Our Kids of the Cape donates over R3.5-million to children in need

The social investment initiative is overseen and supported by the Vineyard, Townhouse and Oude Werf hotels and supports nine children's charities throughout the year, as well as ad hoc projects of various other charities and initiatives - including educational, health, HIV/AIDS and feeding schemes for local children.

The nine organisations include the Amy Biehl Foundation, the Anna Foundation, the Anthea Pieters Safe House & Crisis Centre, the Aquarius School Feeding Scheme, Atlantic Hope, Baphumelele Children's Home, South African Children's Home, St Michael's Home for Girls and Woodside Special Care Centre.

Chairperson Alison Kranenburg highlighted some of the incredible achievements of the kids over the past few months, and how the contribution from the hotels has benefitted the lives of various children. "These kids have showed such innovation and creativity in many of their recent activities. During horse therapy at the South African Children's Home, one of their tasks was to groom and lead horses (reign-free) to designated spots. They did this effectively by using their own jackets as reigns and successfully leading the horses to where they had to be."

While these three family-owned hotels are popular in their various areas and offer guests distinct luxury experiences, much of their behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed. "The contribution of the three hotels over the past eight years has been phenomenal. They have hosted numerous fundraising events like annual golf days and art auctions, which have allowed us to donate funds to the cause. We've also been able to improve infrastructure at locations like the Salvation Carehaven, where we recently built a grass patch and installed an outdoor jungle gyms for the kids to play and be active," concludes Kranenburg.

For more information on Our Kids of the Cape, the contribution from the three hotels, or the various initiatives the fund supports, please visit www.ourkidsofthecape.co.za/.