A remarkable gesture from a Cape Town attorney has provided Hout Bay-based non-profit organisation Bright Start with the perfect start to its fund-raising efforts this year.
Wietz Viljoen, of Wietz Viljoen Attorneys, has offered to donate a significant portion of his commission on property transfers to the NPO, which for the past eight years has assisted children from low-income families in historically impoverished communities of Cape Town to access better education opportunities.
“I met Bright Start’s Sharon Scudamore a few years ago. I have always wanted to support charities, and of course as a small business you are always looking for networking opportunities,” Mr Viljoen said.
“From each transfer, I will be making a donation to Bright Start, which is a wonderful organisation.”
As it happened, Mr Viljoen handled the transfer on the home of Ms Scudamore’s good friend, Jill Heyes. From this transaction’s commission the first funds will be donated.
“Sharon is a good friend, so I am thrilled about what Wietz is doing. Bright Start is an organisation that is very close to my heart,” she said.
“One of my long-standing staff members’ son has been assisted by the programme for the best part of a decade. Bright Start has had a positive impact on the whole family. It really is making a difference.”
Ms Scudamore described Mr Viljoen’s offer as “brilliant”.
“It is such a fantastic gesture, and it will make a huge difference,” she said.
The holistic programme, which aside from financing pupils’ studies at some of Cape Town’s top schools, also provides mentoring to parents and guardians, continues to go from strength to strength, and currently supports 37 children from pre-school to high school.
Recently, one of the programme’s shining stars received his Western Province colours for cricket, while another has been recognised by the Allan Gray Foundation for excellence in academics.
“We are not looking for the brightest pupils, but those who are looking for the chance to fulfil their potential,” Ms Scudamore said. “A key component of the vetting process is ensuring parents are as committed and passionate as their children. We emphasise the importance of packing healthy lunches and ensuring their children are in bed by 7.30pm.”
