Cell C Foundation rewards local schools
ROSEBANK – A number of schools throughout South Africa were recently rewarded after they participated in the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative, which was supported by the Cell C Foundation.
Schools were challenged to rally pupils to knit or crochet blankets to help keep needy people warm this winter in honour of Madiba. In return, these schools stood a chance of winning their share of over R650 000 in cash if they donated a minimum of 21 handmade single bed blankets.
Part of the winnings was provided by the Cell C Foundation, which donated R462 000 in order to give the winning schools R21 000 each.
Founder of the initiative and local resident, Carolyn Steyn, donated a cash prize of R210 000 in her personal capacity for the participating school that produced the most single bed blankets. Jeppe High School for Girls scooped the generous prize, in addition to the prize of R21 000 from the foundation after delivering an astonishing 695 blankets.
“We were delighted at the amazing response from schools across South Africa to our call to knit or crochet a blanket for needy people,” said Suzette van der Merwe, Cell C Foundation representative and former Miss South Africa.
“It is this kind of united response that helps make South Africa such a giving nation. This inspiring activity, we believe, has the power to knit together communities and people across the country,” Van der Merwe concluded.
Other schools in Johannesburg north who also received cash prizes from the Cell C Foundation for taking part in the initiative included King Edward VII Preparatory School, Dainfern College, St David’s Marist Inanda, Norwood Primary School, Michael Mount Waldorf School and Summit College.
