Festival contributions make for a warmer winter
In excess of R200 000 was donated by the Winter Festival to numerous organisations.
Partial proceeds from the Vodacom Newcastle Winter Festival, totalling more than R200 000, were divided among beneficiaries last Friday.
All in all, 33 local charity and community organisations and sponsors were recognised at two functions hosted by the festival committee, proof of the change a small group of people can make.
Chairman, Hennie Pelser explained this was a R15 000 increase from last year’s donations.
Welcoming guests to the breakfast event, Sakekamer president, Ben Chowles said it was not an easy task to keep almost 40 000 people happy, and thanked the festival committee for its efforts thus far.
“Remember that we are here for the cause, not the applause.”
Later in the day, project manager Hennie Pelser explained the processes behind the winter festival each year, admitting the school holidays had posed a major challenge to the organisers.
However, he was grateful at those who had helped steer the so-called ship.
A keyring presented to a few of the guests comprised a number of small nautical-themed charms, used to symbolise the voyage of the winter festival from launch to arriving in the harbour.
In the words of Mr Chowles, poverty and hardship knew no bounds.
Thus, he made mention of the millions of Rand in investments made by Vodacom and the contributions toward the good causes supported through the collective success of the winter festival.
In the words of British politician, Benjamin Disraeli: “In a progressive country change is constant; change is inevitable.”
Mr Pelser has since retained his position as project manager, while Bennie Volschenk again accepted the responsibility of treasurer.
“Making the festival better is a voyage for them,” Mr Pelser concluded.
