GEORGE NEWS - The 2010 Vodashop Cheese Festival held at Outeniqua Primary School was a moderate success.
This festival has grown exponentially and during the past five years funds to the tune of R200 000 was raised from which local charities benefited.

At a cheese and wine function held at the school, principal Mr Johan Smith said although the organisers were hoping to swell numbers during the World Cup Soccer, it was learnt that essentially this annual event can count on local support only. It was decided to once again hold the 2011 festival from 29 to 31 July.

Thanking sponsors for their ongoing support, Smith said at a handover of the proceeds to charities that profits from all sporting events are donated to a charity of the sponsor’s choice. An equal percentage is donated to develop-ment of the sport within the club that assisted with organising the event.

Festival director Anna-lize Pretorius said this year the event had attracted 79 exhibitors from as far afield as Johannesburg and the Eastern Cape. This year charities benefited from an amount to the tune of R50 000. Funds raised at the gala evening went to Hea-venly Haven who received a laptop from Matrix Computers to the value of R10 000. Life Community Services received a shower worth R10 000, and Famsa a digital camera, microwave and household items worth R10 000. Phambili received therapeutic toys, and household items worth R10 000.

Among others, Child Welfare received party packs for their 2010 Christmas party and the Outeniqua Harriers Running Development Fund was boosted with R1 530.

After holding a blanket drive, Outeniqua Primary School parent and staunch festival volunteer, Lindsay Mooiman handed over 228 blankets to various charities.

Vodashop franchise owner Gideon Hugo thanked the Vodacom group for acting as main sponsor and other sponsors for their ongoing support.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: PAULINE LOURENS


These charity organisations received equipment bought with the proceeds of the Vodashop Cheese Festival. From left are Maryna de Vries of LIFE Community Services, Nicolette Pretorius of Famsa, Reda Spillhaus of Rosemoor Old Age Home and Maryda Squires of Phambili Shelter for Battered Women. With them is Claire Boltman of Vodacom George, the main sponsor.


At a cheese and wine held to hand over of the proceeds of the Vodashop Cheese Festival, the committee, sponsors and charity organisations posed for a group picture.