ABOUT US

Katherine Berchulski: 'It is an absolute honour to represent such a promising group of children. The greatest and most rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to build a personal relationship with each of our students. Perhaps the most important role I play is that of mentor and I take that responsibility very seriously.'

Background Information

The 'Give Me a Chance' Children’s Foundation was established in October 2004 by Delarey and Sandie Brugman of Alluvia Specialist Winery and Guest House. The couple created the Foundation in an effort to make a tangible contribution to South African society which would allow them to look back at the establishment of the organization as a turning point in their lives. The Kylemore community was chosen as the beneficiary because, as Brugman explains:

"People do not exist in isolation from their communities, which is why we decided to support the Kylemore community in the Banhoek Valley where we live. Although Kylemore has some of the poorest communities in our country, it is also home to a talented group of learners who dare to dream and are willing to work hard at achieving their goals”.

‘Give Me a Chance’ was created as a scholarship fund which would adopt promising students from the Kylemore community and provide financial and moral support to help them achieve their goals. Ten learners from Kylemore Secondary were selected based on their academic and sporting abilities, as well as their outlook on life and aspirations for the future. The Foundation works to help these children realise their dreams by raising funds for scholarship programmes and establishing a network of strong role models to mentor these children. Not only do the learners receive the necessary support to achieve on academic and sport levels, but they also have the chance to fulfill previously unreachable dreams. Funds raised through ‘Give Me a Chance’ go to the provision of school and hostel fees, school clothing, books, stationery, and sport equipment.

To raise funds for the Foundation, ‘Give Me a Chance’ hosts an annual charity fundraising event at Alluvia Specialist Winery and Guest House in aid of the children. In addition to this, Alluvia has released a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc under the ‘Give Me a Chance’ label to provide a further financial boost for the trust. All proceeds generated by the sale of these incredible vintages are donated to ‘Give Me a Chance’.

The 2005 ‘Give Me a Chance’ Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc retail from R40 and are available from Alluvia’s Wine Tasting facility. For more information visit www.alluvia.co.za.

Back to top

MISSION STATEMENT

Vision:
The Foundation’s ultimate vision is to make a difference in the lives of promising children and make a tangible contribution to South African society. ‘Give Me a Chance’ holds the philosophy that children, when given the opportunity, have the ability to help themselves to succeed, extricating them from financial dependence. By investing in exceptional students, the ‘Give Me a Chance’ Foundation works to help these children realize their dreams and instills in them a moral responsibility to positively affect the lives of others.

Through their efforts, the ‘Give Me a Chance’ Children’s Foundation seeks to promote a holistic solution to South Africa’s current plights of poverty and inequality through providing exceptional children with the ability to become financially sustainable and in turn become influential citizens in the New South Africa.

Objectives:
In the capacity of its vision, the ‘Give Me a Chance’ Children’s Foundation is committed to ensuring that each of its adopted children:

  • Are provided with an opportunity to gain educational advancement that they otherwise would not have access to;
  • Are given the opportunity to realize their own personal achievement, whether academically, artistically, or within the realm of sports;
  • Have instilled in them a deep sense of social responsibility through which they will use the opportunities given to them to positively affect the lives of others;
  • Are adequately trained in leadership and life skills to allow them advancement in their futures and ensure that they are well equipped to make the transition to financial sustainability;
  • Are empowered to help themselves out of financial dependency; and
  • Become influential and contributing members of society.

The long term financial objective is to save sufficient funds which would present an income stream that could be invested in the children’s direct requirements ensuring financial stability.

Back to top

TRUSTEES

'Give Me a Chance' Children’s Foundation Trustees

Katherine Berchulski – Director, 'Give Me a Chance' Children’s Foundation

Delarey Brugman – Founder, Alluvia Wine Estate

Sandie Brugman – Founder, Alluvia Wine Estate

Kobus de Leeuw – Trustee, NG Kerk

Heleen van der Poel – Trustee, Alexander Forbes

Back to top