Wine Diva

by ML Communications (source: www.wine.co.za)

In November 2005 the Beyers Truter Faith Fund was launched to fund research, prevention and intervention projects to reduce the damage done by fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The Faith Fund has already received R321,850 from local and international donours. In the past 18 months requests for donations to increase the action against this harmful syndrome amounted to R4,2 million.

The application of the funds is determined by the Faith Fund’s Board of Directors, in conjunction with their Advisory Board. The first payments were made to the Christian Literature Fund (R10,000) and the Takeaway Theatre Group (R100,000). The Christian Literature Fund started an active campaign that includes pamphlets to convey the message of the fetal alcohol syndrome to the communities. The Takeaway Theatre Group presents theatre performances and workshops that tell the story about the causes and serious repercussions of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when a women consumes alcohol while she is pregnant and the alcohol permanently damages the body of the unborn child, especially the brain.

According to Francois Naudé, marketing manager of Beyerskloof who serves on the Faith Fund’s Board of the Directors, the Faith Fund supports practical campaigns and projects to raise the quality of people’s lives, and everybody can be involved. Financial contributions can be made via the website www.faithfund.co.za. Visit the website and click on “make a donation”; every cent is valued. The contributions vary from individuals who donate small amounts to businesses (local and overseas) who donate big amounts.

Thus far the biggest donations were made by Meridian Wine Merchants (R121,660), one of South Africa’s top wine distributors, Contemporary Flemish Wine Institute in Brugge, Belgium (R92,000), Absa (R50,000) and SA Wine Industry Trust (R50,000).

Beyers Truter, owner and cellar master of Beyerskloof and founder of the Faith Fund, gratefully comments: “These contributions are highly appreciated, the result is a more hopeful future for the generations who are part of South Africa’s existence. The fetal alcohol syndrome damages children before they are born and we want everyone to be able to fully explore life and live out their dreams. If this syndrome can be diminished, more children will enter a better life and contribute to a prosperous future for all. We are very grateful to every contributor who has become part of this noble project. Every cent will be used in the fight against this harmful syndrome.”

Ha ha – got this joke on email…

“I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace. Dr. Phil proclaimed, “The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished.”

So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn’t finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream, a bottle of Kahlua, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how well I feel!”

Wine charms are used to help your guests remember which is their wine glass. It fits charmingly on the stem of the glass. Simply add a bottle of wine and it makes the perfect gift. Gift ideas: wedding guest gifts, hostess gift, corporate gift, conference gift, or get some for your next dinner party.

Email editor@winediva.co.za for more details.