Next Tuesday, June 16, is Youth Day.

It’s a day for South Africans to reflect on an uprising that began back in 1976, and given the protests that we see going on around the world at present, there is much work still to be done.

However you plan on spending the day, take a moment to reflect on the significance of what Youth Day stands for, and consider the ways in which you can contribute towards organisations aimed at improving the lives of needy South Africans

On such organisation, Hout Bay community collaborative organisation COURAGE, is running a live virtual auction that provides a way to both contribute meaningfully to a local community and take home an extraordinary collection of motorbikes, classic cars, bucket list travel adventures, fine art, food & wine, and other extra-special experiences.

Bidding on the auction commenced last week, and the final auction event kicks off at 5PM on June 16, lasting around one and a half hours.

Each lot in the COURAGE auction has been donated with the express intention of helping to ease the hardship of members of the Imizamo Yethu (IY) and Hangberg communities. Participating in the live auction is a powerful step in making a massive difference where it is needed most in Hout Bay.

From the moment lockdown was announced, a group of concerned Hout Bay residents mobilised to create a centralised system for the procurement of funds and food to be distributed in IY and Hangberg.

To date, more than 30 000 food parcels have been delivered to people’s homes, along with tons of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from local farms and suppliers.

The organisation has built a database of residents at risk, created a solid distribution network, and is on the ground in these communities on a daily basis, bringing much-needed sustenance to the people who need it most.

COURAGE is also proud to be collaborating with and to be supporting other organisations doing great work at this time of need.

New lots will be added and updated daily between today and June 16.

LOTS TO LOVE

The live COURAGE WANDERLUST AUCTION will feature scores of exclusive lots.

POST LOCKDOWN

Bid on a week-long stay worth R30 000 for six guests in a French Gite in the Dordogne Valley, getaways to a host of five-star properties including an all-inclusive stay at Angama Mara in Kenya (below), voted number one safari destination by Condé Nast Traveller, or six nights at the world-acclaimed Natural Selection’s premier lodges Jacks Camp and Sable Alley in the Botswana Okavango Delta.

There are also two nights in the award-winning Singita Lebombo (pictured right up top) as well as stays in the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, the phenomenal Tintswalo Atlantic, once in a lifetime Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Saseka, and a host of other dreamy, exclusive properties in Southern Africa

WINE & DINING

Local chefs and South African winemakers have also gifted a series of epicurean experiences. South African Michelin-star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen has gifted a dinner for two at his award-winning restaurant JAN in Nice, France (below) in aid of COURAGE, while lots like a dinner hosted by Masterchef Celebrity chef Pete Goffe-Wood or dinners cooked in your home by local culinary superstar personalities Cheyne Morrisby and Liam Tomlin are sure to stir up plenty of interest.

Wines from Paul Cluver, Vilafonté and Bouchard Finlayson are already part of the auction line up, with plenty more expected to be added before the final auction event on June 16^th.

SPORT & ADVENTURE

For adventurous souls, some of the lots include a private day surf and wine adventure with Escape + Explore (below), as well as an afternoon sail for eight people on Cape Town-berthed yacht, Strumpet.

ART & CULTURE

A custom-designed Richard Scott original Vespa worth over R200 000 has been donated to the COURAGE auction line-up and will be loaded this week while bids for photographic artworks by Hout Bay valley resident Klaus Tiedge can already be made.

STILL TO COME

As more exciting lots are gifted and loaded onto the website in the coming weeks, the COURAGE live auction page is guaranteed to become a hotbed of activity. For further five-star lodge experiences in Southern Africa to one-of-a-kind artworks, spa spoils and fashion must-haves, keep an eye on the COURAGE ONLINE AUCTION and make your mark.

In order to gain access to the bidding, participants will need to register for the auction. To take part in this groundbreaking charity initiative, COURAGE is calling on all interested parties to register ahead of auction day, June 16, via https://courage.africa/my-account/.

All monies raised will go to further the extraordinary endeavours undertaken by the COURAGE team, and other wonderful NGO partners collaborating in this auction. Where funds are being shared on auction lots, beneficiaries are clearly stated so you are able to direct your support to your favoured NGO.

For more information about the COURAGE Auction or how to get involved visit www.courage.africa.