More than a year of ongoing support has helped strengthen community initiatives, create local employment and assist families in Knysna.
Oupad, Knysna, South Africa, July 29, 2026 – More than a year after launching its Golfing for Change initiative, Ascot Tours is marking an important milestone in its partnership with community leaders Martin and Diana Gelant.
Through ongoing financial support, the initiative has strengthened their community kitchen and outreach work, providing consistent assistance to families across Oupad.
More Than a Year of Community Support
The partnership between Ascot Tours’ Golfing for Change and the local community in Oupad is turning compassion into consistent action. By securing weekly groceries, the initiative enables Martin, Diana, and their team to dish up hot, vital meals for vulnerable families, particularly young children and the elderly.
This collaboration feeds both bodies and livelihoods. By funding monthly stipends for four local team members, the program creates essential jobs while boosting the kitchen’s daily capacity. Because their everyday operating costs are completely covered, the kitchen team can stop worrying about fundraising and focus entirely on their mission.
To keep operations running smoothly, Golfing for Change has equipped the space with heavy-duty cooking pots and utensils. The care also extends outside the kitchen walls; when the need arises, the initiative steps up to provide new school uniforms so children can attend classes equipped for success.
While the impact so far is meaningful, Martin, Diana, and the Golfing for Change team know the broader need is vast. They are already charting a path forward—planning to scale up and build a powerful, lasting legacy of support from these small beginnings.
A Commitment to Sustainable Community Support
“When Martin and Diana contacted me about the refrigerator, I thought I was simply selling an appliance,” said Scott Edkins, CEO of Ascot Tours. “Instead, it became the start of a partnership that continues to support the work they do every day. Golfing for Change was created to provide practical support to community leaders who are already making a difference.”
Martin and Diana continue to lead the initiative on the ground, supported by their local team and ongoing funding through Golfing for Change.
About Golfing for Change
Golfing for Change is the community initiative of Ascot Tours. The program provides ongoing financial support to local community leaders and grassroots projects that deliver practical assistance, create employment opportunities and improve the lives of families in need.
By partnering with people already making a difference in their communities, Golfing for Change helps build long-term, sustainable support where it is needed most.
