Ebenezer House to host a Charity Golf Day

Mental illnesses are not so much invisible as they are concealed. Despite a society that is becoming increasingly more accepting, mental illness remains stigmatised.

The stigma behind illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar, and other mood and metal disorders have several down sides. There is very little education surrounding these illnesses, so while it is not always the case, many of those who are affected affected often get shrugged off by those who cannot understand the complexity of their illness. The lack of education also means that families often cannot cope with a loved one’s mental illness and need to rely on someone else to provide the help for them.

Ebenezer House does exactly this – the non profit organisation cares for 26 adults who are suffering from severe mental illnesses. The permanent residents either cannot afford private health care or their families being unable to cope has left them with nowhere else to go. At Ebenezer House, the residents are in a supportive and nurturing environment where carers, psychiatrists and social workers help them get through each day with exercise regimes, skills development, creative and practical workshops, medical treatments, and so much more.

“We are dependent on donations and assistance from the public and corporate sectors to keep the home open and functional, as most of our residents do not have families to support them,” said Lee-Ann Scholtz, the home’s manager.

To raise funds to keep the psychiatric home functioning, Ebenezer has hosted a charity cycle ride for the past eight years, but they have been unable to do so over the past two years due to Covid-19. With the regulations easing, Ebenezer wanted to re-start their fundraising with something new, so instead of hosting a cycle ride, they will be hosting a charity golf day.

The golf day will be hosted at the Krugersdorp Golf Club on Thursday, 27 May with a four-ball cost of R3 200 per team (R800 per person). The shotgun start will be at 12 midday and the costs will include the green fees, golf cart, halfway house, dinner and prize giving. To make your booking, contact Charmaine on 082 434 7235 or Kerry on 071 414 0501.

If you cannot play, Ebenezer House is asking for anyone who may be willing to sponsor a hole or a prize for the day to please come forward. For more information on Ebenezer House, visit www.ebenezer-house.co.za.

Payments or donations can be made to the following account:
Standard Bank Westgate
Account name: Ebenezer Fund
Account number: 026625504
Branch code: 016641
Account type: Current Account

Proof of payment can be sent to admin@ebenezer-house.co.za.