PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay cyclist Brendon Morris has his mind set on turning tragedy into triumph with his plan to take on the Cape Town Cycle Tour on 10 March for a good cause. With the help of Plett Tourism, which is sponsoring his efforts, Morris will take on the epic cycling event in aid of the Lunchbox Theatre, as part of their Lunchbox Legends team.
"My first attempt at the Cape Town Cycle Tour as part of the Lunchbox Legends Team last year was marred by tragedy when my mom was diagnosed with a brain tumour just two weeks before the race. She passed away shortly after it," Morris said.
"So this year is attempt number two, and for me it will be dedicated to her memory."
Morris believes Lunchbox Theatre does "amazing work" in the Plett community. "My kids have come home from school a number of times telling me how they were magically entertained in the hall by the Lunchbox gang. Our children need to be informed about the myriad of social and environmental issues that face us all these days, and what better way than through live stage acts and plays," he said.
Getting the message across
He added that while the theatre group's work is entertaining, it gets the important messages across without boring the kids. "Also, in this digital era, live acts need to be embraced so that the adults of the future will continue to enjoy this exciting medium of social engagement."
Lunchbox Theatre is an NPO that raises awareness, peaks interest and develops knowledge of environmental and social issues through interactive theatrical experiences.
Morris said in November last year he visited a primary school in Harkerville where Lunchbox Theatre was putting on a show that had been funded directly by the donations received in his bid to take part in the 2018 cycle tour.
"The play showed kids the importance of being mindful regarding future sexual choices, the importance of being tested for HIV, that there is hope for those who contract the virus and the consequences of not seeking treatment."
Plett Tourism decided to sponsor Morris for his 2019 effort.
"If you, the reader, can sponsor me too, I won't guarantee a heroic finish in record time at the cycle tour; but I can promise that the funds raised will go directly towards putting on theatrical performances that will educate our children regarding the many social, environmental and health issues that will face them as they mature.
"And if there's one thing that has a chance of saving our country and the people in it, it's education."
Would you like to help?
Those who are interested in sponsoring Morris can do so by visiting here.
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