Sporting hamper for Chrisando

Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/Pniel Gazette
Tuesday, 20 May 2008, pg7

Chrisando Skippers, a grade 12 pupil from Kylemore High School was overwhelmed with joy when he recently received a sporting hamper from New Balance South Africa. In 2004 Skippers was selected as a beneficiary of the 'Give me a Chance' Foundation. This is a fund created by Alluvia Specialist Winery and guesthouse owners Delarey and Sandy Brugman, with the goal of offering financial support to pupils from the Kylemore community in the Banghoek Valley.

The most important criteria considered during the selection process included students’ academic and sporting abilities, as well as the attitude of the pupils. After being selected, Skippers was also singled out by multi-sport athlete and friend of Alluvia, John de Bruyn to receive a New Balance sporting hamper to the value of R1 200 in the hope of further facilitating his sporting career. According to Skippers, he is a keen soccer player and is currently the captain of the u.19 first team.

“Receiving this amazing New Balance hamper really means a lot to me as it will definitely help me in my future soccer training. I love the sport and would love to represent South Africa some day,” says Skippers.

According to Delarey Brugman, the 'Give me a Chance' Children's Foundation was started in order to make a difference in the lives of promising young people. “We consider it a privilege to contribute to the nurturing of their potential. Although Kylemore is one of the poorest communities in our country, it is also home to very talented kids, who dare to dream and are willing to work hard at achieving their goals. The fund helps these children to realize their dreams by paying for scholarship programmes and creating a network of strong role models. Every cent received goes directly towards the children’s school and hostel fees, school clothing, books and sports equipment,” says Brugman.