The DTBOF 2011 build has started!  We’ll be updating our gallery daily during the week of the build. Go to our gallery page to see the latest pictures.

Okay, those of you that weren’t there, missed out! Both bands were awesome: Barbers Cat kept us chilled while eating the hot Bunny Chow; Brothers Streep left us in stitches.

The event was completely sold out! Sadly a few people had to be turned away, but having a jam-packed church was great for the vibe, as well as for the funds raised.

Well done to Carolyn and her team for organising a thoroughly entertaining evening.

Check out the pictures in our gallery.

The BROTHERS Streep
and
Barbers Cat

play on Friday 9 September
at Christchurch, Kenilworth (map)
R80 includes something nice to eat!
Soft drinks on sale, BYOB
Music starts promptly at 19h00!
For tickets, contact Carolyn 083 462 8100
or email carolyn@neville.za.net

AUTO ATLANTIC BMW WINE AUCTION

This auction and evening will include:

• Great wines from over 20 of South Africa’s finest estates
• Magnums from De Wetshof, Diemersfontein, Grangehurst, Hamilton Russel, Kleine Zalze, Migliarina and Rupert & Rothschild
• Plus a few other surprises for good measure
• Snacks will be served with wine donated by L’Olivier

The evening will once again be hosted by talented local celebrity and part time auctioneer, Mark Sampson.

Date: Thursday 1 September 2011
Time: 18h00, auction starts at 19h00
Venue: Auto Atlantic Foreshore (Address/Map – click on the Directions tab for a map)
Dress: Smart Casual
Payment: Credit card payment option for winning bids will be available on the evening

The full invitation and map available for download by clicking on relevant links.

You are welcome to invite friends. Please RSVP to robin@yardstick.co.za by Friday 26 August.

Saturday, 27th August. is the opportunity to meet the homeowners and to dig the foundation trenches of the DTBOF houses. About 7 volunteers are needed on each of the two St John’s sites.

Please let David Dallas know if you are able to attend and assist with the morning’s work.

On Saturday, 27th August, coinciding with the foundation dig, there will be a prayer walk in Mfuleni. The prayer walkers will visit each site and spend a few minutes praying for the build ahead.

For more information or if you would like to participate, please contact Rosemary Dallas.

The churches of St. John’s Parish are now underway with raising the funds required to serve two families again this year (R89 000 for EACH of the two houses).

There are two easy ways for friends, family and colleagues around the world to donate:

1. Secure online donations - please send people (especially those overseas) the following link: http://www.givengain.com/cgi-bin/giga.cgi?cmd=donor_project&id=1355 (click “Donate Now!”).
2. Bank transfer - South African donors can make donations directly into Habitat’s bank account. To ensure that donations are directed specifically to the two St. John’s Parish houses, please download and complete the DTBOF Donation Form and email or fax to Lea Schafer at Habitat. The form details are also used by Habitat to issue Section 18A tax certificates to donors (both companies and individuals are eligible for tax relief).

South African taxpayers (both individuals and companies) can also claim tax relief for online donations (option 1) by downloading and completing the DTBOF Donation Form.

You can help us keep track of donations by sending a brief summary of the donation to Peter Tomalin (info@dtbof.co.za).

A Dinner of Hope is a fun and easy way to raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity South Africa.

How does it work?

1. Have a dinner with friends
2. Ask each person to make a donation to Habitat
3. Have fun and enjoy your meal!

Read our short 3-minute guide to find out more.

We’ve received the good news that fundraising targets for the houses this year are less than last year; Habitat has decreased the price per house to R89 000!

We’ll be posting more information in the next few weeks. You can begin making donations online as before at stjohns.givengain.org.

The Parish is serving 2 more families again this year and has been blessed with amazingly generous donations – and this in a year during which economies are still languishing and the cost of a Habitat house is touching R100 000.

More about the families we’re serving

The Dubula family's current dwelling

Dubula family

Mr. Mlungiseleli Dubula is 35 years and has been staying in Mfuleni for almost 10 years. He lives with his partner and they have 3 children together:

• Milisa is 2 years old and she is still at crèche
• Lwando is 7 years old and he is in Grade 2 at Nalikamua Primary School
• Sivuyile is 13 years old and he is in Grade 7 at Nalikamau Primary School

Mr. Dubula does not have a permanent job but he often gets contract work that gives him just enough income to support his family. They have never had a brick house before and are all looking forward to having their own beautiful and decent home.

The Gcino family's current dwelling

Gcino family

Lindiwe Gcino is 33 years old and lives in a small shack at Erf 5737, Mfuleni. She has a daughter from her late partner who is now 8 years old, named Zizipho (which means “the gift” in Xhosa), and she is looked after by her grandparents in the Eastern Cape. Lindiwe also has a younger daughter, Liyakhanya (“she who shines”), who is 20 months old.

Lindiwe is unemployed – all she receives is a small monthly social grant for her youngest daughter – but has started a small tuckshop to make ends meet. Lindiwe is very excited about having her own house so that Zizipho can come and visit her.