It is always such a blessing when an industry gets together and opens its coffers to support a worthwhile cause. On the 24th of February SAVRALA (South African Vehicle Rental And Leasing Association) hosted their annual Golf Day for its members at the Johannesburg Country Club to raise funds and create awareness for the Sunshine Association – a very unique charity organisation.
The Sunshine Association is a non-profit organisation that is committed to the development and inclusion of children with disabilities – intellectual, developmental and physical. What makes Sunshine so unique, is the fact that they works in close partnership with families and communities, teaching them how to cope, manage and understand the challenges that come with having a disabled child. In South Africa, thousands of children that are burdened with disabilities are excluded from social services provided within their communities because these communities are not equipped to cater for children with special needs. For the past 33 years, The Sunshine Association, established by parents, has, through their passionate approach to care giving ensured that these profound children are successfully integrated into families and communities.
SAVRALA’s charity golf day teed off with a packed field of 120 players. The weather was favourable and the support from the members even more so. The day was a roaring success and even saw a hole-in-one scored by Roger Jacobs.
At an enjoyable prize-giving dinner, MC for the occasion, cricket legend, Fanie De Villiers entertained the players with his charm and good sense of humour whilst the prize-giving went on.
The Avis Fleet Service team took third place with 83 points; the second place went to the Ford Motor Company team with 89 points, whilst the first place was taken by Shane Marais, Mark Raubenheimer, Tim Ward and Pedro Semiao, also from the Ford Motor Company, scoring 95 points.
The graceful and radiant Amy Kleynhans (Miss SA 1992-93), patron of the Sunshine Association, presented some of the realities and needs that face the Sunshine Association and explained why it was so important for the Sunshine Association to receive private funding from the likes of SAVRALA.
With the charisma of ‘Vinnige’ Fanie, further money was raised during the evening, as various donated prizes were auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the Sunshine Association.
There was no shortage of sponsorship as member companies donated prizes, sponsored holes and ensured that the Sunshine Association was the real winner at the end of the day! SAVRALA chairman Paul Pauwen said: “SAVRALA are proud of the passionate commitment of its members and although the day was a day of fun for all of us, the outcome, despite the economic recession, proves that our members have their hearts in the right place. We are grateful for all their support.
Winners and sponsors
With over 120 players participating on the day, the day was a roaring success. A big thank you to all members who participated:
| 1. General Motors South Africa 2. Absa Vehicle Finance 3. Avis Rent-a-Car 4. Ford Motor Company 5. Nedbank 6. Nissan SA 7. Tempest Car Hire 8. Topnotch Car Rentals 9. Toyota, Audi 10. DataDot Technology SA (Pty) Ltd 11. Volkswagen 12. McCarthy Fleet Management |
13. Accordian Investments (Pty) Ltd 14. Avis Fleet Service 15. Budget Rent-a-Car 16. Fleet Africa 17. Mercedes Benz SA 18. NJA Fleet Solutions (Pty) Ltd 19. Standard Bank Fleet Management 20. Hyundai Automotive SA 21. Kia South Africa (Pty) Ltd 22. Renault SA (Pty) Ltd 23. Wesbank Fleet Services. |
To the generous sponsors who hosted various holes on the course – a big thank you for adding a happy atmosphere to the event:
| 1. Toyota, 2. Kia South Africa (Pty) Ltd 3. Audi 4. First Car Rental 5. Absa Vehicle Finance 6. Budget Rent a Car 7. Tracker |
8. Volkswagen 9. Nissan SA 10. Ford Motor Company 11. Renault SA (Pty) Ltd 12. Europcar South Africa 13. Honda. |
With the assistance of Fanie de Villiers, the Master of Ceremonies for the evening, various sponsored prizes were auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the Sunshine Association. Thank you to Dean Prinsloo, Brian Verwey and Greg Mokwena for your support in the auction!
A special thank you to all for the generous sponsorship of gifts and prizes:
| 1. Mercedez Benz 2. Standard Bank 3. Tempest Car Hire 4. Topnotch Car Rental |
5. Kia South Africa (Pty) Ltd 6. Volkswagen 7. First Car Rental 8. Europcar South Africa |
A special thanks to Amy Kleynhans, the Patron of the Sunshine Association, for attending the evening and for sharing the special needs and requirements for the charity organisation.
