The 29th SPAR Women’s Challenge

by | May 14, 2023 | St Francis

There is every reason to celebrate the 29th SPAR Women’s Challenge, which will return to its traditional stomping ground at Pollok Beach in Gqeberha on May 27.

While plenty of fun was had during the Virtual Women’s Challenge at the height of the pandemic, there is nothing better than getting back on the asphalt to revel in the atmosphere and camaraderie of this truly iconic event.

The recipe is the tried and tested: a 10km Challenge and a 5km Fun Run for club and recreational runners and those who soak it all in with a gentle stroll or brisk walk.

The Women’s Challenge again incorporates the prestigious SPAR Grand Prix, in which the cream of South Africa’s runners go head-to-head against international opponents.

The 2023 edition of the marquee road race, which will raise funds to help give autism a voice, enjoys the full backing of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. SPAR EC advertising manager Roseann Shadrach said the brand fed off the belief that “together we are better.” Therefore, the municipality’s involvement could only elevate the event’s status.

“The municipality coming on board for the first time is fantastic. The whole point is that we, as a corporate entity can do much more good in the community with their support.”

Through the Women’s Challenge, SPAR EC recognises Gqeberha-based Autism EC and the Umphanda Foundation for Autism for empowering those in their care while addressing stigmas associated with the condition.

Shadrach said the retailer’s goal was to make a difference in the lives of both children and adults who were impacted by autism.

Nationally, the brand’s campaign for the year is We’re for Smiles. This promise is echoed in the EC retailer’s push to create Forever Smiles among those served by its beneficiaries.

Autism EC chairperson Joan Jorritsma said SPAR’s support came at just the right time as the organisation

had been forced to close its early intervention centre, necessitating people to be placed in facilities such as Aurora’s stimulation centre.

“The support is wonderful as we want to take these programmes forward. The structure, staffing, buildings and training are all at Aurora, so we are working hard to expand our services.”

Early intervention, sensory integration and skills development are the focus areas of The Umphanda Foundation. Here four teachers guide children with the condition through the various programmes.

Umphanda founder Nomakhosazana Dick thanked SPAR for the help. He said monies raised through the country’s Most Beautiful Road Race would go towards setting up its own facility.

Although many reasons exist to support the event, other incentives exist to enter en masse. There are prizes aplenty for those schools, athletics clubs, Nelson Mandela University residences and businesses churning out the highest number of participants.

On top of that, SPAR EC is offering groceries for a year, valued at R30 000, in a lucky draw on race day to celebrate the retailer’s 30th birthday in the province.

The race village at Pollok Beach will sport entertainment and food trucks galore and promises to be a fantastic setting for a family day out.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for; to see people out and about again,” said Shadrach.

Prospective participants can collect entry forms from SPAR stores, The Footballer, Brian Bands, Action Sports, Sportsmans Warehouse and UD Sports (Graaff-Reinet) until May 19.

Online registration – at R150 for the 10km and R75 for the 5km – is at www.soulgoodbookings.co.za.

May Writing Contest Winner – ‘Small Town Swops’ by Saskia Boonzaier

by | May 14, 2023 | St Francis

Our Writing Competition winning-entry by Saskia Boonzaier.

The writing competition was a great success, and Saskia’s story was deemed the winner by our panel of experts. Her story is republished below and has also been published in the latest issue of Wildside TIMES. which is available at the SPAR and various other outlets.

“Saskia recently partnered up with Cathy Kilroe-Smith to form Dune Daisies, a local copywriting, editing & blogging business. If you’d like to read more about what these daisies do, check out their website: www.dunedaisies.co.za or drop them an email: admin@dunedaisies.co.za

 

Small Town Swops

Small towns are known for their charm, special ways, and individuality. I am sure you’ll agree St Francis Bay is no different. We have our own sports clubs, pizza combos, pale ales, surf breaks, and bumper stickers. The views are breathtaking and there is a plethora of unique opportunities for its citizens. And let’s not forget the blissful lack of robots or rush hour.

