IMM to host Golf tourney annually after impressive turnout in 2025 Charity event

The Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) has announced plans to make its ‘Swing to Serve’ Charity Golf Tournament a permanent annual fixture following the overwhelming success of this year’s inaugural event at Lilongwe Golf Club.

The decision comes after 44 teams comprising 88 golfers participated in Saturday’s tournament, which raised funds for essential medical equipment at Salima District Hospital. The impressive response has convinced IMM leadership that the golf tournament model provides an effective platform for both corporate networking and meaningful community impact.

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“The response looks promising and the turnout has been impressive,” said IMM President George Damson. “This has motivated us to make the tournament a permanent fixture on our calendar.”

The tournament attracted substantial corporate backing, with Standard Bank providing the largest cash sponsorship of MK1.2 million. National Bank of Malawi contributed MK800,000, while NBS Bank and HLB each provided MK1 million. Additional sponsors included First Capital Bank, FDH Bank, Nico One, Golf Union of Malawi, E.D Logistics, GFK Security, Vanguard Life Insurance, and Hallmark.

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve added a unique dimension by offering four exclusive accommodation vouchers for tournament winners, demonstrating the diverse partnership opportunities the event creates.

The inaugural tournament was organized as part of IMM’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative ahead of their 2025 Marketers’ Conference and Marketing Excellence Awards, scheduled for October 23-26 at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima.

Damson explained that the golf tournament represents an evolution in IMM’s approach to community support. “Previously, we would provide groceries and food items, but this year we have decided to purchase medical equipment that they desperately need. We have chosen a more sustainable approach to supporting them.”

The hospital submitted a budget of approximately MK13 million for essential equipment, and while Damson declined to reveal exact fundraising figures, he emphasized that the tournament made significant progress toward this target.

“The door remains open for others to support this cause. We are committed to ensuring that all the critical equipment listed by the hospital will be purchased before the conference takes place,” he said.

The tournament format proved successful in attracting marketing professionals and corporate leaders, serving dual purposes as both a networking platform and fundraising vehicle. Lusungu Chisi, Tourism Manager for Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, praised the event’s collaborative spirit.

“It’s been an excellent opportunity not only for engagement but also for raising awareness about partnerships and collaboration among marketers,” Chisi noted.

The competitive element added excitement to the charitable cause, with Kelvin Mpanje and Alick Dzonzi claiming the tournament victory. Catherine Mkandawire and Margaret Sadrake finished second, while Stafford Mpoola and Anthony Kasunda secured third place.

In a gesture that embodied the event’s charitable spirit, second-place finisher Margaret Sadrake, who hails from Salima, donated her prize back to the cause. “Since IMM is raising funds for Salima District Hospital and I come from Salima, I felt compelled to donate my prize so that everything benefits people in my community,” she said.

Sadrake encouraged fellow golfers to participate in similar corporate social responsibility initiatives, emphasizing their potential to uplift Malawian livelihoods.

The success of the 2025 ‘Swing to Serve’ tournament has set a foundation for IMM’s expanded CSR approach, combining the organization’s commitment to community impact with sustainable fundraising through corporate partnerships and sporting events.