Dusi 'batch auction' goes to good cause

The 53rd annual Hansa Powerade Dusi canoe marathon is rapidly closing in on its target of 1 800 entries after the final qualifier took place at the weekend.

With the big race now just over two weeks away - the race takes place from Pietermaritzburg to Durban on January 22, 23 and 24 - there's still a chance to guarantee an early starting berth on all three days... and make a contribution to the race's official charity, the Starfish Foundation.

For all competitors who want to make sure that they get a good start on each day, the places reserved for the fifth batch of 60 canoes - single or double - there is an auction running on the official race website and the top 60 bidders will be given the places in that fifth batch. Use your Canoe Union registration number and your surname as your password.

The auction closes on January 19 2004 at midnight. Last year's Starfish batch auction (which guaranteed a great starting spot on just one day) raised just under R40 000, and the organisers are expecting an increase on this amount, given that the successful bidders get a preferential spot on all three mornings.

Paddlers are encouraged to bid any amount that they feel will secure them a place in the batch. They will remain in the running as long as their name remains visible on the website. When their name is no longer visible it will be necessary to place a higher bid.

Those who are unsuccessful but still wish to contribute to the Starfish project in any other way are welcome to join the Dusi Greathearts campaign by raising sponsorship.

This campaign raised R15 000 last year.

- Starfish was formed in response to the tragedy of children orphaned or affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa.

The money raised last year was used to develop Bongimpilo Crche, which is along the banks of the river and has been painted orange so that the Dusi Greathearts will be able to recognise it as they paddle past during the race and act as a reminder of the difference that they are making to these children.

The creche opened in March 2003 providing a safe environment, education and two nutritious meals a day for 30 children aged 2-6.

"The children receive two balanced meals per day and they have a structured routine as in any pre-school," said social worker Debbie Well.

"We were determined not to just have day-care but wanted to provide the children with quality pre-school education to give them a good start. Without this funding the crche would be unable to operate."

The administrators of Bongimpilo crche dream of developing a resource centre, library and computer room and improving the existing sporting facilities. With the support of the Starfish Foundation and their Dusi Greathearts, this will be possible.