One of my (many) favourite things about the small town we call home is its brilliant barter system. Have something to offer? There’s a good chance that you will be able to swop it for items you desire. It’s all about knowing the people around you; something which is possible in St Francis Bay. And the beauty of a good barter is that you always give and receive more than the monetary value of the goods in question. I would love to share with you one of my bartering bonanza experiences …

Growing up overseas, I went to a high school where matric dances were not the massive productions that they are here. We borrowed dresses, did each other’s hair, and were lucky if a photo or two were taken by the math teacher outside the school hall. So, it was with disbelief that I learned about the extent and complexity of my daughter Jemma’s upcoming matric dance preparations. The dress code for her school was long and white. Seriously? Make no mistake, I am a huge fan of tradition, but ‘long and white’ sounded very much like a wedding dress to me – help!

Desperate to find a dress that would make both Jemma and our budget happy, I went to my favourite clothing shop; Gently Worn. This boutique is home to not only a wide range of pre-loved clothes, but the owners also happened to be customers of my organic vegetable business. The arrangement we had was this; I would deliver a weekly box of veggies and Angela would translate that into a credit, allowing me to ‘purchase’ her pre-loved clothes. No cash ever changed hands, and we both felt we were getting an amazing deal.

On the hunt for a miracle, Jemma and I browsed the rails and there, tucked in between a 70s floral house coat and a maroon jumpsuit, we found an utterly gorgeous, beautifully embroidered white wedding dress. When she stepped behind the changing room curtain to try it on, we all held our breath. She emerged triumphant. Not only did it fit, but she loved it, and it met the dress code! When we arrived at the till to settle up, Angela happily announced that I had enough credit (from my veggie sales) to cover its cost.

The day of the matric dance arrived and Jemma looked stunning, graciously receiving many compliments on her appearance. I overheard a friend of hers asking, “Your dress is to die for Jems! Where did you find it? In Johannesburg? Or did you get it especially designed for you in Cape Town?” Jemma looked over to where Anton and I were standing and, with a slight, sardonic raise of her eyebrow replied, “My mum bought it for a box of vegetables.”

And that is why I love this town.

 

 

WOODLANDS DAIRY TO HOST ANNUAL GOLF DAY IN AID OF ST FRANCIS HOSPICE

by | May 10, 2023 | St Francis

Mandla Charlie (far left) and Marisa Maccaferri (far right) of Woodlands Dairy handed over the cheque to Sister Ingrid Williams and her colleague Sharon Von Mollendorff of St. Francis Hospice after last year’s golf day.

Leading dairy manufacturer Woodlands Dairy, will be hosting their annual golf day in aid of St Francis Hospice on 11 and 12 May this year at the St Francis Links.

Three celebrity golfers will participate including former national and Springbok rugby player, Naas Botha, as well as Patrick Symcox and David Richardson, former South African international cricketers. Richardson also had a stint as CEO of the International Cricket Council.

Says Mandla Charlie of Woodlands Dairy and First choice: “The Woodlands Dairy Golf Day combines fundraising with networking opportunities, fun, entertainment, and prize incentives, which create a positive and engaging environment for participants.”

All funds raised will go towards St Francis Hospice, a non-profit organisation that provides palliative care and support to patients and their families. “Everyone’s support makes a significant difference in the lives of patients and their families during what can be a challenging time. We’re helping to ensure that individuals facing life-limiting illnesses receive the care they need in a compassionate and dignified manner. Those interested can also add a donation to St Francis Hospice at Shop First Choice,” he adds.

 

 

 

 

From left:  Zak Venter, Maps Maponyane, Leon Bosman and Kenny McEwan participated in last year’s event.

The Better Ball Stableford format will start at 09h30, with a players’ briefing by Jeff Clause, CEO and Director of Golf at St Francis Links at 09:15. The cost is R1 200 per player per day and includes green fees, golf cart, halfway house snack and dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To secure your place or sponsor a tee or green, please contact Michelle Brown on 084 222 9347 or email her at mbrown@woodlandsdairy.co.za.

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