[VIDEO] Helping Africa help itself
A Winter Ball was held with the hope of raising R1 million to help fight hunger in Africa.
You can feed one child every morning for an entire year for R360 – and Joint Aid Management International (Jam) plans to do just that.
With a magical Winter Ball at Avianto, more than 200 guests were welcomed with a saxophonist and strawberry juice or red wine so that R1 million could be raised in the fight against hunger. After mingling for an hour, the food was served and guests were entertained by the Soweto Opera Qaudro and the beautiful Basetsana Kumalo.
“But don’t think you are getting a free meal,” Basetsana joked as people chewed on their fillet steaks.
“With R1 million Jam can feed 3 000 children one meal a day for an entire year.”
Jam has been at the forefront of the war against hunger since 1984, when founder, Peter Pretorius, was left stranded in Pambarra, Mozambique. There he witnessed the horrific consequences of starvation with children dying everyday around him. Together with his wife Ann, they resolved to commit their futures to contributing towards the eradication of hunger in Africa.
Ann Pretorius, in her shining silver sequined dress, said she has a feeling they will raise more than a million on that Thursday night. Thus far, the donations are still being organised and counted, so an exact figure has not yet been released.
Bridget Gunner, the owner of the World Chef’s Tour Against Hunger Fund, advises anyone who wants to make a difference to start small.
“You don’t need money to change the world, you need to give your time and your love. The money will come through other avenues like this Winter Ball does for Jam.”
Since Jam’s inception 1,5 billion meals have been served, Peter said. He explained that they not only provide meals, but also the necessary skills for small commercial farmers on how to run a business. And ultimately helping Africa help itself.
“I am an ambassador for hungry children, like the 26 million kids in South Africa. I am not ashamed to approach you for help.”
To view more photos of the Winter Ball, click here.
