We at FoodBank South Africa (FoodBank SA) are happy to declare our first Art Auction a full success. More than 50 guests were welcomed by High Commissioner Skweyiya and FoodBank representative Mary-Ann Parr at the Foundling Museum in London on the 12th of November 2009.
Professional South African artists such as Helene Kruger, Jennifer Gray, Solly Smook, Nathan Chikoto and Ticha Nyaruviro provided us with a wide selection of pieces ranging from the typical South African art in bright and earthy colors to original paintings of ethnic culture. A selection of ‘Street Art' by non-professionals was also displayed and auctioned. Additionally, we sold beautifully beaded South African Christmas decoration.
After having some welcome drinks sponsored by SAB Miller and South Africa House and canapés sponsored by Mustard Catering, the guests were equipped with giant plastic forks as paddles, and the auctioneer started the action. The art lovers and supporters of FoodBank picked up bidding quickly so that the stakes were set early in the evening.
By joining the auction, the guests showed their support for the enormous effort of FoodBank to alleviate hunger in South Africa.
Even though South Africa has the potential to grow enough food to feed its population, 14.4 million South Africans are food insecure. Hundreds of NGOs already work to address this, yet the lack of coordination and logistics prevent a larger scale impact. With successful experiences in over 20 countries, the foodbanking system aims to combine the small efforts to a nation-wide network, thus working more cost efficiently and sourcing more food than any other social organisation in South Africa.
By fighting hunger, FoodBank SA also takes a leading role in attacking the roots of the health, education and crime problems that are still a huge topic in South Africa.
Since the launch in the beginning March of 2009, community FoodBanks have been launched in the four major cities, with 16 more FoodBanks to come over the next three years. Currently, the FoodBank network supplies 1.2 million meals a month.
In order to keep up with the growing demand of food, FoodBank SA has appealed to public and private donors throughout the year. With the money raised through the Art Auction we are able to provide 175 000 additional meals to the needy in South Africa.
FoodBank South Africa expresses their gratitude for the following people and organisations for their support:
- Geoff and Janet Broadhurst, who went above and beyond to make the auction a success, by amongst other things, securing the venue.
- George Plumptre for agreeing to be the auctioneer for the evening, he was fantastic and managed to get the auction going so that it realised the sums of money it did.
- SAB Miller for the beer
- The South African High Commission for the wine
- Mustard Catering for the food.
Thank you, London!
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