By Nangamso Mabindla
28 April 2004

FAMILY fun for a cause is the motivating factor as East Londoners gear themselves up for the Eastern Cape's biggest Big Walk on Saturday, May 1.

Organised by the Arcadia Rotary Club, president-elect, Geoff Howes, says he's looking forward to a successful family fun affair on Saturday. "The Big Walk is a family day and the interaction between participants is refreshing for everyone involved."

Howes says the event has grown from 200 participants in 1998 to an expected 2 000 participants this year and funds raised go to various community-building organisations around the city. "This year we will donate 80 percent of funds to disadvantaged schools, hospitals, libraries and old age homes," says Howes.

On Saturday though, the focus will shift from local to international community building as some of the funds raised will go towards the effort to fight a successful battle against the scourge of polio. "It is one of the biggest problems in Africa. The club has donated over R400-million over the years to help fight polio in the world," he says. "We want to eliminate polio."

Howes said the club had also been encouraging disabled people to join in the fun of the Big Walk.

The walk begins at the Oxford Striders Club in Beach Road, Nahoon, and participants will be able to choose a 5km, 10km or 15km walk. School bands will keep the crowd in a jovial mood, and hotdogs and drinks will be available.