Page 19 - IFV Issue 9_2023

PROTEAS AT VERGELEGEN WINE ESTATE

The unexpected sighting of the Empress Protea, with its large, bright pink

blooms, has led to a fundraising initiative at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset
West. Income from sales of these magnificent proteas is helping to support a
non-profit organisation that is changing lives in nearby Sir Lowry’s Pass village.

esidents of this poor community, about 60km from
Cape Town, struggle with many issues such as lack of
Reducation, high unemployment and inadequate housing
and sanitation. Drug and alcohol abuse, gang membership, crime
and teenage pregnancies are common.
Fortunately, a non-profit organisation named Village
Collaboration (VC) has had a positive impact, and the flower-
selling collaboration with Vergelegen will boost its efforts further.
Most of the Empress protea blooms are exported, but are now
being sold to raise funds for the VC. The protea farm is situated
near Riversdale, between Cape Town and George.
Vergelegen is pleased to assist well-run initiatives to help Sir
Lowry’s Pass village, as there is a clear need for more community
resources. Many estate staff live in the village or have connections
with its residents. Also, during the Covid-19 lockdown, Vergelegen’s
chefs provided 100 meals daily for needy communities, including
Sir Lowry’s Pass village.
Residents of Wedderwill, a country estate bordering
Vergelegen, have supported child nutrition projects in Sir Lowry’s
Pass village for 12 years through the Wedderwill Charitable Trust. Sinesipho Makeleni, a waitress at the Nguni Café, with the Empress proteas
The Covid-19 pandemic increased the need for assistance, so
supporters expanded their initiatives through the VC. During
lockdown the VC, in collaboration with many other charitable
organisations, provided meals for up to 3000 people daily,
delivering them to elderly residents in their homes. Currently, five
soup kitchens feed 600-700 people a day and deliver hot meals to
25 elderly residents. Two play schools offer an inspiring place for
children, plus a daily meal.
To date, 24 adults have received three months of professional Nguni Café, where the Empress proteas are for sale. All proceeds go to the
training in frail care by Procare Training Academy. This initiative is Village Collaboration, a non-profit organisation.
another collaboration hosted by VC, sponsored by SOS Africa.
VC also partners with the Youth Employment Service, a
collaborative effort between government, business and labour.
Some 140 young people in Sir Lowry’s Pass village have received
life-changing training and internships to date. Youth who had
limited exposure to workplace requirements have had their
lives changed completely since they took part in work training
programmes.
Vergelegen sells the Empress and other proteas at its Stables
family restaurant and pop-up Nguni Café, with all proceeds going
to VC. Empress proteas
Information supplied by Meropa Communications on behalf of Vergelegen Wine Estate. Photos by Vergelegen and Judy Bryant, Meropa
Communications.

The Villager • Issue 9 2023 • 17