Golf day bonanza for SPAR beneficiaries

THE 22nd SPAR Charity Golf Day at Humewood in Port Elizabeth earlier this year, resulted in a bonanza for its three beneficiaries, when the retailer doubled their initial donation.

After they had each received R35 000, beneficiary representatives of Love Story, the Smile Foundation and Wings and Wishes were left staggered when the SPAR head office doubled the amount.

Group housebrands manager Graham Claassens, who was the instigator of the golf day, made the announcement.

SPAR Eastern Cape marketing director Abri Swart paid tribute to their suppliers for their generous support of the day.

“We merely facilitate this event and I want to single out those who really dig deep into their pockets to make this a profitable exercise.”

Swart said without the generous support of suppliers and sponsors, events such as the golf day would not be possible.

He also acknowledged the charity organisations for going beyond the call of duty.

“These organisations are truly selfless in supporting those in need. It is an honour to support them.”

Tanya Jackson, of the Smile Foundation, said they were ecstatic at the generous donation.

“SPAR have supported us over a number of years through visiting our Smile Week at the Provincial Hospital and by assisting us at the River Mile,” she said.

“This is the first time we have been involved with the golf day and we are very excited about that.”

Jackson said the funds would be used to cover the various needs of children with facial conditions and to train surgeons countrywide.

Love Story’s Ryan le Roux said the donation “was amazing”.

“This sort of contribution helps us to distribute more food parcels and to impact more people.

“We just could not achieve what we do without the support of organisations like SPAR, which do a lot more for us than just this golf day.” He said Love Story’s main objective was to feed the homeless and the needy, supplying about 45 000 meals a month across more than 20 soup kitchens in the metro.

Wings and Wishes manager Inge Human, whose organisation is based in PE, said the support they had received was incredible.

“We never say no to a child who needs critical surgery and, as you can understand, flights can get expensive because we always cater for a child and a parent.

“This support just enables us to help more people in need of assistance.”

She said they helped about 160 families per month.