Winter festival spreads winter warmth

The Vodacom Winter Festival is more than merely entertainment for the community.

Over the years, the event has substantially contributed to charitable organisations.

On Friday, the Vodacom Winter Festival committee hosted its annual beneficiary breakfast and handed a portion of the four-day festival’s proceeds to non-profit charities, such as the SPCA, Child Welfare and SANCA, to name but a few.

“The most precious gift you can give is your time, which is what you all do,” said Morne Seaman, chairperson of the Newcastle Sakekamer.

Hennie Pelser, the festival’s project manager, explained that planning for the 2015 winter festival began in September last year. “I am delighted to say we are going to give a record of R220 000 to charity this year.”

This amazing amount was due to the role that the committee, sponsors, community members and volunteers played in ensuring the success of the festival.

“I was impressed with the dedication the committee put into it, and I was also touched at how many beneficiaries there were. Thank you to the committee and the Newcastle community,” said Siboniso Ndlovu, a representative from Vodacom.