Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Restaurant gives back to the community
WHILE the restaurant industry bore the brunt of lockdown, a local restaurant is elevating other organisations in the spirit of extending a helping hand during difficult times.
With views of Table Mountain, the French- and Italian-inspired restaurant Societi Bistro held an auction alongside their Autumn Winter Menu launch to show support to the I Am For Her Foundation. The non-profit organisation provides a sustainable solution to the menstrual hygiene and well-being challenges of young women in South Africa.
Following the tastings of 11 new menu items, guests gathered to start bidding in the charity auction, including prizes such as a Groote Post Safari Game Drive for eight people, dinner with the mayor, and Cape Town Tandem Paragliding vouchers.
Raising a total of R44 000 for the cause, Societi Bistro owner Peter Weetman said that what inspired the idea was his upbringing of being surrounded by powerful women.
“As all business in South Africa, and we assume the world, we faced a long period of closure which impacted us, our suppliers and our staff; however, even through that, we were fortunate enough to have the ability to take care of our people during those trying times.
“I have always been surrounded and inspired by powerful women. Having been raised by such an amazing mother, it was a natural partnership for the restaurant.
“On a personal note, it’s important to be generous. This organisation is run by women who are selflessly generous with their time and resources; they inspire us to do as much as we can to help,” said Weetman.
Founded in 2019 in response to the Sanitary Dignity Framework published by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, head of brand at I Am For Her Foundation Natalie Jardine said that they were delighted to have been selected to partner with Societi Bistro given the current financial climate.
“We are just in awe of Peter Weetman and his Societi Bistro team for being so generous as to give us the platform to raise funds for our respective causes. There are so many things that place even more pressure on the indigent girls and women we try to assist. Covid-19, however, has placed even more strain on the already vulnerable communities. I think it’s important for all businesses to support causes as far as they are able to do so.
“With the donated funds we will provide 100 girls with sanitary towels for six months, and provide 6 000 sanitary towels to the KZN flood relief effort by the McPherson Foundation,” said Jardine.
While disadvantaged groups throughout the nation continue to face hardship, Weetman said that a feeling of togetherness should be learnt from this experience.
“The most beautiful lesson we learnt during tough times is to still support your community, and your community will always support you. We are very fortunate to have such a loyal and unwavering community as part of the extended Societi Bistro family,” he said.