Producers, buyers and supporters of the annual charity auction gave generous donations of wine, artwork, holidays and experiences abroad that were all auctioned by renowned wine industry personality Roland Peens at the event in September. The Charity Auction raised R505,000, which was matched by Distell resulting in a total of R1.010m raised for this year’s beneficiary.
Bridgitte Backman, Distell Director: Corporate and Regulatory Affairs said “Distell is proud to be able to support organisations like sp(i)eel who do incredible grass-roots work within our local communities. These funds will go a long way towards uplifting the communities in the greater Cape winelands and provide necessary infrastructure for sp(i)eel to continue their outstanding work.”
Presenting the cheque on behalf of the Nederburg Charity Auction were Inger Truter and Murdo Dreyer (both behind the cheque), from left to right are Amelda Brand and Marlize Swanepoel (both Co-Founders of sp(i)eel), Simone Benjamin (Distell CSI Controller for Arts & Culture) and Roland Peens (Auctioneer and Director of WineCellar).
sp(i)eel is an arts therapies collective, nonprofit organisation working throughout the greater Cape winelands and delivers exceptional work for children and adults alike. Marlize Swanepoel, co-founder of sp(i)eel said: “Our research and impact studies show that a resilient child can bounce back from life’s hardships. They are less likely to use alcohol or drugs as an emotional crutch. They have stronger interpersonal relationships and a higher chance of successfully completing school. This means we are giving people the skills to make positive contributions to the economy and not carry the costs of substance abuse related treatment or incarceration. Based on these factors, a recent impact study we conducted shows a R2.01 return on investment in one of our crèche projects. Since the Nederburg Charity Auction we have had time to process and reflect on this incredible investment in our organisation and we are ready to grow and develop the work we have been doing in the farming communities for the past 3 years. As we work with the health and wellbeing of children, their parents and teachers, it is possible for this contribution to have a lifelong impact on the farming communities in the winelands.”
Charity Auction, auctioneer, Roland Peens, said: “It has been a wonderful journey getting to know the sp(i)eel organisation as well as the dedicated and exceptional people behind it. Marlize and her team touch a wide range of less fortunate people within the wine industry through their drama and music programs. The wine industry is struggling on a number of levels and generations have been lost to poverty and substance abuse. sp(i)eel performs a critical role in trying to uplift the farm working community and allow it to become prosperous and sustainable. The incredible lots donated by the industry, generous bidders, Distells matching donation and support from the Nederburg Auction team have managed to raise a considerable donation. This will uplift so many lives and make an impact for generations to come. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful opportunity and makes me want to assist further.”
Auction representative, Inger Truter said: “The Nederburg Auction team selected sp(i)eel as this year’s beneficiary as they are passionate about contributing to the community in which they operate , improving the lives of not only children but communities within the winelands as a whole. Through their work they allow healing of broken hearts and connect with individuals in a very unique way. The Nederburg Auction is proud to be associated with sp(i)eel and grateful to help children to find their inner self and to create awareness of their self-worth.”
The Charity Auction has been a proud tradition of the annual Nederburg Auction since 1993 and has raised millions in support of local organistions in the areas of health, youth development and education within the greater Cape winelands.
For more information on sp(i)eel and the outstanding work they do, please visit their website at www.spieel.org. Additional information can also be found on the Nederburg Auction website at www.nederburgauction.co.za.