Table of Peace and Unity sponsored by Spekko Rice will unite South Africans more than ever this year

What began several years ago with a single table on the slopes of Table Mountain, where South Africans from all walks of life shared a gourmet luncheon together to embrace peace and unity, has now grown to accommodate people across our country. The Table of Peace and Unity sponsored by Spekko Rice, will take place on Sunday 17 May at 12:00 hosts five official tables at Freedom Park in Pretoria, Polokwane Game Reserve, Cape Town's Table Mountain, the Botanical Gardens in Durban as well as in the friendly city of Port Elizabeth.

The Table of Peace and Unity founder Christine Cashmore says that the annual event has grown to become South Africa's foremost charitable function. "The luncheon not only raises millions for child-related charities but brings together South Africans with a common cause - that of peace and true and lasting unity,” she added.

“Spekko Rice has proudly sponsored the Table of Peace and unity events since 2007 and we have been privileged to watch this wonderful initiative develop into one of our Nations most formidable and generous charitable occasions. The need and relevance of these events remain significant as ever," says Spekko Rice National Product Manager, Jonita Cuff. “We have also once again committed to a wonderful in store promotion with Pick n Pay and will donate of 20 cents per kilo of Spekko Rice sold over the Table of Unity period,” she added. The five beneficiaries are: Bobbi Bear in KwaZulu-Natal, Copes Clinic in Soweto, Children's Red Cross Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, Unathi Preschool in Port Elizabeth and Fanang Diatla in Polokwane.

All the ingredients for the fabulous five star luncheons served, are sponsored by Pick n Pay and are served with some of South Africa's best wines. This outstanding event is one of tangible hope, joy and celebration of the positive aspects in South Africa and a communal rejection of the violence in our country and the world. The luncheon draws together communities and individuals for a better future for all in our country.

It is a glamorous top notch three course luncheon accompanied by the best entertainment South Africa has to offer featuring the likes of Vicky Sampson, Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, PJ Powers, Heinz Winckler as well as Academy Awards performers, the Soweto Gospel Choir who with celebrities, politicians, religious leaders, sport heroes and all South Africans have the opportunity to join hands, acknowledging and celebrating our differences but also our likenesses in South Africa.

The generosity and caring does however not stop at the five official Tables of Peace and Unity. This year we want to encourage the entire South African community to participate, whether you are hosting your own table with family and friends at home, in your street or in a community or church hall. We want South Africans to show the world how much they care and that they are willing to extend a hand of help and friendship to the unprivileged in our country.

To date, the Table of Peace and Unity has raised over R6 million. We are happy to announce that all the money raised was divided between the five charities. In 2008 the funds raised assisted Bobbi Bear to buy another house that is now being refurbished to accommodate many more children who need homes until they find family to love and cherish them. The Children's Red Cross Hospital purchased a ‘cell-saver' for their new surgical operating theatre.Copes SA added a playground for their children to play freely. Unathi Pre-School received funds to build a pre-school as they used a shack to educate the toddlers. Fanang Diatla fitted out their library with desks, chairs and a television for educational purposes.

The Table of Peace and Unity promotes peace and unity amongst all South Africans by means of eating and drinking and celebrating life so book your tickets today or host your own table and help make a difference in the lives of our children.

“We want to urge South Africans to become involved and join Spekko Rice and our partners at one of the main Tables or simply by cooking up a delicious Spekko feast in your own home,” says Cuff.

To book tickets at any one of the Table of Peace and unity events call Tanya Price on 021 797 4500 or e-mail her on tableofunity@gourmetsa.com.

"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

Your are most welcome to make a donation and help make a difference in the lives of the children who are the future of South Africa.

Account Name: Table of Peace and Unity
Bank: Nedbank
Account Number: 1232125741
Branch Code: 123209

Please fax your deposit slip to 021 797 4179.