Home for women in crisis chipper after golf-day windfall

Bet Sheekoom's Gary Koekemoer, his wife Shelley and social worker Zikhona Maleka enjoyed their day at the recent SPAR EC golf day.

The recent successes of the Bet Sheekoom House of Restoration for women in crisis have been made all the better when it struck a financial hole-in-one.

The Gqeberha non-profit received a donation of R50 000 following an annual charity golf day held at a wind-swept Port Elizabeth Golf Club recently.

It was hosted by SPAR Eastern Cape, a vociferous campaigner against gender-based violence (GBV), and generously supported by many of its suppliers.

Bet Sheekoom, a victim support centre registered with the department of social development, has been overseen by Gary Koekemoer and his wife since 2007.

Over the years the 16-bed safe haven in Southdene has assisted hundreds of women to deal with the trauma of GBV before re-entering society.

Koekemoer explained that the organisation’s restorative programmes were the first step in helping victims make a U-turn, finding employment and moving into their own homes.

The most recent financial year produced several success stories, including two ladies who have found employment with a florist specialising in the wedding industry.

Bet Sheekoom staff also savoured sweet victories in the form of the children who have been reunited with their moms over the 12-month period.

Its in-house social worker worked closely with those assigned to these youngsters to smooth the path towards the respective parties living under the same roof again.

There has also been justice for a woman who lost an eye after being stabbed by a former partner, who was subsequently found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in jail.

In addition, a Good Samaritan following the case ensured she received a prosthetic eye.

“This has made a huge difference to her self-worth and confidence,” Koekemoer said.

Bet Sheekoom, previously named one of the grocery chain’s local heroes, has also benefited from several of its Women’s Day drives over the years.

The funds mean the world to the haven.

“Being a non-profit, getting funding is a challenge so an injection like this allows us to be more effective in everything we do,” Koekemoer, adding that such events also help raise awareness, said.

The donation will find its way into the general kitty to “plug the gaps” within its current operations, of which medical bills and clothing are high priorities.

“We supply everything for those who come to us as almost 100 per cent of them arrive with nothing.” The charity even covers the patients’ sessions with the psychologist.

“This money is essential for us to continue doing the work we do.”

The Smile Foundation, which provides healthcare for children affected by facial conditions and burns, and Autism Eastern Cape were the other two beneficiaries.

Regional Smile coordinator Tanya Jackson said that it was the third time the organisation had been on the receiving end of the golf day’s proceeds.

It, fittingly, took place a few days before 21 Nelson Mandela Bay youngsters underwent free surgery as part of its Smile Week campaign.