Emmaus drops by

Emmaus is a home for mentally challenged adults in George, which has Ernie Els as one of its patrons. The Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation has “adopted” Emmaus as one of its “outreach” programmes for the members of the foundation, as the foundation puts a strong emphasis on “giving back” to the community.

In the past, members have visited the home and helped out with repairs around the buildings or simply spent time with the residents interacting with them. What has become very popular though – both for the Emmaus residents and the EEFF members – has been their visits to the Fancourt Academy where the EEFF members have shown them the basics of the golf swing and had fun putting competitions with them.

Last week was the second of these visits, when some 25 Emmaus residents again were entertained by the EEFF members at the golf academy on a beautiful Spring afternoon.

“This initiative really pays dividends all round,” Said Hannes van Niekerk, CEO of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation. “Our members really enjoy the opportunity of giving back to the community, while the Emmaus residents get so much out of the interaction with our youngsters. And we have a few members who are absolute naturals at this – it’s great to watch.”

Pictured are the Emmaus residents with EEFF members at the Fancourt Academy - Head EEFF coach George Harvey, who oversees the coaching, is on the right.