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Generous Border golfers helped raise R45 000 for East London’s Chesed Foundation in the annual Algoa FM Winter Charity Golf Day played at the end of August.
Founded two years ago by four East Londoners who decided to “do something positive and try to make a real difference in the community”, the Chesed Foundation operates a clinic in the Mzamomhle area in Gonubie on two Sundays a month, according to founding member Sebastian Paul.
“Our main aim is to provide primary health care to children, as well as to uplift the community by providing health education, skills development and spiritual support.
“We have a very enthusiastic team of dedicated individuals who are trying to make a difference not only in the children’s lives, but hopefully impact and be able to uplift their parents and primary care givers”.
The team consists of doctors, pharmacists, paramedics, nurses and other helpers who volunteer their time and expertise twice a month to help a community which otherwise has little access to healthcare.
Clinics provide much more than health care: “We offer different children’s activity tables, arts and crafts for the adults, as well as outdoor sports activities, which offer a great way of bonding with the children,” he says.
It is more than a clinic as it provides a safe place for children to play, mothers and grandmothers to meet and chat,” he says.
Between 40 and 50 children are seen at each clinic. The children are referred immediately to hospital when life-threatening conditions are detected.
Funds raised through the golf day will go towards paying for medicines, medical supplies, educational toys, office furniture, playground equipment, and arts and craft materials.
The foundation also has plans to open more satellite clinics in Nompumelelo or Duncan Village.
