharing one room. However, if you would like your own room, please let us know. Given the group size, the number of single rooms available will be limited and subject to a single supplement charge, based n hotel rates. Is it possible to extend my stay? There are many options for visiting local sights or organising your own safari in the area. Whilst m2m won t be able to help with specific booking arrangements, we can provide advice and tips on how to make the most of your stay. For more information please Samina Hassan - Samina.Hassan@m2m.org. 11

14 H E A L T H & T R A V E L G U I D A N C E You are responsible for your own health and ensuring you are properly up to date with your vaccinations and have taken appropriate travel advice. Entry Requirements Visas If you re a UK national visiting South Africa for tourism or business purposes for a period of up to 90 days, you don t need a visa. Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Passport validity Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. Please note that non-machine readable passports are no longer accepted by South African immigration. All visitors to South Africa must have a machine readable travel document (epassport). Failure to present an e-passport will result in denied entry. Yellow fever Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travelling with children Parents need to produce an original unabridged birth certificate if they are travelling with children. This regulation has been put in place to protect children from being abducted, kidnapped and child trafficking. Additionally, further documentation including permission to travel, may be required if only one parent is travelling. These are requirements of the immigration regulation 6 (12)(a) for parents travelling with children. More information can be found here: Recommended medicines and vaccinations mothers2mothers does not offer any medical advice. The UK Government advises any person travelling to South Africa to contact your GP around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre. 12

15 W H E R E D O I S I G N U P? Booking forms are available from the U.K. office: Samina Hassan: Samina.Hassan@m2m.org mothers2mothers (m2m) U.K. Unit 21, St. Mark s Studios 14 Chillingworth Road Islington N7 8QJ United Kingdom +44 (0) #CycleToZero 13