Rough & Tough rally raises N$650 000 for cancer
The annual Rough & Tough Rally came to a heart-warming end at Goanikontes Oasis last weekend when an impressive N$650 000 was donated to the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).This brings the total amount raised in aid of cancer patients in the country to more than N$2 million in the five-year existence of the Rough & Tough rally.
“As a family, we wanted to do something for Namibians and by supporting CAN, we know that Namibians across the country benefit. Our family also has a love for vintage cars and as we are all involved in mechanics, it made sense for us to host a rally. It is what we know,” said René Baard, who is in charge of the event’s logistics.
Fifty-seven vintage cars from across the country took part in this year’s rally that was hosted for the fifth consecutive year by the Baard family from Walvis Bay through their businesses Baard Group and Goanikontes Oasis.
“Besides the fact that we raise funds for CAN, we also want to create awareness and have fun at the same time,” said Philippie Baard, event organiser. “It is not a serious rally; we dress up and have fun events along the road where drivers have to complete certain tasks before they can continue.”
The touring group of 183 drivers and supporters that took part in the three-day event started the rally at Goanikontes Oasis just outside of Swakopmund and ended at the Damara Mopanie Lodge of the Gondwana Namibia group.
“We are humbled by the support we get from this family who has managed to create the biggest fundraiser in aid of the Cancer Association of Namibia in the Erongo region. We want to thank them and the participants and sponsors of the rally for their dedication and commitment and for choosing to support Namibians afflicted by cancer. We believe this event will from here on just keep on growing,” said Rolf Hansen, CAN CEO.
The funds will be used to support cancer patients and their families to get through their battle with the disease.
The Baard family has already begun planning the 2023 event and has identified the weekend of 19 May for the 2023 rally. “We invite Namibians to start getting their cars ready and to contact us early next year to ensure their spots in the event,” Philippie said.
During Saturday’s event, two return flight tickets to Cape Town, sponsored by FlyNamibia (WestAir) were raffled out. The winners of these tickets are Hesti Langeveld from Swakopmund and Johann Malan from Windhoek. Dr Bertha Simasiku from Windhoek also won a weekend at Maike’s Guesthouse in Swakopmund.
For more information on the Rough & Tough rally and other events hosted by CAN in the Erongo region, such as clinics, activations, and competitions visit CAN’s social media pages or contact Sanet de Waal at [email protected] or tel. 064 461 271.