How Southern Africa Travel gives back
ELS FOR AUTISM
Golf Day at PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach, Florida, USA
The cause: to raise money for Autism research. The Els family have launched a $30-million fund-raising drive to build a Centre for Excellence in Florida that will include a school for 300 autistic children, and a research centre to study the causes of autism as well as look for a cure for the millions of children affected by the disorder.
How we are involved: Southern Africa Travel, operated by Giltedge Travel, is the exclusive travel partner for Ernie Els Wine & Golf Safaris and we assist with sponsorship of travel packages for these events. This year we organised an auction item with Mantis Collection and South Africa Airways that raised US$20 000 for the Els for Autism fund-raising drive. On the day, 22 professional golfers, including the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Fuzzy Zoeller, Justin Rose, Adam Scott and many more, and 66 amateur players participated and Ernie Els raised more than $800,000 in his drive to help find a cure for Autism.
The Giltedge Africa Group sponsored a superb package that included flights from New York or Washington plus two nights at the elegant Grande Roche in the Cape Winelands; three nights at the secluded The Last Word Bishopscourt, nestled against the slopes of Table Mountain; two nights at Sanbona Game Reserve with accommodation at the Dwyka Tented Lodge; two nights at Views Boutique and Spa Hotel. Golf was also included at Oubaai or Fancourt plus a tour of the Ernie Els vineyard and a meal at The Big Easy restaurant on the estate.
CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION together with CALIFORNIA WINEMASTERS
California, USA
The cause: to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s vital research and care programmes through events organised by California Winemasters. This year they raised over $1.5 million bringing their 21-year total to $21 000 000. Research is progressing rapidly, with some promising medicines in the advanced stages of FDA testing.
How we are involved: Giltedge coordinates superb travel packages for auction at this event. The latest package includes two nights at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve; two nights at The Last Word Franschhoek; two nights at The Steenberg Hotel plus a private wine tasting at Ernie Els wines and a meal at The Big Easy Restaurant in Stellenbosch.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE (MAD)
Charity Golf Day, South Africa
The cause: Make a Difference offers South Africa’s academically talented youngsters, future leaders and role models the unique opportunity to benefit from the Make A Difference Education Programme. They currently provide merit and need-based scholarships for 66 individuals nationally (from primary school level until completion of tertiary education). Over 400 youngsters also benefit from the Broad Based Education Programmes in the Western Cape and Gauteng/Limpopo region.
How we are involved: Once a year we donate travel packages to raise money at a charity golf day in support of Make A Difference. Last year our contribution raised R20 000 in support of the programme.
WESTLAKE COMMUNITY CENTRE together with Steenberg Golf Estate
Cape Town
The cause: a community initiative near our offices to upgrade the crèche at The Westlake Community Centre and donate to the SA Celebral Palsy Association and the Animal Sterilisation project.
How we are involved: we donated a luxury holiday to the Four Seasons, Mauritius, that was raffled for R40 000.
