Car raffle will aid many in city

EACH year, The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund collects donations which are then distributed to the disabled, the sick, the aged, the poor, and children in institutions or places of safety.

Raffle tickets are sold – ticketholders stand a chance of winning a new Volkswagen Polo.

This year, 14 charities in Port Elizabeth are selling Christmas Cheer raffle tickets at R10 each.

Volkswagen Group SA (VWSA) has been involved with the Christmas Cheer Fund since 2008 and has sponsored a vehicle as the grand prize each year.

VW spokesman Matt Gennrich said the organisation was proud to be associated with the worthy cause.

"We are comfortable with the fact that the fund is administered by the management of Times Media as well as the Beggar-in- Chief, that all the monies collected go to the nominated charities, and nothing is taken for administration costs."

The most rewarding part of VWSA's involvement with the fund, Gennrich said, was "knowing that Volkswagen's contribution will be putting smiles in the hearts of those less fortunate during the festive season".

He hopes even more funds will be raised through ticket sales than last year.

Beggar-in-Chief Steven Lancaster is pleased with the way ticket sales are progressing.

"The charities are going strong with their ticket sales. If people want to stand a chance of winning the car, they had better buy their tickets as there is a limited number available."

The charities have been enthusiastic about their involvement with the fund this year.

Uviwe sold tickets at The Herald Kids and Family Expo last weekend, which was a huge success.

Lancaster said: "We are proud of what the charities are doing, not only in promoting themselves through this campaign, but also their promotion of The Herald Christmas Cheer Fund. It is a truism that 'team work makes the dream work'."

Schools and golf clubs have also embraced the spirit of giving.

Raffle tickets will be available until November 22.