Heideveld couple Branwen and Ricardo Kleinbooi have embarked on a new fund-raising journey which will help underprivileged Grade 12 pupils attend their matric ball.
The Heideveld couple started the project in May this year when their group of friends came together and decided to raise funds after they realised how expensive it can be to send a child to their matric farewell.
So far they have given two pupils complete matric ball packages, which Ms Kleinbooi says can cost parents up to R10000.
Mr Kleinbooi said he approach-
ed various companies to sponsor the pupils with a car for the evening, hair and make-up, nails, a dress and suit hire as well as a table of snacks for the evening.
“A lot of people are interested in this and it will be an annual thing. There has been so much support from the community,” said Ms Kleinbooi.
Mr Kleinbooi said next year they will be approaching other schools on the Cape Flats to help and would like to expand their donation to more than just matric balls as there are many other worthy causes.
Jamie Newman from Heideveld, who attends Belgravia High School, was one of the lucky pupils who attended her matric ball in style last Wednesday.
She said being sponsored was a dream come true as she never thought she would be able to attend the ball due to financial difficulties.
“I feel really blessed about everything,” said Jamie. She thanked all those involved in the initiative.
“I want to thank them for the project. Something which I thought was impossible turned out to be an amazing night,” she said.
Heideveld High School pupil Elona Sobayi attended his matric ball last Saturday.
“I am extremely nervous about this but also excited. I never thought that I’d be going to my matric ball, I have no words, I am overwhelmed,” he said.
