By Mbali Tanana
It was a special treat for 19 children from Child Welfare Makhanda when they were invited to Spur’s national 58th birthday celebration where they were also showered with gifts from some of Makhanda’s business owners.
The 19 boys and girls are currently placed in the Ikhaya Losizo Safe House as part of a programme by Child Welfare. While some children have been orphaned, others are survivors of gender-based violence and sexual assault.
It was happiness all around when the children took over the Redwood Spur play area, playing games as they awaited their burger meals which were followed by sodas and dessert. Child Welfare coordinator Purdy Saays said they were thrilled at the kind gesture as it was a new experience for most of the children.
“Spur’s birthday celebration is always an exciting time in our calendar and while we are invited every year, we always have different children so it’s a new experience for them and possibly the only opportunity some of them have to eat at a restaurant.
“The new ‘Christmas’ clothes and toiletries in the goodie bags collected by a variety of Makhanda business owners are also much appreciated and will go a long way as we prepare to go into the festive season,” she said.
Donations make a difference
Child Welfare marketing manager Debbie Myburg said the organisation was grateful for the relief, as they were overwhelmed with expenses, trying to cater for all the children through the various programmes they are running.
“The Ikhaya losizo Safe House is not funded by any government entity and relies heavily on donations, so the support from the business community is warmly welcome and we hope that this can inspire other businesses to offer support where they can,” she said.
We Move It and We Wash It business owner Pieter Kruger said they are always ready to extend a hand to children’s charities. “Children’s charities have a special place in our heart. For the past 15 years we have had Home of Joy as our beneficiary for our fundraising initiatives, and we get a lot of support from Redwood Spur which is why we didn’t hesitate to join them in celebrating with Child Welfare,” he said.
Redwood Spur marketing manager Wendy Brand said the birthday celebrations were part of a national campaign in celebration of the 58 years of Spur in South Africa, since the first restaurant opened its doors in Cape Town. “We have the celebrations annually and we always try to collaborate with the community to make it a birthday celebration with a difference, knowing that the children won’t only leave with a full tummy, but that they will also have something to take home and enjoy, especially because Christmas is right around the corner,” she said.
Chief marketing officer of Spur Corporation Vuyo Henda said they have often used their birthday to connect with underprivileged children or senior citizens. “At Spur, birthdays aren’t just dates on a calendar, they’re moments to spark joy and create unforgettable memories. Every birthday is honoured with a special song, bright sparklers, and heartfelt cheer. As Spur turns 58, we renew our promise to keep the joy alive,” he said.
How to win a Spur meal
To spread the cheer, in partnership with Grocott’s Mail Redwood Spur is giving away a R500 meal voucher to one lucky Grocott’s Mail reader and subscriber.
To win the voucher you must:
- be subscribed to Grocott’s Mail
- follow the Redwood Spur and Grocott’s Mail Facebook pages
- tell us in no more than 300 words about your most memorable memory at Spur
The most interesting essay wins the voucher and will be published in Grocott’s Mail. Email your essay to grocottscommunity@ru.ac.za or grocottseditor@ru.ac.za by Wednesday 12 November 2025.
