An incredible R1,189 957 is the amount that 10 days of fun raised for local charities and non-profit organisations in Knysna.

Mike Mills, Chairman of the Knysna Tourism Board, said that the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival has grown into an incredible asset for Knysna. "In addition to the economic impact, the funds raised for charity will make a difference where it is needed most in the community. Four years ago we introduced a condition that all profit-based events on the official programme must contribute to a local charity or non-profit organisation, and the initiative is clearly paying off."

The biggest contributors toward the money raised were the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, which raised R500,000, and the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon, which raised R271,000.

Mills said that organisers have already started with arrangements for next year’s Festival. "The Festival will take place from 2 to 11 July, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, which essentially means that Knysna is gearing up for what promises to be the busiest Festival ever."