World Golf Hall of Famer, 2019 Presidents Cup Captain, and PGA Tour golfer Ernie Els has issued a challenge to his fellow professionals and club golfers everywhere–Join ClubsHELP and help defeat COVID-19:
Become the captain of your club, adopt a local hospital, and marshal club resources to deliver greatly needed supplies to those on the frontlines during this unprecedented international health crisis.
That’s the essence of ClubsHELP, a 501(c)7 foundation created to connect clubs with hospitals in their local areas to provide critically needed support for health workers as they care for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sense of community generated in each market has been stronger than ever. Now, this collective energy, along with club resources, are being deployed where they are needed most—at the local level.
Ernie Els: Pulling golf together to defeat COVID-19.
“When my management team told me about this initiative, I was right behind it straight away,” said Els.
“It’s a shining example of how people all around the world are pulling together in this crisis to help vulnerable members of society and, of course, support the frontline healthcare staff who are literally putting their lives on the line for all of us.”
How does this new initiative work?
A member steps up to be her/his club’s “captain.” The club then adopts a local hospital and the adopted hospital appoints a captain.
Working cooperatively, the captains identify the most pressing needs at the adopted hospital. Then club members, companies and individual donors pitch in to gather, collect and deliver the most necessary items and resources to the hospital.
Join ClubsHELP. To be a captain, register your club, pledge support or get additional information, Go to www.clubshelp.org or text ClubsHELP to 71441.
Beleaguered northeastern states Get First Help
The team leapt into action last week and quickly assisted hospitals in beleaguered northeastern states—New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. ClubsHELP companies like Clif Bar and AT&T are already supplying Mt. Sinai and Bellevue Hospitals in New York City, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The most pressing needs for the frontline hospital workers are basic food items that can be consumed quickly, PPE supplies, UV lighting for sterilization of phones and keys, and delivery services,” said Bachman.
“Anything a member may be able to offer, including transport vehicles, personnel, or manufacturing capabilities, should be raised with their club and hospital captains.”
Golf Organizations Jump In
The assistance of golf’s premier organizations, including the National Club Association and Golf Writers Association of America, and leadership have pledged to jumpstart the ClubsHELP program and make a swift and meaningful impact in communities throughout the United States.
Additionally, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) have alerted their memberships that golf clubs across the country are activating.
Els, a member of Old Palm Golf Club Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He has previously partnered with Jupiter Medical Center for the Els for Autism Foundation.
How to Join ClubsHELP
To be a captain, register your club, pledge support or get additional information, access the website at www.clubshelp.org or text ClubsHELP to 71441.
