What began as an initiative linked to the FNB Wines2Whales, where the Botrivier community plays a crucial role, has now evolved into an exciting and ongoing partnership between CIOVITA and the people of this vibrant town. Our collaboration, originally centred around the race, will now be extended to an ongoing journey aimed at uplifting and giving back to the community that hosts thousands of cycling enthusiasts each year.
Why Botrivier?
Like many towns across South Africa, Botrivier faces challenges such as high unemployment, poor service delivery, and socio-political issues. The devastating storms and floods of September 2023 returned during the winter of 2024, hitting the community hard with services cut off, work opportunities lost and large-scale damage to infrastructure across the valley. Given Botrivier's long-standing role in FNB Wines2Whales, we felt committed to offer support that would go beyond a temporary economic boost.
The Whale Project
This initiative aims to empower the community by using our resources and their skills to craft a tangible product that can generate funds and provide ongoing financial support for the area.
At CIOVITA, we manufacture all of our apparel at our cutting-edge facilities in Cape Town, and fabric off-cuts are an inevitable byproduct of the process. Rather than discarding these, we saw an opportunity to create something meaningful. Partnering with FNB Wines2Whales, we joined forces with local groups like Knitter Knatter, Groeneweide Senior Service Center, and Lucky Point Recycling Center to turn these fabric scraps into something valuable.
Meet the Whales
We’ve collaborated with these community groups to create two unique products: a crochet baby whale and a knitted whale. Each is stuffed with or made from our factory’s fabric off-cuts and is hand-crafted by the people of Botrivier. No two whales are the same, just like the Southern Right Whale, which has distinct markings on each individual. These handcrafted creations are one-of-a-kind treasures.
- Baby Crochet Whale: This cute keyring-sized memento is perfect to carry on your keychain or kit bag as a reminder of this meaningful initiative.
- Big Knitted/Fabric Whale: Ideal as a plush toy for younger family members, these knitted and fabric whales are handmade by the women of Knitter Knatter, with each barnacle meticulously crafted for a unique look.
A Sustainable Triple Win
This project represents a triple win for sustainability. First, we're repurposing our fabric off-cuts, reducing waste from our manufacturing process. Second, the local women creating the whales are earning a sustainable income, empowering them financially. And third, the sale of these whales directly benefits the Botrivier community, supporting their long-term development and well-being.
A Long-Term Commitment to Botrivier
This year, we’re excited to announce that our collaboration with the Botrivier community is not a one-time initiative. By making the whales available for purchase on the CIOVITA website, we’re ensuring that everyone has access to support this project. The relationship between CIOVITA and the Botrivier community is growing into a long-term partnership, providing ongoing income and opportunities for the people involved.
Additionally, with the funds raised from the whale sales, we plan to stay involved in Botrivier and contribute to the Christmas in Botrivier community upliftment project, benefiting the children of the area.
The whales will be available for purchase in limited numbers at FNB Wines2Whales registration, at the on-event Official Merchandise Store, and for the first time - on the CIOVITA website. With your help, we can turn these small beginnings into something much bigger, creating an ongoing collaboration that continues to support and uplift the Botrivier community for years to come.
