The annual Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) MD’s Charity Golf Day raised R900 000 in cash for Thusong Orphanage. In addition, Spar donated R55 000 worth of vouchers to the organisation. Held at Copperleaf Golf Estate and Spa on 26 July 2019, the prestigious event saw 200 participants and 23 sponsors take to the fairways on a perfect Highveld winter’s day.
Located at Mokwalla Township in the Free State town of Vredefort, Thusong was founded more than a decade ago by former teacher, Maria Mopeli, to provide for the community’s vulnerable children. It currently provides meals, homework support, skills development, health awareness, traditional values and counselling to 120 orphans between the ages of six and 20.
CCBSA Managing Director, Velaphi Ratshefola, who has been championing fundraising efforts for Thusong for several years, says that the event showed the goodwill of CCBSA’s ecosystem of employees and business partners. “South Africans are willing to help in a good cause, and if it involves playing golf on a great course on a sunny winter’s day, so much the better,” he jokes. “Seriously, though, this is a project that is dear to my heart, and I deeply value the support of those who helped organise the event and those who attended.”
Aside from the fees paid by participants, funds were also raised via a silent auction of 28 substantial prizes. Prizes included a photographic safari package for six people, a stay at the Palace Hotel in Sun City, trophy and biltong hunting packages from Nyumbu Wildlife, Mozambique holiday packages, solar energy heating solutions, Kulula air tickets and much more.
In addition, for the truly African at heart, the skin of an Nguni cow was on offer.
Alongside the auction items, organisers also sourced 233 school backpacks made from recycled material, as well as raincoats, for the children.
“I hope the raincoats are an augury of a wet summer for the Free State,” he concludes. “I hope that what we were able to raise at the golf day will help many young lives reach their potential.”
