The Sunshine Tour has praised the FBC Zim Open for introducing a charity dimension to the event this year in a bid a raise funds for cancer treatment in the country.
It is the first time that the country’s flaship event which as always channelled efforts towards junior golf development will be teeing off for a charitable cause.
FBC Holdings Group has committed US$200 000 into the prize fund for the this year’s edition of the tournament which will run from May 4 – 11 at Royal Harare Golf Club.
Speaking at the launch of the event on Monday, Sunshine Tour tournament director Gary Todd was won over by such an initiative.
“I am not really totally up to speed with the charitable initiatives but I have seen Mike (Mahachi) sent me some of the communique around it and I think it’s a fantastic initiative that is if we can do something,” he said.
“Cancer affects everyone else in the world, not only every one of us but someone along the line will be affected by it. So anything we can do to raise awareness, raise funds and all that kind of jazz is a step in the right direction.
“And whatever we can do, whatever the corporates can do here in Zim and whoever else wants to get involved, It’s an unbelievable initiative and I hope it’s really well supported from the community and the Zimbabwean people and Zimbabwe corporates,” he added.
The Zim Open Committee plans to push for mental health awareness at the tournament next year.
Respected golf administrator Livingstone Gwata who is the chairperson of the Zim Open Committee announced the new development at the launch.
“In addition to golf development goals, we are pleased to announce that the 2025 event will provide a platform to facilitate the mobilisation of funds towards charitable causes. This noble initiative will focus on cancer treatment, and we call upon both members of the public and corporate bodies to join us in making a difference to the wellness of our communities,” he said.
FBC Holdings Group chief executive officer Trynos Kufazvineyi expressed pride in the organisation’s social responsibility efforts.
“FBC Holdings is a responsible corporate leader which is committed to making meaningful contributions to the social, environmental and economic well-being of the communities we serve. Our corporate social responsibility efforts are informed by the evolving needs of society at large.
“We may focus on aligning with national, regional and global development priorities, including the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are popularly known as the SDGs. Over the years, the FBC Holdings Group has become a dominant player in promoting the development of golf in Zimbabwe,” he said.
