Alluvia and Zorgvliet partner in Give Me a Chance Foundation to help talented children achieve their dreams and positively affect others

Delarey and Sandie Brugman, owners of Alluvia Specialist Winery and Guest House, established the Give Me a Chance Children’s Foundation in October 2004 in an effort to make a tangible contribution to the Kylemore community in the Banhoek Valley where they live. Explains Delarey: “People do not exist in isolation from their communities. Although Kylemore is home to some of the poorest 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”. The Foundation raises funds for scholarship programmes and establishes a network of strong role models for mentorship. By investing in exceptional students, the Give Me a Chance Foundation works to help them realise their dreams - and instills in them a moral responsibility to positively affect the lives of others.

The Zorgvliet Group, also a family enterprise, headed up by CEO Mac van der Merwe has also become actively involved with the Foundation through the partnership of Zorgvliet Vineyard Lodge & Spa with Alluvia in the Zorgvliet Private Residence Club (ZPRC). Says Trust Director: “Through the support and backing of ZPRC, the Give Me a Chance Foundation will be able to expand beyond the borders of the Kylemore region and move beyond the functions of a scholarship programme towards a skills development programme. Both Delarey Brugman and Mac van der Merwe sit on the Board of Trustees and are personally involved as mentors to the students.”

Six learners from Kylemore Secondary, two from Stellenbosch Primary and one at the University of Stelenbosch [see Student profiles below], selected based on their academic and sporting abilities as well as their outlook on life and aspirations for the future, currently receive support through provision of school and hostel fees, school clothing, books, stationery and sport equipment. The Foundation identifies the children as early as grade 6 and commits itself to assisting the children through their matric year. Adds Berchulski: “We also devote ourselves to encouraging each child to be proactive in their own future and work to equip each child with the social and leadership skills necessary to attain success. We also offer extensive assistance in obtaining bursaries and sponsorships for our students entering tertiary education. The 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.

“This year Give Me a Chance has focused largely on social engagement and community interaction with the children of the Foundation. To support this initiative, we tasked the students with identifying a need within their community. They must then present a proposal of how they will attempt to address this need. From there, the Foundation will assist the children in implementing their project. The aim of the initiative is to encourage our youth to become active in civil society and ensure that we produce a new generation of students proactive in improving their circumstances as well as the community’s.”

Give Me a Chance hosts an annual charity fundraising event at Alluvia Specialist Winery and Guest House, the next one due to be held some time in October. Additional fundraising events for 2009 include a Charity Golf Day in Stellenbosch on 22 May 2009 and a Charity Golf Day in Vereeniging hosted by the Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club of the Zorgvliet Portfolio on 17 July 2009. Alluvia has also released a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Sauvignon Blanc under the ‘Give Me a Chance’ label, with all proceeds generated supporting the ‘Give Me a Chance’ Foundation. The 2005 Give Me a Chance Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc retail from R40 and are available from Alluvia’s wine tasting facility.