Camargue donates R125 000 to Brainstorm Support Group

Mitch Marescia signing Brainstorm Cheque.

Brainstorm cheque handover group.

Camargue – committed long-term supporter of Brainstorm – has donated R125 000 to the professional support group for brain injury and stroke survivors. The funds were raised by a resolute group of cyclists who under the Team Camargue banner, secured corporate and private sponsorships for cycling in the Lions Karoo to Coast mountain bike challenge last year.

Camargue Managing Director Mitch Marescia says, “Camargue’s journey to create a better South Africa is on-going. We are committed to pioneering for good and over the past three years, we have raised over R270 000 through the power of the pedal. Going Beyond Insurance – that’s the Camargue way.”

A 100km race from Uniondale to Knysna via the Prince Alfred’s Pass – Marescia says that the race was exacting and demanded endurance and true grit. “But in the end, knowing that with every turn of the pedal we would be contributing more to the pot, kept us going.”

Adding to this he says that year on year the group of cyclists committed to the cause has grown, with first time cyclists and professionals joining forces, to participate in something far bigger than themselves. “More than just financial provision, our support has inspired and given hope to the residents at the home and we are expecting that this year’s group will be even bigger than previous years. We invite any intrepid cyclists to join us in what is guaranteed to be incredible and humbling experience, as we once again cycle for change.”

Camargue’s association with Brainstorm goes way back to when Larry Lombard, a former SAPA sports journalist, who is also well known for his role as co-founder of the Ironman South Africa sporting event, was the victim of a vicious gang related beating that nearly took his life. An attack that was connected to a story he was investigating on children and drug trafficking when South Africa hosted the Soccer World Cup. Despite warnings and threats on his life, Lombard kept chasing the story and following up leads which ultimately lead to the near fatal beating by 10 gang members who left him for dead.

It was Camargue Managing Director Mitch Marescia who found and held the broken, limp and ice cold Lombard till the ambulance arrived. Lombard awoke in hospital weeks later making a partial recovery over time. “As in years past, this year’s donation is in honour of Larry and Brainstorm,” says Marescia.

Camargue is committed to adding value and making a real difference in the society it serves. For more information on Camargue and its approach to CSI visit www.camargueum.co.za or find us on Facebook.