By KARABO BALOYI
The Rhodes University Health Suite will be hosting their annual cyclathon on 30 September to raise funds for the Heart Matters pregnancy care centre in Grahamstown. The centre opened on 24 May 2016 in Howse Street with the aim of providing quality care for women in need of a safe and confidential place for women and families of any age, religion and culture, cope with an unplanned pregnancy.
Marjorie Rugunda, section manager at the Health Suite, said, “We wanted to raise funds for the care centre because it is based in Grahamstown and raises awareness about an issue that has been stigmatised.”
According to the the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey, 2016, around 16% of women aged 15-19 had begun childbearing, 12% had given birth, and another 3% were pregnant with their first child at the time of the survey. Many women of all ages and backgrounds face stigmatisation and are ostracised from their families and communities when faced with unplanned pregnancy. Even though abortion is legal, many women are condemned when they choose to terminate their pregnancies and do not receive the support they need, Heart Matters pregnancy care centre aims to fill that void.
Heart Matters, in partnership with the Rhodes University Health Suite will host a talk on 28 September where everyone can learn more about the beneficiary and the impact it has on the community.
The cyclathon will run from 8am to 8pm and will see many clubs, businesses and local organisations booking a spinning bike for the 12 hours. Ashley Reidman and Terri-Lynn Penney will be on the bikes for the full 12 hours. Bikes can be rented out for R30 an hour and businesses are urged to help in any way they can. For more information or to book your spot on a bike, contact Rugunda at 063 873 9804.
