Bet Sheekoom Hits a Financial Hole-in-One for Women in Crisis
The Bet Sheekoom House of Restoration, a Gqeberha-based haven for women in crisis, has received a major boost thanks to the SPAR Eastern Cape Charity Golf Day.
The non-profit organisation, which has been helping survivors of gender-based violence since 2007, received a R50,000 donation following the annual event held at the Port Elizabeth Golf Club. Despite the blustery conditions, the day saw enthusiastic participation from SPAR suppliers and supporters who rallied behind the cause.
Founded and managed by Gary Koekemoer and his wife, Bet Sheekoom operates a 16-bed facility in Southdene that has provided refuge to hundreds of women over the years. Its mission extends beyond shelter; it is about restoration and reintegration. Through a series of therapeutic and skills-based programmes, survivors are guided toward rebuilding their confidence, finding employment, and ultimately reclaiming their independence.
“Our restorative programmes are the first step in helping victims make a U-turn,” Koekemoer explained. “Many of the women we’ve supported have gone on to secure jobs, live independently, and even reunite with their children.”
Recent months have brought tangible success stories. Two women from the programme found employment with a local florist specialising in weddings, while several children were joyfully reunited with their mothers through the dedicated efforts of Bet Sheekoom’s in-house social worker.
Koekemoer also shared a story of resilience and justice: a woman who lost an eye in an attack by her former partner saw her assailant sentenced to 15 years in prison. Thanks to a Good Samaritan, she has since received a prosthetic eye, restoring not only her appearance but her confidence.
“This has made a huge difference to her self-worth,” said Koekemoer.
SPAR Eastern Cape, a long-standing advocate against gender-based violence, has supported Bet Sheekoom through several Women’s Day initiatives and previously honoured it as one of the retailer’s “local heroes.” The latest donation will go toward essential operational needs such as medical bills, clothing, and psychological support for residents, many of whom arrive with nothing.
“Being a non-profit, getting funding is a constant challenge,” Koekemoer said. “An injection like this allows us to continue the important work we do.”
The Smile Foundation and Autism Eastern Cape were also beneficiaries of this year’s charity golf day. For the Smile Foundation, the timing was particularly fitting, as the event took place just days before 21 Nelson Mandela Bay youngsters underwent free surgery as part of the organisation’s Smile Week campaign.
The success of the golf day underscores what can happen when community, compassion, and sport come together for a purpose greater than the game.
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