For East London Ladies Circle 23, a day on the bowling green is about far more than friendly competition, spares, and strikes.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the vital importance of early detection, treatment access, the local public education and the service group is preparing to host its third annual “Bowling for Boobies” fundraiser in support of Project Flamingo.
The community event will take place on October 31at the Gonubie Bowling Club, bringing together corporate teams, friends, and local families for a day of fun while raising crucial funds to assist women in accessing life-saving breast cancer surgery.
Past chairman, Yolandi Gray-Browne, said the the group’s founding objective has remained clear and simple since the initiative’s inception: to make a meaningful, tangible difference in the lives of local women.
“In our first year, our goal was to raise R10,000, which at the time was enough to assist one woman with life-saving breast cancer surgery.
“ We were incredibly proud to achieve that goal, and raise a little extra,” Gray-Browne said.
The KuGompo City community rallied behind the cause once again during the second edition, allowing the group to maintain its momentum. Over the past two years, the event has contributed sufficient funding to assist with approximately two-and-a-half life-saving surgeries paid over the last two years amounting to R31,303.23.
The proceeds are donated directly to Project Flamingo, an organisation that facilitates catch-up breast cancer surgeries at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital approximately every six weeks, excluding December and January.
Knowing that their efforts directly supported patients within the local community makes the project deeply fulfilling for the members.
“For us, that is what Ladies Circle is all about – friendship through service and making a difference where we can.”
This year, East London Ladies Circle 23 aims to raise enough funds to cover life-saving surgical procedures for at least two women. However, Gray-Browne said every financial contribution, no matter the size, played a crucial role in patient care. Beyond funding full surgical slots, raised capital is also utilised to fund essential diagnostic scans, supply comforting pamper packs, and provide professional psychotherapy sessions for women navigating their cancer treatment journeys.
Gray-Browne said the initiative holds a deeply personal significance for the group. Several years ago, a fellow Circler was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump and promptly seeking medical evaluation. Today, she is in full remission.
“Her story is a wonderful reminder of the importance of knowing your own body, getting anything unusual checked, and never giving up,” Gray-Browne said, urging women to perform regular self-examinations and seek immediate advice if they notice physical changes.
Addressing the anxiety that often surrounded medical check-ups, Gray-Browne encouraged women not to let fear or financial worries delay critical care.
“Early detection can make a significant difference, so please don’t let fear or cost stop you from seeking help.”
The group selected lawn bowls as its flagship fundraising vehicle because it provides an accessible, enjoyable platform for community participation.
“Service doesn’t always have to be serious.
“ We can make a difference while creating friendships, laughter, and wonderful memories along the way.”
The event begins at 9am and entry is R150 per person for teams of four. Entrants will receive a goodie bag, with prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed team alongside a raffle, auction, cash bar, and food specials.
Entries close on October 16. To register a team or support the cause, contact Zoe Grobler on 061-520-5628.
