For the past 30 years, funds generated by the Cycle Tour have been ploughed back into the community, giving a hand-up to those who need it most.

As a result of the efforts of The Rotary Club of Claremont and the Pedal Power Association, numerous community organisations and individuals - from schools and children's homes to skills development programmes and development cyclists - have benefited. In 2006 alone, the PPA and Claremont Rotary shared over R2-million in Cycle Tour proceeds, making the Cycle Tour an event with a lot of heart.

Claremont Rotary distributed a portion of its share of the proceeds among other Rotary Clubs in the District. These clubs, in turn used these funds to fund their community upliftment initiatives, including:

• Lawrence House, home to about 30 refugee children - most of them orphaned. A R15 000 donation enabled the Kirstenbosch Rotary Club to provide children with recreational facilities including a jungle gym and trampoline - giving them the opportunity to be outdoors, get some fresh air and exercise!
• Learn to Earn, an organisation that helps individuals develop sustainable vocational and business skills. A R20 000 donation from the Newlands Rotary Club was invested in training programmes, including computer design, sewing and Baking for Profit courses. These programmes empower those who successfully graduate from their training to start their own small businesses or enhance their chances of being employed.

LEAP, a school that addresses the upgrading of Maths and Science skills among learners in Langa. Focusing on self-actualisation and self-confidence, these scholars are required to perform voluntary work in their community. Funding from the Newlands Rotary Club enabled 60 learners to attend one of LEAP's educators to attend MICRO-MBA training.

The Ocean View Secondary School cycling team is one of the success stories of the school and has done a tremendous amount to increase school and community spirit.

The school has a limited number of bicycles and helmets, donated by the Rotary Club of Claremont with the help of the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN). Learners earn a seat on one of these bicycles and a place on the school cycling team by doing a variety of tasks and displaying good behaviour.

Over 45 learners represented Ocean View Secondary School at the 2007 and 2008 Cycle Tours, and residents lined the street to support their children, friends and neighbours as they cycled past.

Ocean View Secondary has received over R140 000 in assistance since 2006 - which also includes the establishment of two computer labs at the school - and an additional R200 000 is currently being utilised to launch a mental health and wellness programme called MindMatters, aimed at dealing with interpersonal issues, depression and other problems that impact on schools.