Virgin finances African school project

Virgin Wines has pledged its support to provide funding for a school in South Africa.

The retailer’s participation in the Fairhills Project includes a financial contribution towards new resources such as a library and a new computer centre for a school.

Virgin Wines has already contributed R60,000 (£5,064) to the project, thanks to contributions from sales of Usizo wines, a range produced by Du Toitskloof Wine Cellar in the Breede River Valley.

The Fairhills Project is a joint venture between Du Toitskloof and wine exporter Origin Wine.

Eager to see the developments at Lorraine Primary School implemented as soon as possible, Virgin Wines hopes to raise funds by encouraging its customers to buy a case of Usizo with a special promotion that starts tomorrow, Tuesday 23 February.

Headmistress of the school, Annelie Abrahams, said: “We urgently need more space, which is why we are so happy to get this computer room and library from the team at Virgin Wines.”

Meanwhile Jay Wright, managing director of Virgin Wines, said: “We’re extremely grateful to those customers who have already helped get this computer centre and library project off the ground and we are hoping that by promoting this special case offer it will give the project the final push that it needs to enable the roof to go on before winter.”

The Usizo wines, a Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage and Colombard/Sauvignon Blanc blend, are produced in the region of Breedekloof and are priced through Virgin Wines, the exclusive Usizo retailer, at £7.99 a bottle.

Virgin Wines has pledged to offer ongoing support to the Fairhills Project. Once the computer centre and library construction is complete, plans are in place to develop a medical centre.

Jane Parkinson, 22.02.2010