Vodacom and celebrities hungry for change

The Pretoria Country Club hosted a celebrity-studded charity event featuring players from Vodacom-sponsored teams Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, the Vodacom Bulls as well as professional golfers playing in the Vodacom Origins of Golf Tour.

Vodacom and its guests Frik Kirsten, Lionel Cronje, Fudge Mabeta, Daine Klate, Josta Dladla, Jake Roos, Jaco Ahlers, Jacques Blaauw and celebrity chef Jodi-Ann Pearton were united in a common cause to help others in need by competing in an action-packed, entertaining and fun event aimed at raising 40 000 meals for local charities.

This event tied in with the Vodacom Origins of Golf Birdies for Kiddies Campaign that donates packaged meals to five charities namely African Children's Feeding Scheme (ACFS), NOAH, Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA), New Beginningz and Ndlovu Care Group.

The challenge consisted of the team of 14 people to package as many meals as they can in less than 1 hour. Award-winning chef and Chairperson of the SA Chefs Association Gauteng Regional Committee Jodi-Ann Pearton oversaw the event.

American-born lock Fudge Mabeta and his team mates were quick off the mark, showing off their speed and efficiency in packaging an impressive 3500 meals.

"What a rewarding experience knowing that our efforts resulted in a valuable contribution towards those in need. Thank you to Vodacom and Stop Hunger Now who will distribute the food to the Birdies for Kiddies Campaign charities."

Moving onto the PCC course, the sports celebrities were invited to partake in several activities in an attempt to raise 40 000 meals for the day.

It was Lionel Cronje that was the hero of the day, hitting over 175m on the driving range, as well as hitting a mini rugby ball an additional 100 meters. All 9 celebrities managed to balance clubs on the palms of their hands as well as complete other fun challenge's such as balancing a ball on their cell phone for 15 seconds.

The total amount raised on the driving range amounted to over 35 000 meals, resulting in a total meal count raised to 42 500.

Launched in 2008, the Birdies for Kiddies Campaign has raised more than R10 million for its charities and this year intends to raise 700 000 meals for African Children's Feeding Scheme (ACFS), NOAH, Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA), New Beginningz and Ndlovu Care Group.

The next stop on the Vodacom Origins of Golf Series is at De Zalze (Western Cape) from July 25^th to 27^th.