Sea Point resident Andrew Patterson climbed Table Mountain every day in 2018 to raise funds for three non-profit organisations, Habitat for Humanity, One Heart for Kids and The Sunflower Fund.
Through the wind, rain, freezing temperatures and sun,
Mr Patterson, 39, was committed
to his cause and hoped to inspire South Africans to make a difference.
On New Year’s Eve, Mr Patterson took his last step in a year-long journey that totalled 2 429km.
“It is hard to put into a few words what this year has meant to me. This entire experience was even greater than I ever imagined. I’ve developed a greater understanding of listening to my own inner voice, intuition and gut,” he said.
Throughout the year, he was accompanied by 738 climbers, from around South Africa and abroad, lending their support to his cause.
“The people I got to meet,
the conversations that we have had on the mountain, the enthusiasm for people to get behind this to make a real difference in
this country has been mind-blowing. It goes to show that you
can never fully grasp the full power of an idea until you act on it
and start to see it blooming,” he said.
In total over R359 583.64 was raised with the 365 Ubuntu Climbs initiative launched on the donation-based crowdfunding platform, backabuddy, with contributions from 452 donors.
Funds raised have already helped deliver books to three of the Western Cape’s poorest schools in Stellenbosch, Klapmuts and Khayamandi in connection with One Heart for Kids.
With Habitat for Humanity, 10 families living in shacks in Baphumelele, Khayelitsha, have had their homes upgraded to be drier, safer and warmer.
Mr Patterson was also involved in two donor drives for the Sunflower Fund that added 30 donors to the Sunflower Registry.
He would like to encourage all South Africans to find a way to give back.
“Whatever your challenge –
just get started. Table Mountain from afar seemed insurmountable, but seeing the next few stairs
ahead of you makes you think ‘why didn’t I start sooner’. Focus
on today and what you can do
right now to make South Africa better.”
The campaign is still accepting donations. To make a donation to Andrew’s cause on backabuddy visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/365-ubuntuclimbs
