Generous. WCBA Chairman Dean Finder hands a cheque of R15 000 to Khula Group CEO Daleen Labuschagne
A resounding success and the culmination of the WCBA Social Equity initiative for 2012. Those were the parting words of a proud Western Cape Bookmakers Association Chairperson Dean Finder as he bid farewell to sixty-seven underprivileged children, their twelve helpers and special guests at Kenilworth Racecourse on Monday.
The WCBA and Khula Development Group have partnered in developing the Christmas Fun Day to a level where it is unrecognisable from its inaugural year in 2009.
The outing is co-ordinated by the Khula Development Group, a community based program with the vision to provide sustainable support to out- of- school children and their families by assisting them emotionally, socially, spiritually and educationally.
This wonderful program is run by 3 volunteers and 6 part time staff members.
The children, ranging in age from four to fourteen years of age, are from Paarl East and participate in Khula’s out-of-school children program.
From broken homes and poverty–stricken backgrounds, they have little prospect of any joy or excitement over the Festive Season and in fact seldom get the opportunity to venture out of their environment.
They were entertained in the beautiful surrounds of Kenilworth Racecourse to fun and games, a sumptuous braaivleis and a visit by Father Christmas, who handed out gifts as well as grocery and sweet hampers to all present.
Khula CEO Daleen Labuschagne praised the generous efforts of the members of the Western Cape Bookmakers’ Association and particularly Dean Finder and Vice Chairman Rudi Satlegger whom she said had worked tirelessly to ensure the children had enjoyed a memorable time and the ‘highlight of their year.’
Also present as Guests of Honour from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. Ms L du Toit HOD Horse Racing & Betting Department and Mzi Msolo,Chief gaming auditor, who participated and enjoyed the merriment.
WCBA Chairman Dean Finder addressed the group and thanked all those present for their personal interest and support.
He paid tribute to the work of Khula and made a special mention of the admirable spirit and unbridled enthusiasm of the children and thanked them for participating in such a positive spirit and for making the entire event a huge success and worthwhile in all respects.
Finder presented Daleen Labuschagne, CEO of the Khula Development Group, with a cheque of R15 000.
Finder added that the WCBA was indebted to Phumelela Gaming and Leisure and Western Province Racing for having made the Kenilworth Racecourse facility available at short notice.
“One call to Clyde Basel and it was arranged,” he said.
He explained that the original proposed venue of a farm in Paarl had been changed as a result of safety concerns following threatened strike action.
Finder also went on to thank the volunteers who had contributed on no small measure to the success of the day. These included Tellytrack’s Andrew Bon and jockeys Vicky Minnot and Oswald Noach, who addressed the group and spoke about their careers. He also thanked Lance Benson and his team who had co-ordinated the event and put on the fun and games and provided the braaivleis and sweets.
The commemorative caps and t-shirts which were handed to each and every participant and helper on the day, were generously sponsored by Tyrone Dobbin of Sportingbet.
The Western Cape Bookmakers’ Association has 21 bookmaker members covering a total of in excess of 100 outlets in the Western Cape.
Membership of the Association is entirely voluntary and Chairman Dean Finder proudly points out that they enjoy a 98% subscription rate.
