- The residents of Andries Olivier Centre, many of whom are quadriplegic, run fundraising efforts, including an annual golf day, to keep their home operating.
- Despite challenges, they remain committed to sustaining their facility but face increasing financial strain.
- They invite golfers and sponsors to support their upcoming event, which aims to offset a monthly shortfall of over R20,000.
Despite their extreme physical challenges, the residents of Andries Olivier Centre for Quadriplegics raise funds for their day-to-day costs of their home all by themselves.
Most of the 10 quadriplegics and three paraplegics are involved in fundraising projects such as their annual golf day, their main fundraising endeavour.
“All residents are compelled to put their shoulders to the wheel. Our quest for sustainability lies in our dedication to our present projects,” Rosabelle Riese, a resident of the home responsible for administration, says.
Need a hand up
However, they do need a hand up. Golf players for a total of 18 four-balls are desperately needed to ensure the success of their golf day on Friday 29 November. Every cent raised on that day is used towards their monthly shortfall of more than R20 000.
The government subsidy covers only 15% of their expenses. The income is crucial for the running of the home.
They are also presenting monthly book sales and markets, and run a party hiring business, as well as Club 500, in which members of the Huis Andries Olivier Supporters Club donate a minimum of R50 and stand a chance to win monthly prizes of R1 500, R1 000 and R500.
They also rent out a guest room to non-residents whose carers needs a break, and will soon launch their Wheels & Heels events in their garden.
Despite this, the poor economy and raising costs have taken its toll on the home.
Stressful increase
“Consequently, residents have recently been levied with a R500 increase which is stressful on the majority of residents whose disability grants are now almost entirely spent on board and lodging,” says Riese.
“The sustainability of Huis Andries Olivier’s operations is of great concern as we watch our funds decrease due to the escalating cost of living. However much we strive for independence, it is a fact that we cannot do without donors, sponsors and supporters,” Riese says.
Due to their physical challenges, although of sound mind, they are trapped in a functionless body.
“They need trained carers to full-time assist them with daily tasks other people take for granted, such as washing, dressing, toileting, feeding, shaving, brushing teeth and all functions to keep comfortable, cool and alive,” Riese explains.
The Covid-19 pandemic pushed their finances to the limit and they had to let go of their weekend kitchen staff – leaving them dependent on volunteers to supply lunch and supper over weekend.
Plea to golfers
Earlier this week only 22 four-balls were booked for their golf day out of the 40 they aim to sell – with a projected income of R112 000 (excluding the costs of presenting the day).
“Our plea is for golfers to still make a last minute call to support us,” Heiron Nel, a resident and one of the organisers of the golf day, says.
The golf day, which has been presented at Durbanville Golf Club since its start, will be presented at Parow Golf Club this year to save costs.
According to Nel it seems golfers are reluctant to book their four-balls as a result of the poor reputation of the golf course.
“However, after the good winter rain the golf course is in a perfect condition,” he says.
They also need businesses to sponsor them with golf related prizes or cash donations towards purchasing prizes or vouchers.
They also still have 11 wet holes, which businesses can buy at R700 per hole as an advertising opportunity. They also have a raffle with tickets selling at R10 each.
“We will spoil our golfers with delicious boerewors rolls, bottled water from Tru-Temp, fruit juice from Fair Cape Dairies and great refreshments from Dunn Properties and Currencies Direct, among many more valuable sponsors.
Signed Stormers jersey on auction
“To boost our income on the day, we have two amazing items on auction – a beautiful painting by South Africa’s own Susan Ellis, who previously donated a Mandela portrait that fetched R10 000.
“We also have a signed Stormers jersey, donated by Elize Eksteen, one of our precious volunteers,” says Nel.
The entry fee for the 4BBB Stableford is R2 800 per team of four. the first tee off is at 11:30. Prizes will be awarded to the two best players in each top 12 winning teams. The prize-giving event is from 19:00.
- Contact Heiron Nel on 060 5033 083 or email josephhr00@gmail.com with enquiries about the golf day.
- Contact Rosabelle Riese on 081 497 4044 (Telkom) or 072 521 1160 (WhatsApp) or riese2608@gmail.com for more information on other projects.
