Wings and Wishes Gratitude Function

Wings and Wishes recently held a gratitude function at the Radison Hotel in Port Elizabeth to which Taryn from our Port Elizabeth office and myself were invited. The purpose of the function was to thank and honor those who continuously supported this worthy cause and Dulce was one of the recipient of the benevolent award. We were shown a short video which highlighted the work that Wings and Wishes are currently doing and from my perspective, I can say that I am very proud to be associated with such a selfless group of people who have worked very hard to ensure the success of this wonderful initiative. For those who are not aware of Wings and Wishes, they are a charitable organization who thanks to a wonderful dedicated team, have raised funds, air miles, medical services and other forms of sponsorship to provide much needed flights, medical treatment and care packages for those children who are less fortunate than others to enable them to get to the facilities and receive the necessary treatment that they otherwise would not have access to. Dr Hendricks also spoke to us about his involvement with Wings and Wishes. Dr Hendricks is a Paediatrician Oncologist based at the Red Cross hospital and treats most of the Wings and Wishes patients. It was extremely inspirational to see how a team of people can work together to make such a positive change in society. I urge everyone reading this today to try and get involved in this worthy cause or some form of charity.

Together we can make the world a better place. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around”- Leo Buscaglia

Job Shadowing

Brigid and Angela from Dulce Cafe seen with Yusraa from Forest Town School, who is job shadowing Brigid twice a month during this year.

Yusraa Bhabha is an 18 year old learner at The Work Experience Programme, Forest Town School.

The Learners of WEP are skilled and at the end of their schooling .We hope that they are skilled sufficiently to hold down a job in the real working world. We appreciate the involvement of Corporate Companies, because this gives the learner an insight into the reality which they would soon face.

Dulce has afforded Yusraa this invaluable opportunity, whereby she can Job Shadow Brigid and learn as much as possible. The aim of this project is
twofold:

1. For the learner to gain experience in the working world, and
2. For Companies to be made aware of learners with Special Challenges

Cycling 4 Charity Cycle Tour 2011

Cycling 4 Charity was formed in 2009 by a group of friends who had been affected either directly or indirectly by some form of terminal illness or disability, such as Cancer, Leukemia, etc. We thus decided to use the sport we love, cycling, to raise funds for different charity organizations in order to assist and support persons and families finding themselves in similar situations. This tour is also done in memory and honour of family members and friends of the cyclists who have passed on or are currently battling some form of terminal illness.

A very successful charity cycle tour was done in March 2010 from Kimberley to Cape Town to raise funds for Hospice. A total amount of R 20 000-00 was collected and donated to Hospice.

Due to the success of the first cycle tour, it was decided to have such a tour annually if funds allowed it.

Cycling 4 Charity also does local fundraising projects throughout the year in order to raise funds for various charities.

CYCLE TOUR TO CAPE TOWN: MARCH 2011

For the second consecutive year we were once again privileged to have Dulcè Cafè on board as our main sponsor. Not only did they contribute to ensuring that this tour could take place, but their contribution also ensured a very successful, memorable and enjoyable trip.

On 3rd March 2011, we had our official send off at Dulcè Cafè Kimberley at the North Cape Mall, which was all sponsored by Dulcè Cafè. The evening was fun-filled and enjoyed by all as it was made very special for us. (to Nettie and her team, a very big THANK YOU)

With all the formalities and speeches done on this evening, we could not wait for five o’ clock on Saturday morning of 05 March 2011 to arrive.

Saturday 05 March 2011

The big day had arrived. We were all racked, packed and ready to go. A few last hugs, kisses, laughs and well wishes and we were off. At 05:30 on 5th March 2011, our second charity cycle tour was officially under way.

First Stage of tour -175km of pure pedal power to our first destination- Strydenburg. For the first day, with all the anticipation, excitement and adrenalin pumping, the guys were pushing quite hard. The guys were all very excited and were having great fun on the road. We arrived in Strydenburg at 11:15. After a well deserved shower and a great lunch we took it easy for the rest of the day.

