Shoprite and Checkers has teamed up with The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) to collect toys to distribute among the children that the Society works with.
 
The South African Red Cross Society will be receiving thousands of toys which were donated by the public (and will be matched by Shoprite and Checkers) to make a difference in the lives of the needy children they take care of and support. In addition to receiving the toys, Shoprite and Checkers will also hand over a cheque of monies collected at an auction held at the Shoprite and Checkers Supplier of the Year Awards.
 
The toys and cheque are to be handed over to SARCS tomorrow, 21 December 2005, at 10:30 for 11:00. It will take place at The SA Red Cross Building, Sinobomi Daycare Centre, Terminus Road, Nyanga.
 
With the Toy4Toy campaign – an initiative of Shoprite and Checkers to support SARCS – more than 6 000 toys have been collected. Some of these toys were collected in the Shoprite and Checkers stores, and the rest through volunteers who collected toys from door to door over the past two weekends. In addition to the toys that were collected, Shoprite and Checkers will match each toy donated with a new toy!
 
“We are delighted to be the beneficiaries of this worthy campaign,” said Ms Mandisa Kalako-Williams, president of The South African Red Cross Society. “It is heartening to know that the corporate organizations of South Africa care, especially at this time of year.”
 
She went on to say that the toys would be distributed to needy children across South Africa, focusing particularly on those affected by HIV and AIDS. “These toys will continue to bring joy long after the memories of Christmas 2005 have faded. I look forward to seeing the children’s faces light up when they receive their special gifts.”
 
Brian Weyers, Marketing Director for the Shoprite Group of Companies, expressed his delight at the response. “This project has been a vital link with our communities and I am happy to be able to say that not only have we been able to share the joy of Christmas in this very tangible way, we have also collected with the support of our dedicated suppliers the magnificent sum of R690 702.00.”
 
Mike Tainton, Acting Secretary General and Project Resource and Reporting Manager, added that the money will be used to fund The South African Red Cross Society’s Orphans and Children Made Vulnerable by HIV and AIDS Programme. This project has been implemented throughout South Africa and consists of a network of volunteer caregivers who provide care and support in the form of homebased care, psychosocial, nutritional and educational support.
 
“The South African Red Cross Society thanks both the people of South Africa and Shoprite Checkers for their generosity at this special time of the year. We take this opportunity to wish you and yours a blessed and peaceful holiday season,” said Ms Kalako-Williams.

Melanie Jackson
Information Dissemination and Communication Co-ordinator, SARCS
Tel: 27 21-418 6640
Mobile: 082 852 0731