With two months left before the end of 2018, it’s hard not to already start reflecting on this year; as it’s easily one of the most successful years we have had in our 14 years of existence. It is no coincidence that many of our donors have been with us for many years, and continue to commit and expand their support of us into areas that we could previously only dream of. One of these donors is JF Hillebrand (SA) who have supported us for 13 of the 14 years we’ve been around and we are delighted that they continue to journey with us every year. Everyone who is involved with Pebbles shares a commitment to changing lives and we are constantly grateful for the incredible support that we continue to receive from them.
In September, global wine industry players descended on Cape Town for the Cape Wine 2018 international trade show. This year’s event was themed around economic, environmental and social sustainability, using the hashtag #Hannuwa – an ancient San adage that highlights the importance of living in balance. On the last day of Cape Wine, Pebbles Project hosted a fundraising event, fully sponsored by JF Hillebrand (SA). Through this event over R170,000 was raised towards the Pebbles education programmes.
Looking back, it was in 2006 that JF Hillebrand (SA) sponsored the first ever Pebbles Project Tank Party on the last night of Cape Wine. The event was also held in the Shark Tank at The Two Oceans Aquarium and saw buyers, journalists, sommeliers, winemakers and marketers gather for the event to raise funds for Pebbles.
JF Hillebrand is a beverage logistics company that started operations way back in 1844. With over 2300 employees and operations in 90 countries around the world, the company is well known in the industry space to the extent that when it comes to transporting beverages, companies around the world have come to rely on the services of JF Hillebrand. They are the world’s leading specialist logistics provider to the wine and spirit trade, with a global network of offices in every major wine and spirit market. It is their focus on mutually beneficial and sustainable business practices that inspired the JF Hillebrand (SA) office to support Pebbles Project’s efforts in education all those years ago. Together with Sophia Warner, the passionate founder of the Pebbles Project, they continue to be committed to changing lives of children and youth in the farmworker communities together.
“JF Hillebrand South Africa is very proud and honoured to be associated as one of the loyal Pebbles Project Trust donors. As a multinational organisation we realise the importance of investing in our youth, as they will be the leaders of tomorrow. On a local level our partnership with the Pebbles Project Trust has grown and developed over the past few years and we have first-hand experience of their dedication, commitment and most importantly, their passion for what they do and believe. If you had to ask me, “why Pebbles and what makes them different?” I would say, “because they make things happen”, adds Marliese Martin, Managing Director- Area Director Africa, Middle East and India
“We continue to be thankful for the support that JF Hillebrand South Africa makes to our organisation year on year, not only through sponsoring our fundraising events, but also through contributions to our programmes, organising cycle teams for the annual Cape Town Cycle Tour, assisting with transport and storage space and other ad hoc donations and staff engagement activities throughout the year. JF Hillebrand South Africa have watched our organisation grow over the last 14 years and have been instrumental in our growth.” said Sophia Warner.
Watch this space, as we have even further places to go together!
If you would like more information about Pebbles Project contact us on 0218651019 or email charmaine@pebblesproject.co.za or visit www.pebblesproject.co.za