The Val de Vie Foundation Celebrity Golf Day – being held on 21 October 2016 and sponsored by Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty – will see some of South Africa’s biggest names come together in support of underprivileged children in the Paarl East area. This will be the fourth Celebrity Golf Day held on the beautiful Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Val de Vie Estate. Members of the public are invited to compete in a four-ball with local celebrities including Allan Donald, Herschelle Gibbs, Jean de Villiers, Maps Maponyane, Reuben Riffel and Ryk Neethling.

In line with Val de Vie’s ongoing efforts to support the surrounding community all proceeds from the day will go 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 Paarl by ensuring that local children have access to a high-quality education. 

Comments Ryk Neethling, Val de Vie marketing director: ‘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% all property sales and 5% of all new Home Owner’s 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. During the golf day the foundation aims to raise a minimum of R200 000 – which will be used to build a roof over the school’s quad. This is the first out 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 focuses 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 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.

Comments Daleen Labuschagne, programme director at the Khula Development Group: ‘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, with the support of the Val de Vie Foundation, so many South African celebrities and golfing enthusiasts have come together in support of children in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley.’