Open Hand of Pro Musica

A special surprise was waiting for the choir members of the Overstrand Adult Choir, Pro-Musica in Hermanus on Monday evening 15 July 2024, at the weekly practice session of the choir - in the form of in-person donations to various charities. Louna Stofberg, Pro Musica Choir Conductor, stressed the importance of donations to various charities. She also invited the public to attend concerts held by the Pro Musica choir, as not only does the choir brighten days and fill the heart with music and song, but the income generated by these magical performances goes towards people and causes in dire straits and in extreme need. “I also want to thank the public for their continued support, ” Louna said. “My thanks also go to the Pro Musica choir family for their dedication, commitment and care towards each other, as well as the community of the Overstrand.”

The Pro-Musica Choir is a registered NGO, and the proceeds of performances done throughout the year are donated to charities and causes in need. “This year, it was decided by the board to make much-needed donations to three charities in the Overstrand area,” Louna said. “These three charities are S.H.A.R.E. in Gansbaai and Badisa welfare organisation and the Night Shelter, both in Hermanus.

S.H.A.R.E. (Gansbaai)

This charity organisation received a donation of R10 000 - it is an organisation that has been operating under the auspices of Pastor Frikkie Zeelie, with assistance from Rob Koppel as treasurer, in Gansbaai for the past 18 years. “They offer a valuable service in the form of a soup kitchen in the informal sectors of Gansbaai, where they also do tremendous work under the youth and vulnerable, with early childhood interventions and day programs designed to keep our pre-primary children off the streets and prepare them for when they go to the ‘big school’”, Louna explained.

Pastor Zeelie received this donation in person and, in an emotion-filled speech, he thanked the members of the choir for their generosity and care towards this cause that is so close to his heart. “This donation alone will keep the soup kitchen operating for the whole of winter,” Pastor Zeelie said.

Badisa (Hermanus) 

The next charity organisation to receive a donation of R15 000 was the Badisa Welfare Organisation, based in Hermanus. Sarie Snyman received this donation on behalf of Badisa. She explained the costs involved in caring for the children in their care, who come from as far afield as the West Coast, Paarl, and other areas within the Western Cape. “Although we do get a grant from the Provincial Department of Social Services this only covers the social worker's costs,” Sarie said. “All other expenses must be done from donations like this, received from Pro Musica.”

Night Shelter (Hermanus)

The third charity organisation, Hermanus Night Shelter, also received R15 000. In another emotion-filled address Les Abbott, chairperson of the Hermanus Night Shelter, told the success story of one of the people who was supported by the shelter. “I would like to emphasise that the Hermanus Night Shelter is not only a place of safety at night for those less fortunate but is also doing crucial work in acting as a halfway house, and a social upliftment centre for those who want to again take up their rightful place in society,” Les said.

Please take note:

Pro-Musica will be performing in Stanford on Friday, 26 July 2024 (today) at the Oulap Hall at 18:00 and again on 28 July 2024 at the Dutch Reformed church in Hermanus at 16:00. Tickets are R150 each and are available at the door. Pro Musica will also form part of the Mass Choir Performance presented by renowned artist, Jannie Moolman as part of the Kalfie Fees offering on 3 August 2024. 

Hardus Botha