We are delighted to have found a wonderful project to support, and it being Christmas, has made giving even more fulfilling.

Whilst visiting Grande Provence in Franschhoek yesterday, I came across the Pebbles Project in the Gallery, and a collection of artwork by children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Western Cape schools.  We bought a painting of a beach scene for our Whale Cottage Camps Bay, which had been painted by Elizna Gertse, a 13 year old learner attending the Bergendal School, and who lives on the Fairview wine estate.   In a description attached to the painting, Elizna wrote that she wants to become an actress when she leaves school, and enjoys doing her school work, because it will bring her far.

The Pebbles Project was launched in 2004, and its focus is children whose lives are affected by alcohol.  The fundraising organisation works with wine farm owners, to uplift farm worker communities and encourages the education of workers’ children.   Wine estates that support the Pebbles Project include Backsberg, Delheim, Eikendal, Fairview, L’Avenir, Villiera, Bosman, Remhoogte, Neil Joubert Wines, Hartenberg Estate, Kaapzicht, Koopmanskloof, and Morkel.

We are proud to have assisted Elizna and her classmates in raising funds for the Pebbles Project and the good work that they do.  www.pebblesproject.co.za

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com  Twitter: @WhaleCottage