NPO aims to gift 4 000 teddies to patients in local hospitals

Approaching 10 years since its inception, Golfing4Teddy aims to take its mission of bringing Christmas joy to the vulnerable internationally.

Founder and CEO, Megan du Preez started the NPO with her husband Henrich in 2015 intending to bring teddy bears to children in hospital during December.

Henrich and Megan both bonded over their love for golfing and decided to use their passions to bring joy to people.

“We really sat down and thought about how we give back to the community. My mother used to make teddy bears so we had the idea of bringing teddies to kids in hospitals during Christmas time. The people in these hospitals really have little to no one around during this time. You can find it’s just them or them with their mother only. So we bring in Santa Claus and recently a few of our celebrity supporters to bring them something to smile about and let them know they aren’t alone,” Megan said.

The bears get delivered to different hospitals and support-homes in the metro.

Last year, Golfing4Teddy delivered to 27 hospitals an average of 100 teddies each.

The organisation has delivered toys and volunteered at Steve Biko Hospital, Wilgers Hospital, Kalafong Hospital, the Danville Hulp Projek and the Rock of Hope Place of Safety in Montana.

“I remember one 88-year-old gentleman we visited who began crying when we gave him a teddy. I asked why and he said because he always wanted to receive one for the past 80 years. So it may be just a teddy but it has an impact on people’s lives, especially around Christmas.”

Golfing4Teddy not only distributes in Tshwane but also around the country in places such as Gqeberha, the Western Cape, KZN and others.

They aim to distribute 4 000 teddies this year and 10 000 next year to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Golfing4Teddy hosts an annual invite-only golf day at the Serengeti Estates featuring some high-profile celebrities and corporate sponsors. The proceeds go toward funding the teddy bears.

This year’s Golfing4Teddy is scheduled for December 3 and features guests such as Shaun Bartlett, Duane Vermeulen and Gcobani Bobo. Some of the partners the NPO works with include Suzuki and Penta Motor Group.

Megan said that when they started, the hardest part was finding hospitals willing to permit the initiative, and funding for the bears.

Residents can get involved through donations or volunteering, for more information, follow Golfingforteddy on Facebook or send an email to Megan@golfing4teddy.org.za.

“You know, it all starts with you. Start small, pick up some litter, give some food to a local homeless person who’s struggling in your neighbourhood, volunteer somewhere, but just start. If everyone does their bit we will live in a much better city and country,” Megan said.

Golfing4Teddy aims to bring international partners in future and begin distributing overseas.

“We’re always going to be here, we’re never going to stop. We’re a Tshwane-based NPO so that will always get first preference but we want to expand. I don’t want to say much but we are in contact with some potential international partners organising ways for us to begin visiting hospitals and homes overseas.”

Watch here: https://beta.supersport.com/golf/sa-golf/video/532d4d67-b461-4412-86a8-214b9ad4e022/golf-4-teddy-golf-day

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