Edenvale residents called for big fundraiser

The Citizen

23-04-2025

To raise much-needed funds for local charities, Edenvale resident Bernerd Blom of Just Blom Events kicked off a fundraising project themed 'From the Vale for the Vale'.
The fundraising project, established by community members in association with Ridgeway Racebar, is centred around hosting family-friendly events, providing community members the opportunity to have an enjoyable time together while raising funds for local charities.
With an entrance fee of R200, attendees get to enjoy an afternoon out while enjoying lunch, quizzes, music and Bingo.
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The project intends to raise funds for Little Eden Society, Edenvale SPCA and two others, yet to be nominated, by Christmas this year.
With a goal of raising R100 000 for the four Edenvale charities, the initiative is more than a third of the way to its goal, having recently raised R33 600 for Little Eden Society.
Bernerd explained that with his events company, he's done a lot of charity work in and around Edenvale.
'Everybody from Edenvale says 'we hail from the Vale' but nothing ever gets done. You read about the potholes, everybody moans and groans but nobody does anything.
'Through the project, we want to give something back. Everyone approaches companies for funding and they are tired and at times struggling financially.'
To change things up, Bernerd said the idea is to create community and family-based fundraising.
After the Edenvale SPCA fundraiser, the next charities will be identified.
'By doing this we intend to give the Edenvale community a bit more hope and unite the community. Hopefully next year we can help eight charities and raise R200 000.'
Handed over to the CEO of Little Eden, Ann Coetzee, on April 8 by Bernerd's colleague Keith Agliotti, the funds were raised on March 21 at an event hosted at Ridgeway Racebar.
'This has just been incredible. Thank you to Bernerd, Keith and all those involved who helped raise the funds,' said Ann.
'With the unusual endeavour of hosting a quiz, it makes fundraising fun for something which isn't always fun.'
Ann explained that some of the work done by Little Eden is gut-wrenching and heart-breaking.
'We work with not only the most vulnerable but a lot of our residents who are here because of abuse, motor vehicle collisions and incidents beyond birth defects.'
Ann said the donation makes an enormous difference for Little Eden which, according to her, costs R60m a year to finance.
'While we do get state funding it only covers about 40% of our expenses. As such we have to raise the outstanding amount.'
Ann said it is through the assistance of volunteers and people like Bernerd, who help the society, that it is possible that Little Eden can keep its doors open.
'Just to have someone, like Bernerd who is so passionate about making a difference in the community, who does something different and makes it special is truly unique,' said Ann.
The next fundraiser will be held on May 31 at Ridgeway Racebar between 14:00 and 18:00. It will have an entrance fee.
Contact Bernerd on 082 857 1106 or email [e-mail] for more information.
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