“It’s all about love. These children shine with love. The country and its people are struggling, and we need more ubuntu now. I don’t want to be remembered as a golfer; I want to be remembered as a philanthropist,” says Player, who founded the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School in 1990 with his late wife, Vivienne, in the Northwest of Johannesburg.

The school is a beacon of hope to the disadvantaged community and surroundings. It provides early childhood education to 125 children, aged between three and six years old, in a safe and nurturing environment.

“It is my wish that the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School can exist forever,” says Player.

McFadden, a longtime friend of Gary Player, who joined the experience to help raise funds for the school, says: “I’ve said to Mr Player that I am committed to this cause for the rest of my life. I'm really excited to be a part of this because it's amazing to see the impact and beauty of this charity work, and all the effort that's going in and how it is actually paying off. It’s an honour to be involved.”

“Education is a critical driver of economic empowerment,” says Alex Maditsi, Trustee of the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation. “Thanks to Citadel’s unwavering support, the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School will continue shaping young minds for years to come.”

As an early childhood development school, one of the school’s core objectives is ensuring that the children leave the school ready for the next level of education. Fanie Masilela, a Deputy Principal, says: “When I joined the Blair Atholl Primary School last year, I noticed that there is a difference between the children coming from Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School and those from other pre-primary schools. The children from Blair Atholl Pre-Primary are far more comfortable in a formal classroom setting, adapt more easily to structured learning, and follow instructions with greater confidence. Their strong foundation gives them a clear advantage when it comes to learning new skills and moving into Grade 1.”

Since its inception, Citadel’s philanthropic initiatives have focused on long-term, impactful contributions to education and youth development in South Africa. Reflecting on the fundraising event’s impact, Jean de Villiers, Head of Philanthropy at Citadel, who also served as the auctioneer for the evening says: “Education is the most powerful tool we have in the fight against poverty.”

Supplied