“The Hopefield Global Challenge”

A 70th Birthday Wish from Hopefield – Let’s Build Our Children a Safe Swimming Pool Together

My name is George C April. I was born in Hopefield in May 1956. On 16 May 2026 I turn 70.

I don’t want gifts, parties, or praise. What I want, what I’ve wanted since 2019, is a safe swimming pool for the children of Hopefield.

Right now, our kids have only one place to cool off in this heat: a dirty, shallow, stagnant river dam full of risks, drowning, sickness, broken glass, snakes, and the pull of the streets.

I’ve seen it.
I’ve lived it.
I can’t unseen it.

For years I wrote letters to sports departments, sponsors, government, our local municipality, almost no one replied. So I decided to do it differently.

I started an SMS competition (R2 per entry) with real prizes donated by CEO’s of BON Hotels and Riviera Hotel, no unnecessary questions, because they understood the need and my frustration.

Now I’m asking you, especially every person born in Hopefield, or with roots here, who is living, working, or studying anywhere in the world – to help finish what I started.

The challenge is simple and global: Donate just a few cents (or more) to our BackaBuddy fundraiser – R10, R50, R100, £1, $1, €1 – whatever you can. Then challenge your overseas friends, family, colleagues – anyone worldwide, to do the same. South Africans abroad, especially from the Western Cape, you know how it feels to have nothing. You know what it means when someone steps up for the children who still live that reality.

If you donate (any amount), please fill in the short form on our website: https://www.wcsportssolutions.co.za/contact-us/ Tell us your name, where you’re from (e.g. “Hopefield born, now in London”), and why you chose to support – we’ll share your message (and photo if you send one) on our youth webpage as a thank-you and inspiration to others. (We don’t have to mention the amount – just the heart behind it.)

Businessmen and women in South Africa and around the world – if you understand what this is about, every donation to build that swimming pool would be truly appreciated. Your name, your town, your country, your business, will be proudly acknowledged.

This dream began before COVID. It’s still alive because a few people believed. Now I’m asking more of you to believe with me.

Important dates:

SMS competition ends: 14 May 2026
Winners drawn live: 16 May 2026 – my 70th birthday – during the Weskus Waterfees in Hopefield

Link to donate: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/safe-swimming-pool-for-hopefields-children

From one Hopefielder to another – wherever you are in the world – thank you for reading.

Share this story.
Open your heart.
Let’s show our children they are not forgotten.

With hope and gratitude, George C April Born May 1956, and still trying. The Founder, Cape Coast News & West Coast Sports Solutions NPO

Feature Image: This picture is the same as the headline photo – This is the only “swimming pool” that many of Hopefield’s kids have – a shallow, dirty, stagnant river. A major wildfire broke out last month, and helicopters pumped water from this very river to put out the fire, and look what it looks like now. With the heatwave currently plaguing the Western Cape (over 40°C daily in Hopefield), it’s almost impossible for kids to cool off safely. This photo is not meant to shock – it’s the truth.