MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Liberty TransCape MTB Encounter, a seven-day, 614km race to be held next month, will be part of a concerted drive to support the Africa Foundation.

The foundation is the charity arm of And Beyond, which owns luxury safari lodges across Africa. 

The organisation's objective is to empower the communities that surround its reserves.

Now in its fourth year, it is hoped the race will raise R250 000 for those in need.

The event begins in Knysna on 4 February and ends in Franschhoek on 10 February.

Race founder Lenore Collett says she has been involved with the African Foundation for 10 years.

"It builds schools, installs enviro toilets and creates bursary programmes for learners. Conservation is also a huge part of its focus.

"This ties in with our ideals, of having a passion for conservation in the country and empowering people as much as possible."

Specific projects under Africa Foundation's umbrella will be chosen once it is known how much money will be available.

Africa Foundation chief executive Francois Peenz says it is extremely important for the non-profit organisation to have the support of events such as the TransCape Encounter.

"Our projects are identified by communities, and agreed upon in consultation with our regional teams," he says.

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