Over R225 000 has been raised via crowd-funding after Lismore wine farm was destroyed by a wildfire in Greyton, Overberg on Tuesday.
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Fire ravaging Overberg area was started by two kids
Authorities revealed that the fire started in a nearby nature reserve and is believed to have been started by children.
The fire destroyed Lismore wine farm in less than 30 minutes.
It destroyed the home of well-known pioneering farmer and winemaker Samantha O’Keefe and her two children, 14-year-old Quinn and 16-year-old Keenan.
A BackaBuddy campaign was started to help the family meet their immediate financial needs and help rebuild the farm.
“The campaign went live on December 18, 2019, and in less than 24 hours, more than R224 000 was raised towards the fundraising target of R500 000 with contributions from 130 donors both locally and abroad,” the family said.
O’Keef recently became the sixth woman to be inducted into the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild.
“We are humbled and overwhelmed by the generous support we have received from the Greyton community, previous patrons, as well as friends and strangers from South Africa and all over the world,” she said.
The campaign was started by Floh Thiele, a friend to O’Keefe who praised her for her commitment.
“We appeal to anyone who has ever come in contact with this incredibly courageous and inspiring woman to reach out,” Thiele said.
More: news24