Celebrities raise funds for kids in need

South Africa’s biggest celebrities assembled on the beautiful Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Val de Vie Estate to play a round of golf in support of underprivileged children in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.

Sponsored by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, the Val de Vie Foundation Celebrity Golf Day gave members of the public the opportunity to compete in a four ball with local celebrities including Allan Donald, Herschelle Gibbs, Jean de Villiers, Maps Maponyane, Reuben Riffel, Toks van der Linde, Rob Louw, Kurt Darren and Ryk Neethling. 

In line with Val de Vie’s ongoing efforts to support the surrounding community, proceeds from the day have gone to a Val de Vie Foundation beneficiary, the Khula Development Group (KDG).

This is a not-for-profit organisation that strives to bring hope and restoration to less fortunate communities in the Paarl-Franschhoek region by ensuring that local children have access to a high quality education. 

Ryk Neethling, Val de Vie Marketing Director and Shareholder said: “The Val de Vie Foundation was established to bring about positive change in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley and the greater Winelands region by addressing the needs of the developing youth from education and life-skills training through to the creation of sustainable employment opportunities. In partnership with local charities, such as the KDG, that have a strong focus on the younger generation, the foundation aims to empower children in the community to become the leaders of tomorrow.”  

Since the beginning of 2015, 1% of all property sales and 5% of all new Home Owners’ Association levies at Val de Vie Estate have been put towards the Val de Vie Foundation, with additional funding secured through charitable initiatives such as the Celebrity Golf Day.

Through its partnership with the KDG, the foundation was able to identify an opportunity to assist learners at Orleansvale Primary in Paarl by upgrading facilities at the school.

Proceeds raised during this year’s Golf Day have been earmarked to fund the construction of a roof over the school’s quad – the first of three planned renovations that Val de Vie will be working on in partnership with the school.

Currently, the KDG works in 26 schools throughout Paarl and Stellenbosch and the group focusses on supporting learners that have emotional or behavioural problems or struggle to adapt to the formal schooling environment.

They offer children a safe space, during school hours, where they can receive academic or psychological support based on their individual needs.

The KDG has developed programmes that celebrate rather than scorn these learners, helping them to build confidence, develop better social skills and complete their schooling. 

An unsupportive home environment can often result in children dropping out of school. Therefore, the KDG has developed a programme to assist primary care givers, inviting them to regular group sessions during which they discuss the importance of education and what they need to do to help their children thrive.

The groups also give parents an opportunity to focus on their own emotional needs, build relationships and increase their self-esteem.

Daleen Labuschagne, Programme Director at the Khula Development Group said: “The Khula Development Group was founded with the desire to uplift children in need by ensuring they have access to proper education and can go on to enjoy futures filled with hope and expectation. We are delighted that so many of South Africa’s biggest celebrities and golfing enthusiasts have come together in support of children in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.”