Golf Zone: Harare Rotary clubs tee off for mental health

Harare Rotary clubs successfully hosted a polio awareness and fundraising golf tournament late last year.

Rotary Clubs in Harare have teamed up to stage a golf fundraiser for mental healthcare and well-being which is scheduled for Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course on March 1.

This is the second charity golf event in about three months by the Rotary clubs which include The Bridge, Harare City, Harare West and Borrowdale Brooke after they hosted the polio awareness and fundraising golf tournament at Wingate in November last year.

The target is to raise US$3000 in cash as well as other kind donations to benefit three relevant institutions in Harare namely St. Catherine’s ZIMCARE Trust Special Needs School, Homefields, Adult Residential Centre and the Institute of Women Social Workers (IWSW).

“The golf fundraiser is in support of institutions for mental health, the care and education of children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” Rotary Club of Harare, The Bridge President, Penelope Guzha said.

“Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world and our mission is to provide service to others, promote integrity, advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.

“This year Rotary has placed a special focus on mental health, mental illness, and emotional wellbeing. Zimbabwe, like the rest of the world, is experiencing a dangerous epidemic around mental health, mental illness and emotional health, which we must address urgently.  At the same time, we recognize that it is common that individuals with intellectual disabilities also experience mental health problems.

“This group, which is generally recognized as the most vulnerable, also deserves support as they are the least equipped to deal with their circumstances as well as day-to-day life,” she said.

Rotary Clubs in Harare have come together to raise funds to address such issues that are threatening communities while other Rotary clubs have committed to support the project.

“The target is to raise at least USD3,000-00 as well as other donations in kind towards aiding the institutions we have identified in their work towards their cause. Another benefit will be to raise awareness of the existence of the institutions, what they do and what they need in order to provide efficient service.

“Three beneficiaries have been identified and these are St. Catherine’s ZIMCARE Trust Special Needs School in Eastlea Harare for the care and education of children with intellectual disabilities.

“Homefields Adult Residential Centre for the care and education of intellectually challenged individuals in Mt Hampden and Institute of Women Social Workers (IWSW), a youth led organization which supports the mental wellbeing of women and girls through offering generic counselling, psychosocial support, and community mental health awareness and wellness programs, amongst other services complete the list,” Guzha said.

Guzha said the event is open to all amateur and professional golfers and also implored for support from corporates and individuals in cash or kind.

Anyone interested in participating can contact the organisers on 0772247659 or 0713146133 for more information.

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