67 holes for MandelaHope for children on Mandela Day

For the second year running the Killarney Country Club (KCC) did their part for Mandela Day.

The initiative was aimed at the The Children’s Memorial Institute, an entity comprising of about 30 separate organisations, mostly non-governmental organisation (NGO), providing services to children with special needs (medical, educational, psychosocial or legal).

“When we thought of how we would give back for Mandela Day, we thought why not do 67 holes of golf to raise funds for those in need. I really can’t handle seeing children with no hope in their life, so our goal is to give them hope again,” said Warrick Druian, one of the Founders of 67 holes for Mandela.

This year the KCC will launch a school sports club programme. Learners from inner city schools and organisations will be transported to and from the school, to attend sports, educational and recreational activities, provided to them by skilled coaches. Activities will include golf, tennis, squash, bowls and swimming. KCC’s goal this year was to raise R150 000 to kick start the KSSC programme.

Celebrities such as Andrew McLardy (ex-legend golfer), Gavin Hunt, Paul Harris, Mark Williams, Sasha Martinengo, Darren Scott , Melissa Eaton (Pro-golfer), Tandi von Ruben (Pro-golfer) and Morgana Robbertze (Pro-golfer) all pledged their support to the cause by taking part in the celebrity long drive competition. The celebs went against each other to see who could drive the ball the furthest. The loser would then donate an amount to charity.

“Even though it is just for one day that people come together to help those that need it, it still has a huge impact. I wish it could be Mandela Day every day but it can’t. Knowing that there is a day set aside where people can forget the corruption and everything that is bringing our country down, and just put the needs of other people first is amazing,” said Morgana Robbertze.

Kevin Rakow, who also founded the 67 holes, explained that it was a great feeling knowing that simply giving up his time could change a child’s life. “I realised that one doesn’t have to do something big to make an impact,” said Rakow.

Details: Killarney Country Club 011 442 7411