Irish musical superstar Ronan Keating took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital last week, putting smiles on both patients and their parents’ faces.
On Monday 7 March Keating was once again in Cape Town to partner with golf legend Gary Player for a charity fundraising event, sponsored by wealth management specialists Citadel.
Keating is an avid supporter of the work done by the hospital and, with support from Player and Citadel, has helped to champion their fundraising via this event since 2018.
Best known for the Notting Hill mega-hit “When you say nothing at all”, the artist wowed guests with some of his greatest hits and encouraged them to open their hearts to benefit needy South African children. The event raised R2 million.
The beneficiaries are the Red Cross’s Oncology Unit and the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School in Johannesburg.
Speaking at the event, Keating said South Africa is one of those places that creeps into your heart and never leaves.
“But it’s also a country where many children face unimaginable challenges, which is why I am so passionate about helping children living with cancer,” he said. “I’m grateful to both Gary Player and Citadel for partnering with me on a cause so close to my heart.”
Keating and Player have forged a close-knit relationship over the years and use their reputations to make a meaningful difference.
“When Vivienne and I started the Blair Atholl Pre-Primary School on our farm in 1990,” said Player, “little did we know that it would make such a difference in the lives of so many children and give them a strong foundation for the rest of their school careers. Being able to support Ronan and Citadel to raise as much money as possible is a highlight on my annual calendar.”
Citadel CEO Andrew Möller said the key to making an impactful difference is through sustainable and structured philanthropy. “Raising and donating money is one element, but ensuring that money gets the maximum return on social impact is what is essential, and that is what Citadel Philanthropy is in the business of doing. To know that both beneficiaries can make a remarkable difference as a direct result of this money is the reason we put so much into this event.”
Prof Alan Davidson, Head of Oncology at Red Cross, explained that providing the best public medical treatment for its patients comes at a cost. He added donations such as this went a long way in maintaining the day-to-day operations and equipment, but was also allocated towards educational research and treatment.
“Proud as we are of the work we do, we are keenly conscious of the enormous burden that a cancer diagnosis places on a family. I can’t overemphasise how much we appreciate the ongoing commitment of our community and friends to support the children and help us maintain an environment that contributes to healing.”
All the proceeds will be managed and distributed by the Citadel Philanthropy Foundation to ensure both beneficiaries can maximise the impact of each rand received.
