Shining their clubs and setting up winning swings, 72 golfers took to the greens at the Benoni Country Club on August 29 to support Boksburg’s Urban Ruins golf day.
Supported by The Humanity Foundation (HF), the day was aimed at raising much-needed funds to enable the Plantation-based charity organisation to complete structural upgrades at its facility.
Clayton Viljoen, founder of Urban Ruins, said that for an inaugural annual golf day, the support it received exceeded its expectations.
“We were overwhelmed by keen golfers’ willingness to brave the August winds to play a round for our benefit,” he said.
“We know the funds raised will have a huge impact not only on our operations but in the lives of those who make use of our services.”
Urban Ruins’ scope of work includes an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre for 55 tots as well as Youth Care Centre.
“We provide cooked meals to 200 to 600 community members three times a week and further support another local NPO to feed between 1000 to 1 500 individuals weekly,” said Viljoen.
“The establishment of our mushroom farm has also created an additional revenue stream as products are sold directly to the public and in bulk.”
Viljoen said he hopes to establish a training and employment programme which will assist job-seekers in business ethics, admin, sales and computer training.
“The aim is to further vet prospective employees, complete police clearance certificates and ultimately have them gainfully employed,” he said.
To make this project a reality, Urban Ruins is looking at acquiring a wooden cabin.
Pierre Marneweck of HF said partnering in support with Urban Ruins is an investment in community building.
“Clayton and his team’s commitment to the community is inspiring,” said Marneweck.
“The humility they show through their work resonates with our ethos and we hope to play a small role as it expands on its programmes.”
Speaking of its immediate needs Clayton said that 48 steel poles are needed to erect fencing around the ECD playground.
“We are grateful for the community’s continued support and hope that by hosting this event in Benoni we could drum up support from our neighbours,” he said.
For more information about Urban Ruins or to assist contact Clayton on 081 747 0833 or Pierre on 082 610 7593.
Also Read: Boksburg Correctional Services hosts a golf day fundraiser
Also Read: GALLERY: Boksburg SPCA golf day well supported