Day 2 – Second Stage – Strydenburg to Victoria West – 195km

We left at 05:10 the morning to finish most of the days riding in the morning as it was much cooler and also to get as much kilos behind us before the traffic started getting hectic. The guys really picked up the pace and were doing excellent on the road. Every cyclist was doing his bit to ensure a good day’s ride. Second stage completed at 10:55. What an excellent days cycling. After much needed rest we decided to chill around the braai fire. With all the fun the guys were having and the crap they were talking, we forgot about the meat on the grid. Supper then consisted of a pasta dish, lekka worsies and some seriously burned chicken.

Day 3 – Third Stage – Victoria West to Beaufort West – 135km

Although this was a relatively short stage, it was a tough one nonetheless.
Some long serious climbs laid in wait. We once again left early the morning to get as much kilos in before it started getting hot. Pulled in at Three Sisters and took a nice long break there. Guys enjoyed a breakfast and just relaxed. We decided to take the days riding slow and easy in order to save the cyclists legs for the tough and long 200km stage that that was waiting the next day. So far, the tour was awesome and everyone was enjoying the experience.

Day 4 – Fourth Stage – Beaufort West to Lainsburg – 200km (killer stage)

A gruelling 200km lied ahead. Lots of climbs and heat lied in wait. We left Beaufort West at 04:30 the morning. This long tough stage was taking its toll on the riders but they only pulled over for a break after completing 120km of this stage. Took a short break at Prince Albert and then we left to complete the final 80km of the day. What a relief when we hit Lainsburg. The toughest challenge was over. I must say, I was very impressed and proud of the guys.

In Lainsburg we had two unexpected surprises awaiting us. First, we were welcomed into the town by the staff and pupils of Lainsburg High School (secretly organised by one of the team). Here we were treated to some welcoming refreshments.

We took this opportunity at the school to speak to the children about various topics which included, charity work we are involved in, drug related issues and crime.
This was done by our team captain who is a member of the South African Police Services.

Our second surprise was a 1,5m long Cape Cobra snake which was found at our guest house. Luckily, the staff of the guest house sorted this problem out asap. Scary but yet exciting!

That evening we were treated to a lovely braai by the school principal. What a great time we had. Excellent!

Day 5 – Fifth Stage – Lainsburg to Worcester – 160km

Although the previous days riding was tough on the guys, they were feeling quite good and were looking forward to their next big challenge, the Hex River Pass. After a good scrub and rub they were off for another tough day’s cycling.

The morning’s riding was going quite well until disaster struck. One of our riders took a terrible fall on the Hex River Pass. Travelling at approximately 85km per hour he hit a gravel patch and went flying. The team from ER24 who was travelling with us immediately started with treatment and stabilized him. With a few cuts, bruises and a stiff & sore body he was back to his normal self the following day. Thank you Lord for being there during this time.

The evening we had a very relaxed time, preparing ourselves for the final stage of this exciting tour.

Day 6 – Sixth and final Stage – Worcester to Cape Town via Villiersdorp

The morning we were up earlier than the roosters and took to the road to complete our second successful charity cycle tour. The guys could not control their excitement knowing that the end was only 105km away.

Although there were some very steep climbs and challenging traffic on the road, nothing could deter the riders from completing the task at hand.
Arriving in the Strand, our end point, was oh so awesome. Feelings of success, joy, happiness and all other types of emotions were shown. We had done it. What a GREAT achievement.

On Friday 11th March, we were treated to a fantastic lunch at Dulcè Cafè at the Bayside Mall. Once again we were made to feel very special and were treated with a high level of professionalism. To Brigid Jaucot and her team at the Bayside Mall, a very big thank you. We at Cycling for Charity appreciate everything you guys have done for us.

To everybody involved in this year’s tour, which includes, Cyclists, Logistical team, ER24 paramedics, all sponsors, friends and families, thank you very much.

GOD BLESS.

Soldiers of the Heart

“What this world needs is a new kind of army – the army of the kind.”
~ Cleveland Amory

A heart-warming relationship forged in 2001 between The Royal Signals Motorbike Display Team (The White Helmets) and Forest Town School for children with disabilities; will mark its 10th anniversary of voluntary service by over 100 British soldiers on Friday, 28 January 2011.

Each year 10 soldiers from the White Helmet brigade arrive in South Africa for a period of two weeks to assist in fixing, painting and maintaining the old school buildings; which were established in 1948.

Forest Town School for children with special needs is a registered charity, relying almost entirely on donor funds to run innovative educational, medical, rehabilitation, and training programmes; not only for children in the school, but also for anyone working in the field of disability.

Due to a very restricted budget, the school is not able to carry out extensive repairs and maintenance. In 2000, the school’s Grant Manager – Marion Leatherbarrow – visited the White Helmets at their military base in Blandford in Dorset. On hearing about the school and the excellent work done there for children with disabilities, they spontaneously volunteered to come to the school, and ever since then, 10 soldiers have come out for a voluntary mission every year. This is a unique partnership and the school is the only foreign charity adopted by the White Helmets, a world renowned motorbike display team (www.whitehelmets.co.uk).

With the generous support of South African and other major and loyal donors, the school is able to support some of the soldiers’ costs and to provide them with outings to enjoy our surroundings and culture. Since the inception of the project, Virgin Atlantic Air has flown the soldiers out to Johannesburg on their annual mission. Brigid Jaucot has been involved in the initiative for 10 years, assisting with finding sponsors in the hospitality industry, many of whom have remained loyal donors over the years.

Further to this, Avis Rent-a-Car, Southern Sun, Plascon Paint, Legacy Hotels, Dulce Café, Woolworths Greenside, Pick n Pay Brightwater Commons, Seemanns Butchers, Joe Parker Comedy Club, The Gourmet Garage, Doppio Zero, Ocean Basket, ABI, Glaceau Vitaminwater, Thundergun Steak House, Norman Goodfellows and Kobus Wiese – are all valuable partners who contribute to making the mission a great success; saving the school thousands of Rands over the years.

We would be most grateful if you could join us for a goodbye assembly at the end of the White Helmet’s annual visit on Friday 28th January. During the assembly, the school will be honouring the soldiers and these donors on this 10th anniversary mission.

For further information, please contact:
Brigid Jaucot
Cell: 083 650 7746

Thank you!

As Helen Keller said: “One can never consent to creep when one feels the compulsion to soar.” At Sparrow Schools we aim to ensure that our learners (children and youth with learning difficulties from impoverished backgrounds) are inspired to soar.

To achieve this we provide a comprehensive programme of schooling, skills training and extensive learner support appropriate to each learner’s needs. For the last twenty years, we have been enabled to provide these specialised, quality services at affordable rates through the generous support of donors and friends.

Thank you for your donation of 200 x Free Cappuccino Dulce’ Café vouchers as well as 4 x R 100 vouchers which we will be using at our Mad Hatters Tea Party on the 14th August 2010. We are extremely grateful for your donation. We look forward to the day, and know that the women will be delighted!

It is wonderful to know that you continuously support our work.

Sincerely,

Kaylene
Kaylene Bernardo
Marketing Co-ordinator
Kaylene@sparrowschools.co.za

Mandela Day inspires family

In the spirit of Mandela Day, a Table View family set out on mission to help bring smiles to the faces of children from the Durbanville Children’s home.

The Language-Van Zyl family approached businesses in the area to help them with this quest. Annami Language-Van Zyl explains that after helping with the World Cup, she was bitten by the volunteering bug and saw Mandela Day as a perfect way to do some good. The family approached the owners of Café Dulce in Bayside, Chris and Chantelle Lloyd, who didn’t hesitate to help with the cause. Lynda Cozijn, owner of The Cozi Home of Tobacco in Blouberg also donated generously. A lady, known only as Eve, who overheard about the family’s mission also contributed towards the fund. Funds in hand, the family went shopping for goodies for the children at Montague Cash and Carry, who gave them huge discounts on sweetsand snacks for the children, allowing them to buy more with the funds they had. The family delivered the goods on Sunday Morning to some very happy faces.

Staff from Dulce office in Johannesburg spending time at Forest Town School