Generosity at the 2021 National Gathering

By Paul Merifield

Club members opened their hearts and pockets at the 2021 National Gathering Gala Dinner, held in Graaff – Reinet.

Under the relentless auctioneering skills of Pieter Booysen, individuals, tables, friends and regions (as well as MBSA), bid, out-bid, and bid some more during the evening’s fundraising auction for a number of special, collectible and once-off items.

All this generosity was in aid of Vuyani Safe Haven, a “home” that provides a place of safety and care for about 35 children: from babies to teenagers, whose parents either do not or cannot care for them.

When all was said and done, nothing less than R 100,564.00 was bid in support of the evening’s charity of choice.

On Saturday 7th May 2022, Club President Waldo Scribante, outgoing Eastern Cape Chairman Erald Hohls, accompanied by Johannes Coetzer, Pieter Moolman and Rudi le Roux, all travelled to Graaff – Reinet. Joined by locals Johan Minnaar and Paul Merifield, the party gathered to hand over the auction proceeds (by oldfashioned cheque) to Chairperson of the Vuyani Board, Mrs Elaine Stanley.

The visiting group later travelled out to Paul’s farm in the Camdeboo Conservancy, where some Mercedes-Benz tyre kicking took place, followed by some braaiing and refreshments, before getting a good night’s rest in the peace and quiet of the Karoo.

The Board of Vuyani Safe Haven expressed their sincere and deepest gratitude to the members of the MBCSA for their kindness and generosity, particularly as the amount raised exceeded their wildest expectations!

The MBCSA members can rightly be proud of their unselfish contribution to a needy cause. Well done and Thank You! n