Golfers, sponsors, and animal lovers came together at Dainfern Golf Estate for the Society for Animals in Distress (Said) golf day, combining a day of friendly competition and fun with an important mission: Raising funds to help animals and communities in need.

For Said, one of the biggest highlights was seeing so many people rally behind the organisation and its work. “There is an enormous amount of work that goes into putting a golf day of this size together, so seeing a full day of golfers, sponsors, friends, and supporters enjoying themselves, while knowing that they are ultimately there because they believe in the work we do, is incredibly rewarding,” said Keshvi Niar, from Said.

Read more: SPAR golf day raises R200k

The event also had plenty of energy off the course, with eNCA’s Andrew Barnes taking on the roles of MC and auctioneer during the evening. Said set a fundraising target of R300 000 for the event, although the final amount raised was still being tallied at the time of publication.

The organisation said every contribution was important, whether it came through sponsorship, prizes, auction items, four-balls, or simply showing up to support the cause. “For us, a successful golf day is not only measured by the final number; it is measured by the people who continue to show up for Said and make it possible for us to keep showing up for animals and communities who need us,” said Meg Harvey, the chief executive officer of the organisation.

Among the long-standing supporters of the event is Nando’s, which Said said has backed the organisation for many years. While golf has become one of Said’s major fundraising vehicles, the organisation is not ruling out other sporting events. Said has previously explored a cycling challenge and said it remains open to finding new ways to reach different audiences and bring more people into its supporter community.

Also read: Golf day to raise funds

A significant part of Said’s work involves veterinary outreach programmes in impoverished communities, where many pet owners cannot afford or access veterinary care. Funds raised help provide treatment, sterilisation, preventative healthcare, hospitalisation, and ongoing welfare support. “We really cannot thank everyone enough for answering our call once again and standing behind Said,” said Harvey. “We know there are many worthy causes asking for support, and we never take it for granted when someone chooses ours.”

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