Chris Bertish (Photo: Craig Kolesky)
“We are supporting Chris Bertish in this crossing attempt that will bring value to children’s lives through providing food, life-changing surgeries and building schools,” says Hanifa Jassiem, CSI spokesperson at Ackermans. “We believe that the SUP crossing will generate the awareness we need for global communities to come together and contribute towards building a better future for our children.”
Bertish set off from Morocco this week (6 December) to paddle across 7,500km of open ocean on a custom-made six-metre stand-up paddle board/craft to reach the United States of America in March or April 2017.
The charities that will benefit from the transatlantic SUP crossing initiative are: The Lunchbox Fund, a non-profit organisation that focuses on fostering education via nutrition and providing a daily meal for orphaned and at-risk school children in township and rural areas across South Africa; Operation Smile South Africa, which provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities for children and adults throughout southern and central Africa; and Signature of Hope, a trusted, verified and approved NPO to build numerous small schools in areas where there’s a lack of money and facilities for education in and around South Africa.
“The SUP crossing is far more than just an adventure, it’s a multi-layered project that seeks to change the lives of millions in Africa and South Africa, leaving a lasting legacy,” says Chris Bertish. “The project has taken me more than five years to bring to life.”
To donate towards the SUP crossing initiative, go to:
