PRESS RELEASE:  THE LITTLE OPTIMIST

LITTLE OPTIMIST DOES IT FOR THE SICK KIDS

Optimist Greg Bertish survives 24 hours in overnight stunt to fundraise for the Children’s Hospital Trust

Raising R24 361.15, Greg Bertish, big wave surfer and previous Stand Up Paddle Board and Lifesaving National Surf Ski champion, lasted 24 hours in his little Opi in a paddling pool at the V&A Waterfront on 4 and 5 March. In total, he aims to raise R200 000 to -contribute to building a bigger and better Paediatric ICU at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.

“It was a long night in the little Opi, but it was completely worth it to show just what we are capable of achieving when we put our minds to it. I believe that together with the Children’s Hospital Trust, we are capable of raising R10 million over the next four months to complete the R100 million-plus expansion and upgrade of the ICU,” says Greg Bertish.

The Optimist (Opi) is a single-handed sailing dinghy intended for the use of children up to the age of 15. His stunt at the V&A Waterfront precedes his biggest adventure yet: the Little Optimist will sail the actual high seas covering 200km from Cape Hangklip to Saldanha Bay around Cape Point.

An Instagram selfie competition during his 24 hour stunt also saw Michelle Smith, owner of Stoked Surf School winning a two-night stay at Hout Bay Manor.

See the highlights from Bertish’s stunt here: https://youtu.be/7iLU-WLO1tAat

Every day in hospital is a day less of childhood. SMS “ICU” to 40465 to donate R20 or donate online:   www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za

For more information:
André Gail Gilbertson ▪  Cell ▪ +27 83 448 7047 ▪ Mail ▪ andre@gailforcemedia.com
Tammy Sutherns
Publicity Manager for the Children’s Hospital Trust
021 686 7860
Tammy.sutherns@chtrust.org.za