BWA raises funds for vulnerable children

Ferose Oaten hands the money that was raised at the event over to Martin Oosthuizen

The networking organisation for women, with a members list that includes leading figures like Pam Golding and Jenna Clifford, managed to raise the money in just two hours much to the delight of the Orphan Care Foundation's director Martin Oosthuizen who was also present at the event.

The foundation provides basic need services, school fees, clothes, food, transport to and from school, dental care and mentorship for orphaned and vulnerable children in the Westlake community where more than 6000 people live in poverty. Oosthuizen expressed his gratitude for the BWA's help.

“The BWA is such a powerful vehicle with which to create positive change in our country. I am deeply moved by their willingness to do something for our little organisation. The way everything came together was just inspiring,” he said.

BWA Western Cape chairperson, Ferose Oaten, said that the Orphan Care Foundation was doing amazing work in helping to lift children from a hopeless poverty stricken existence. “We are proud to be affiliated with such a phenomenal giving and caring organisation,” she said.

In addition to the R8000 that was raised at the event, which was held at the new Atlantic Imbizo conference hall at the V&A Waterfront, each of the women that attended also brought along a gift for a child.

According to Oosthuizen, the foundation cares for approximately 80 - 100 children on Fridays through their child support program/kids club. He added that the gifts were going to make a huge difference to the children's Christmas this year.

“The money and the gifts are going directly to giving the children a memorable Christmas. We will provide a nice lunch for them and hand over the gifts, which I know will be received with great happiness - we are really looking forward to that,” he said.

Oaten commented that the work of the BWA is about providing a platform for businesswomen of all ages to network and to build useful contacts that can be valuable for their businesses and careers. She also said that another one of the key elements of why the BWA is such a respected organisation is because it also provides a platform for women to exercise their corporate and personal social responsibilities.

“The women of the BWA understand that success in business also means giving back to society. That is why our fundraising events are always so successful,” she said.

“There are a lot of generous women in the BWA,” said Oosthuizen, walking into a room full of successful businesswomen is quite intimidating - but the experience was wonderful. Women are changing the world and I thank the BWA for passing on some of that inspiration and generosity to us.”