Since the inception of its Charity Golf Day several years ago, SAVRALA’s (Southern African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) intention was to make a difference by supporting charities in a manner that address the pressing needs of different communities and welfare organisations in South Africa. This year, the charity selected by the NEC (National Executive Committee) was IMPILO.
IMPILO means ‘LIFE’ and in a country where 2,000 children get abandoned annually, they bravely care for and protect orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children. IMPILO provides a safe-haven and short term home for children under the age of six years. The toddlers’ physical, medical, psychological and emotional needs are taken care of a by a loving and professional team, that do all they can to nurture these young children and give them a head start in life.
“This year’s event was held on the 27th of February at the Houghton Golf Club and successfully raised R114 000 for IMPILO” said Marc Corcoran, the President of SAVRALA. We would like to thank our members and associate members from the motoring industry for their continuous and generous participation in this event. Making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate is a necessity for societies to prosper and we remain ever grateful for the contribution made at this event”.
Twenty eight four-balls teed off on a slightly overcast day for a fun and exciting round of golf in which fifteen holes were sponsored, ensuring that every tee echoed with laughter and entertainment. The MC for the evening was the old favourite, cricketing legend Fanie De Villiers, who broke the last of the ice with his infectious sense of humour whilst managing the prize-giving proceedings.
The third place of the day went to Team Mercedes comprising of Kobus van Zyl, Naeem Hassim, Philip Spies and Roy van der Walt. Coming in slightly ahead of them in second place were Audi SA’s team of Peter Bailey, Steven Hayes, Jacus de Villiers and Andre Pienaar. The surprise of the day was the team that won on a score of 93, an all lady team who entered as guests of the Impilo charity beneficiary, made up of Glenda Cloete, Madelaine Bell, Ronel de Wet and Lillian Boyle, who walked away with the top honours, winning themselves special golf club travel bags and Nike sunglasses sponsored by Hyundai.
The longest drive went to Andre Pienaar and the nearest to the Pin went to Ross Stewart.
Sue Krawitz from IMPILO Child Protection & Adoptions Services also got an opportunity at dinner to introduce her charity to the participants and shared the challenging, yet rewarding work they do. It certainly was heart-wrenching to hear some of the sad statistics and how many young children are simply abandoned before the age of three in our country. This made the SAVRALA Golf Day even more worthwhile and all guest agreed that this was indeed a worthy cause.
As is tradition, the prize-giving dinner was followed by an auction to raise additional funds for SAVRALA’s chosen charity IMPILO. This year Toyota reached into their pocket and donated a framed 2003 World Cup cricket bat signed by the English team; this naturally elevated a few pulses and got the bidding going.
All in all, a good time was had by golfers, guest and VIP’s alike, with so many additional sponsorship inclusions from a host of manufacturers and members to make the day more special.
The SAVRALA NEC extends a hearty thanks to all for their participation and to Jody Pearson for her impeccable organisational skills.
