Bid for a cause: Project Noordhoeked's fundraiser auction on August 19

Project Noordhoeked will host its fifth annual fundraiser auction on Tuesday, August 19, with comedian Nik Rabinowitz as the evening’s host.

The event will feature a variety of exciting lots, including a marine survey flight with Jean Tresfon, photography by Lee Slabber and others, and a two-night stay for four at the luxury Cederberg Park Kromrivier chalet.

Also on offer is artwork by local artists Gavin Thompson, Tuesday Houston, Michelle Beattie and Nola Muller Viotti, boutique wines, a signed book by Craig Foster, a mosaic bird bath, and much more.

Project Noordhoeked is a local environmental group comprising three men from the communities of Red Hill and Masiphumelele.

Managed part-time by Karoline Hanks, with financial support from her partner Filippo Faralla, the team focuses on maintaining and improving the natural environment of Noordhoek.

Their key activities include keeping Noordhoek beach clean and free of plastic, dog waste and litter; maintaining the beach car park; and supporting Kakapo the wire whale, a project encouraging beach walkers to collect plastic waste.

They also perform regular roadside cleanups, removing up to 25 bags of trash weekly, and work on trail maintenance, including restoring mountain paths and building horse paths to reduce dune erosion.

The team has created seven Ecobrick benches made from thousands of plastic bricks, helping reduce unrecyclable waste, and manages a compost centre where wet waste from local businesses is turned into compost that is sold to the community. The proceeds support the team financially.

Ms Hanks said last year’s auction raised around R140,000, with R106,000 from sales of auction lots and R35,000 from ticket sales.

“I’d like to think we can do the same this year,” she said.

She described the marine survey flight as “priceless” and said all auction items and details are available on the project’s Facebook page.

The auction funds will directly support the wages of the three team members, who work three days a week, as well as materials and equipment, including herbicides and chainsaw maintenance.

Ms Hanks said the team had recently received a wage increase, so funds were needed more than ever.

The auction promises a chance to support vital environmental work in Noordhoek while bidding on unique experiences and items.

Tickets for the auction cost R350 and are available on Quicket.Doors open at 5.30pm, with the auction beginning at 7pm.