The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival announced this week that the 2012 festival broke all previous records in terms of charity monies raised and money spent locally.

CEO of Knysna Tourism, Shaun van Eck, said that the 2012 Festival excelled on all levels. “Not only is the charity contribution the highest ever at R1,46 million, but a drive to spend locally increased local expenditure by more than R1 million this year, to R3,79 million.”

He said in addition to the sponsorship investment of R6,9 million, the Festival is estimated to inject about R66,8 million into the local economy. “The festival has once again shown the incredibly valuable contribution of events to the local economy.  If we take into consideration that the numbers are for the main events only and exclude about 60% of the other events on the programme, I think we can easily add about 20% to the sponsorship investment and local expenditure figures mentioned above.”

Van Eck said a steering committee with major stakeholders was formed this year. “This committee, which included representatives from the municipality, tourism and main events, helped to smooth processes and approvals and ensure buy-in when decisions had to be made. The input of these individuals was invaluable.”

Deputy Mayor of Knysna and Chairperson of the steering committee, Cllr Michelle Wasserman, said that the Knysna Municipality fully supports the Festival. “We look at ways to stimulate the local economy and the Festival clearly meets that objective. We made every effort to assist the Festival in terms of traffic control, waste removal, disaster management, etc. The steering committee and the communication channels established helped greatly when we had to make the decision to cancel one of the Festival’s main events on the last Saturday.”

Bronwen Rohland Marketing and Sustainability Director Pick n Pay said that notwithstanding the extreme weather conditions, thousands of people enjoyed the activities on offer. We are particularly pleased to be involved with the event which raises significant money for Knysna charities. This year we were also able to share our search for Goodness with festival goers, and through our LikeBike campaign we will be donating eight bikes to The Knysna Sport School.”

Van Eck said that more than 30 local charities and non-profit organisations will benefit from this year’s charity contribution. “I want to thank event organisers, Knysna Municipality, visitors and sponsors for their passion and generous support. It is the spirit of those involved that ensures that the Oyster Festival keeps on growing, year on year.”

By Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt
on behalf of Knysna Tourism