Thousands of vulnerable Nelson Mandela Bay residents will benefit from the R100 000 raised for the Community Chest at the annual SPAR Charity Golf Day held recently.
Over 200 participants teed off at the Humewood Golf Club in aid of the event’s long standing beneficiary. Among them was celebrity guest of honour and former Springbok rugby captain Corné Krige.
He said the windy conditions had not helped his 18-handicap but that he had really enjoyed his first outing at the Port Elizabeth event.
“I try and give back wherever and whenever I can. This is a nice way, playing a bit of golf and raising a lot of money for the Community Chest.”
Although not a keen golfer, the 37-year-old said he played approximately 10 golf days a year and said the SPAR event was “probably one of the best organised in the country”.
Krige, who represented the Springboks in 39 tests and captained the team at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, shared his story with guests at the prize-giving dinner.
“The theme of my talk was about the importance of leading a balanced life and focusing on all areas.”
He said he tried to live this out in his own life, balancing running his outdoor advertising company with family time and his newfound passion for mountain biking.
“I’m also involved with the Fellows for Cancer Trust, my local Cansa Association in Melkbosstrand and support the Cansa Sunflower Fund.”
According to SPAR Eastern Cape marketing manager Martin Webber, the charity golf day was one of the annual highlights on the company’s social responsibility calendar.
“We’ve chosen to support the Community Chest because it’s a way for SPAR to spread our outreach more effectively and plough back into the communities that support us.”
The Community Chest supports more than 90 beneficiary organisations in the metro, which in turn serve individuals and communities in need.
“We’re thrilled that we are able to match the R100 000 we raised last year for people in distress.”
Webber said they were already gearing up for their next social responsibility initiative, the SPAR Women’s Challenge in aid of Yokhuselo Haven for victims of domestic violence, on May 5.
Former Springbok captain Corné Krige (back) took part in the recent SPAR Charity Golf Day at Humewood Golf Club in aid of the Community Chest. With him is SPAR Eastern Cape marketing manager Martin Webber. Photo: SPAR Eastern Cape
