Treble and WP Rugby raise over R800,000 for Hubs Development Programme

Cape Town – Guests of Treble Group and the Western Province Rugby Football Union donated in excess of R800,000 for the Hubs Development Programme last night, at the second annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction. The event took place at the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel. Tsogo Sun generously donated the venue to the cause.

The Hubs Development Programme aims to develop and promote rugby within historically disadvantaged schools, providing educators with coaching skills and creating employment for volunteer coaches. More importantly, the programme keeps learners away from negative influences by involving them in training and tournaments. The purpose of the Hubs Dinner was to raise funds for the programme.

Guests at the event enjoyed a three-course meal served by none other than the DHL Stormers squad! The players had great fun waiting on the WP Rugby Exco, DHL Stormers team management and distinguished VIP’s from top firms all over Cape Town. Local comedian, Siv Ngesi provided barrels of fun and laughter as MC. Guests were entertained by classy and upbeat local band, Coda, who kept feet tapping and heads bobbing with their smooth vocals and jazzy saxophone.

DHL Stormers Head Coach, Robbie Fleck, and DHL Stormers Captain, Siya Kolisi, came forward to highlight the importance of the Programme. Siya shared his story of how he was ‘found’ and nurtured into the top rugby player he is today in a way that echoes the Hubs Development Programme. He acknowledged how his first coach was a major influence on him as a player and a man.

“If we had the Hubs Programme back in the day, we would have found twenty Siya’s!” said Fleck.

We also got to meet some of the beneficiaries of the Programme who came forward to share their stories, how they have been aided by the Programme and to say thank you to the patrons.

“It’s a really emotional experience, to see how others have benefited,” said Kolisi. “I know how they feel and how much it means to them to receive new boots or a new jersey.”

Siv chaired a highly energetic and intense auction! He raised the stakes with each bid and encouraged patrons to dig deep into their pockets, resulting a very profitable auction in the end. Between the auction and the various raffles that took place during the evening, close to R800,000 was raised. Treble Group and WP Rugby would like to thank all the sponsors who generously donated prizes and auction items.

The evening was another great success for Treble and WP Rugby, who are working together to extend the reach of the Programme in future, beyond the annual Hubs Dinner. We look forward to seeing what the partnership will create.

Browse the gallery photos from the magical evening here:
https://www.treblegroup.com/2017/hubs-dinner-gallery/