Leading audiovisual equipment supplier Electrosonic SA recently had the chance to contribute to a stirring initiative organised by the Casa Do Sol School, which provides education to learners with special needs.
Wald Snyman, the father of a Down syndrome pupil who attends the school, decided to organise a much-needed fundraiser for Casa Do Sol. A cycling enthusiast who has participated in many races, Wald organised a team to represent the school at this year’s Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge.
This was a first for Casa Do Sol, a public Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) school, and the support it received from sponsors and cyclists was far above expectation. Principal Jenny Drew reported, with amazement, that the funds amounted to R118,000.
Electrosonic’s marketing team contributed in the form of providing artwork for the Casa Do Sol 947 Cyclists’ shirts. Minesh Juggan (graphic designer) put a playful “Casa Super Hero” design together for the Cyclists, “as this is how we view them- as Superheros cycling in aid of the Casa children in need.”
On 16 November, Casa Do Sol organised an informal pre-race cheese and wine function to thank all the cyclists and sponsors for their support. Terry Bourquin (Electrosonic marketing manager) said she was overwhelmed at the response from the school and the other sponsors to the cycling shirt design.
“I really felt so moved when Minesh and I were each presented with a lovely card and a beautiful pottery bowl, handmade by the learners themselves. Our contribution felt so small, yet the school made it seem so huge. It just made me realise again how a small deed of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of many people.”
David Hodnett, the school’s governing body treasurer and the MC of the cheese and wine event, spoke about the background of Casa Do Sol and what the school is all about. It was surprising for some of those in attendance to learn that many of Casa’s learners often go hungry and that the food they are given at school sometimes constitutes the only meal they get for the day.
Reflecting on the event, Drew stated that the process was “absolutely fantastic, and we so appreciate what everyone contributed. The cycling shirts were wonderful, and we felt so honoured to see so many cyclists choosing to ride for a good cause, and to ride for us.”
Casa Do Sol has various initiatives throughout the year to raise funds for food, as well as a gift hamper for each of the needy children’s families at the end of the year. One such event is the annual Christmas Market, usually held in November, an absolute feast with lovely handmade pottery and various other crafty items produced by the learners on sale.
Casa do Sol school is committed to ensuring a school is truly a Place in the Sun for their learners. Should you wish to make a difference in the lives of these children through contributions or donations, kindly contact Principal Jenny Drew on (+27) 11 782 0231/2, or principal@casa.joburg.
