Festival makes charitable splash
08 December 2010
Festival director Glenn van Eck handed over a cheque for R68 685.29 to chief executive officer of the Community Chest in Port Elizabeth, Beulah Lumkwana. The money was raised from the sale of 164 stall spaces at this year’s festival, which takes place annually at Hobie Beach.
Van Eck said raising funds for the organisation had been an important component of the Easter festival since its inception. “The Splash Festival is a community event hosted by members of the community, for the benefit of the community.”
A delighted Lumkwana said the Community Chest welcomed the donation, which would aid more than 300 projects run by 80 local charities. “We are thrilled to receive it. The money will be used in our mission to be the social conscience of the Metro.”
She said the Chest’s core business was to mobilise financial resources to alleviate poverty and distress, regardless of colour, creed or religion, with a focus on skills development, education and health.
“The Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival is committed to the development of our local community, youth, business and tourism as well as sport and cultural entertainment,” said Van Eck.
He said the festival, which takes place next year from April 22 to 25, relied heavily on funding from the municipality and business sector. “Without their support, hosting an event of this size over four days would simply not be possible.”
“The municipality is thrilled to have our service providers joining the mayor's call for a caring city,” said municipal spokesman Ongama Mtimka. “The gesture is truly admired and contributes towards ongoing efforts to create a better life for the less fortunate in society.”
According to Van Eck, applications for stalls at the 2011 festival were already being taken.
He said a lot of interest is being shown in the lifestyle marquee, which will house high-end products such as holistic and organic products, upmarket handicrafts, freshly baked breads, deli foods and coffee.
As a result, organisers planned to include additional sections like health and wellness, action and adrenalin sports, destination marketing and an entire marquee dedicated to environmental issues.
Application forms can be obtained from the Splash Festival office.
For more information, phone 041 393 4844 or e-mail stalls@splashfestival.com.
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