Raising money for those who need it most speaks to the heart of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, which will this year take place between 1 and 10 July. In 2015, thanks to the contributions made by official events, we were able to raise more than R2,5-million for local charities, schools and NPOs. As always, the Festival had an incredibly positive impact on the local economy with a total direct spend in the greater Knysna area of a R124,7-million, along with the creation of 3 429 jobs.

The Momentum Weekend Argus Knysna Cycle Tour, presented by Rotary raised R602 000 with 5 800 participants; while the Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon was the largest contributor and raised a whopping R930 000 with 8 600 competitors.

There will be a significant focus on taking care of those less fortunate this year, with many local charities setting up food stalls where visitors can sample treats such as pancakes, “rooster brood” with jam and cheese, homemade curries, boboties and more. The Epilepsy South Cape Karoo, Vermont Centre, Loeriehof Old Age Home, Knysna APD and Die Werkswinkel will be out in full force during the Festival sport weekends Saturday, 2 and Sunday, 3 July for the Cycle and Saturday, 9 July for the Marathon events.

Momentum, a co-sponsor of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, will again donate 2 000 blankets to charities and communities supported by the Festival. The blankets will be distributed to schools, crèches and charity organisations in and around Knysna in partnership with local organisations. These blankets will be used by the runners on the morning before the start of the race when forest temperatures are icy, and later collected for distribution.