To diversify our sources of funding, we recently launched FoodBank Foundation (UK). This UK trust is registered as a charity and aims to raise funds for FoodBank SA.
We are indebted that an overseas donor, who prefers anonymity, provided generous financial support to facilitate this progressive step.
FoodBank Foundation (UK) is governed by volunteer Trustees. These currently comprise Nicholas Bicket (the Chairman), James Durrant, Alan Gilbertson and Kegan Lovely. We are delighted that on 16 January 2012 Janet Broadhurst (pictured) joined as the trust’s CEO. Janet is a South African who has lived in London for decades. She has enjoyed a successful career with a track record of success in fundraising.
Janet and her husband are also long term supporters of FoodBank SA, and this background helped her to hit the ground running. Janet has already organised her first fund raising event for us.
Concert at St James’s Church, Piccadilly
On 1 March, the award winning South African opera singers Njabulo Madlala and Pumeza Matshikiza, accompanied by the highly talented pianist Will Vann, performed at the St James’s Church in Piccadilly. Njabulo and Pumeza hail from the townships in South Africa but earned scholarships to Guildhall and the Royal College of Music, respectively. Pumeza is now on a three year contract with Stuttgart Opera.
Their talent and passion enthralled an audience of over 230 music lovers, including the High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr Zola Skweyiya, and Mrs Skweyiya. Dr Skweyiya has supported FoodBank SA since our launch when, as the Minister for Social Development, he was a founding member of our Board. We are delighted we can still count on his support!
The musicians fully earned the standing ovation they earned after performing an outstanding repertoire of opera, classical and contemporary African songs. The “click song”, an old South African favourite, was a particular hit with the audience.
The concert raised over £8,000 (approximately R101,000), enough to allow us to distribute almost 60,000 meals. In addition, many concertgoers became members of FoodBank SA by joining our Fill the Gap Club, which means that this will be an event that “keeps on giving”.
Upcoming Events
Fast for Food - 28 MayWorld Hunger Day Fast for Food, 28 May 2012
Our London team’s next big initiative will be on 28 May, World Hunger Day. FoodBank Foundation (UK) is arranging a sponsored 12 hour fast, followed by a feast, in London. The idea is for those fasting to raise funds for FoodBank SA. If each person fasting can persuade 12 friends or family members to donate just £6.25, £75 will be raised in total. This is enough to enable FoodBank SA to feed a hungry person for a year. Click here for details.
Cycle from Holland to Belgium starts Fri, 31 Aug
Holland to Belgium Cycle Tour, 31 Aug - 2 Sep 2012
Janet and the London team are also arranging a fundraising cycle, from Hoek van Holland to Brussels in Belgium. The cyclists—who will not be racing and will display a variety of fitness levels—will set off in Holland on Friday 31 August and aim reach Brussels on Sunday. Click here for details.
Contact
If you, your contacts or your company may be interested in supporting our London events, including these, please visit www.foodbank.org.za/uk or contact Janet on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
She’d love to hear from you!
