31 Club aims to leave a lasting legacy

FIFTY six years ago, the 31 Club hosted its very first meeting and to mark the auspicious occasion, the group gathered for a get-together.

“Going in to 2018 we feel it is important to have greater clarity of who we are and who we support in order to build greater confidence with our supporters and donors,” said the non-profit organisation’s Katie Niemann.

What is the 31 Club?

It is a group of diverse women who work entirely on a voluntary basis to raise funds for various charities in the greater Durban area. The Club prides itself on having a flawless system of gathering, managing and distributing donations to their causes.

“We do not hand funds over but we ask for a wish list from the charities and then aim to fulfill these wishes,” said Katie.

Where do the funds go?

“We assure you that 98c of every R1 donated goes to the charities we support. We are able to keep our costs to a minimum with the help of some long-time supporters,” said Katie.

Nedbank Private Wealth provides the groups banking needs pro-bono and Gold Circle facilitates its fortnightly meetings.

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“We also rely on our many generous sponsors and donors who help us keep our fundraising functions as unique and successful as they are.”

What charities does the group support?

It supports a broad base of charities, including those that help the elderly, those with life threatening illnesses, physically and mentally challenged individuals, children, animals, the environment and, for the past two years, have concentrated on education and skills development.

The group previously supported up to 50 charities but now work with fewer organisations to create a more positive and noticeable difference.

How does 31 Club achieve its goals?

We have made the decision that in addition to our conventional fund-raising, its will also host various charity drives. These will be advertised on its website, www.31club.co.za, and its Facebook page and Instagram account.

Fund-raising functions:

“We will still be putting on some spectacular functions in order to raise funds,” said Katie. The group’s annual Charity Men’s Golf Day is on 19 June at the Mt Edgecombe Country Club Estate. This is a highlight on the golfing calendar and is filling up fast.

“We are also going to have some smaller, more intimate functions,” she said. The first is on Tuesday, 22 May at Joita’s Portuguese Foods in uMhlanga. The evening costs R350 per person which includes a three-course meal and wine tasting by Springfield Wine Estate from Robertson in the Western Cape.

To sign up for either of its fund-raisers or to get involved with the group, contact Katie on 082 490 1117 or e-mail katie@afri-cat.co.za.

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