Charities across South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Garden Route regions are delivering improved services and support to vulnerable communities following the success of the 2025 Algoa FM Charity Golf Days, which brought together golfers, sponsors and businesses in support of local causes.
The annual events, held in the Garden Route, Gqeberha and East London, raised funds that have already been translated into tangible benefits for organizations working in music education, healthcare and social welfare.
In the Garden Route, Song vir Nonna, a non-profit organisation that hosts weekly songwriting workshops for children and young people, used its proceeds to upgrade recording equipment. The organization runs programs at the Môreson ACVV Child and Youth Care Centre and the Carpe Diem school for learners with special needs.
“We at Song vir Nonna are humbled by the overwhelming support we received from all the golfers and corporates who participated in the golf day,” said founder Regard Grobler. “I would like to thank everyone who invested in our vision. Your contribution means everything to us.”
In Gqeberha, the Association for Dementia and Alzheimer’s of South Africa (Adasa) Eastern Cape has strengthened its outreach and training efforts with the donation of computer equipment. Regional manager Dr Heather Rauch said technology will play a critical role in expanding services across the province.
“The computer equipment will help us with our ongoing carer training programs, the increased demand for individual online consultations with people in the early stages of living with dementia and their family members, and the rollout of continued professional development training to medical and mental health practitioners,” Rauch said. She added that the equipment will also support services in rural areas, where access to specialized care remains limited.
In East London, funds raised from the golf days have made a deeply personal difference to elderly residents. Social pensioners at Berea Gardens received new beds, improving both their comfort and health.
“One of my subsidized rental accommodation SASSA pensioners said after the bed was delivered that it was the best gift she had ever received in her entire life,” said Claire Neithercut of Berea Gardens. “Another said, ‘My back pain is so much better after only one night’s sleep. I have no words to express my gratitude.’”
Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay thanked participants and sponsors for their continued support. “A big thank you to all the businesses and golfers who made the 2025 Algoa FM Charity Golf Days such a success,” he said. “We look forward to seeing you on the golf course in 2026, as part of Algoa FM’s 40-year celebrations.”
As preparations begin for next year’s events, the 2025 charity golf days stand as a reminder of how sport, media and community partnerships can combine to create lasting social impact.