Karin is a well-known Cabaret star, singer, voice-over artist, and television and radio personality in the Netherlands. Expressing her intention to become involved locally, two years ago via the Dreamcatcher Foundation run by Anthea Rossouw- she is passionate about 'walking the talk', when it comes to making a difference which counts.
Never lost for words or making good on her promise to bring light, hope and fun to all she meets, a trait Karin is revered for in The Netherlands, the celeb and her family literally became 'locals' in Melkhoutfontein when visiting the small village for two days. The family immersed themselves in the local lifestyle and also stayed in local Home stays in Melkhoutfontein where they engaged with local 'Kammammas', youth and children. Another family, the Woodards, from the United Kingdom joined the fun and interactive visit.
Cooking with Kammammas
Karin and her daughters rolled up their sleeves, jumped in with the Kammammas and local children to kneed bread and cook traditional food, which included a delicious fish dish called 'Baby in the blanket' by 'Cook-up with Kammamma' Katrina Solomons who reinvented the recipe with re-using, recycling and sensitivity in mind. These principles are important to the foundation especially with the impact tourists and their daily life has on the environment. Bloemen said: "We finally visited the Kamammas and was very impressed. Not only by the optimism, friendly reception and warm welcome, but also by the delicious food we were able to make! Together with the children and the Kamammas,we had a wonderful stay. We can see and feel how it works for everybody, and we are very proud to be part of the team!"
Promoting what she calls "The Dreamcatcher Kamamma way" of actively channelling the benefits of tourism to local community enterprises and adding a human interactive aspect to tourism, turning sightseeing, into a 'life seeing' experience, Karin and her family, also took time out to undertake a tour of Stilbaai and the greater Hessequa and Eden regions to familiarise herself with the area. The visit was facilitated in collaboration with Anthea Rossouw, the founder of the organization. Says Anthea "We are proud of our Ambassador and honoured by Karin's presence and the incredible work she is doing with our Foundation. Karin is approachable, fun, humorous and down to earth - yet focused and very professional. This savvy celeb is a huge attribute to the organization and South Africa. The Kamammas, Bhutis and children have fallen in love with her!"
From left Iona Bloemen, Karin Bloemen, a local Melkhoutfontein resident, 'Yellow' Eiman, Eliane Bloemen and Marnix Bloemen during their visit to Melkhoutfontein.
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