After temporarily closing the doors to all but two of Sun International’s hotels in South Africa during level four, staff at 10 properties around the country last week donated R160 000 worth of perishable food from their kitchens to charitable organisations.
“The level four restrictions introduced last week made it difficult for us to operate, so we had to decide to close all properties until July 11, except The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town and The Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha.
“But we are pleased that many of the charities we support regularly were able to benefit,” said Heidi Edson, Sun International group socio-economic development manager.
“Instead of going to waste, the many kilograms of fruit and vegetables from various kitchens have now been used to feed those in our communities who are most vulnerable to poverty – children and the elderly.”
• Sun City Resort in the North-West Province, which had overflowing kitchens ready to feed guests when the closure was announced, has distributed perishables worth R45 000 to nine charities in underprivileged surrounding areas. The charities range from those caring for orphaned children to the elderly and those suffering from HIV/Aids.
• In Polokwane, Meropa Casino and Entertainment World donated pineapples, melons, mushrooms, tomatoes, butternut, carrots, fruit juice and more to the value of R12 000 to three organisations: Shalate Drop-in Centre, St Bethany crèche and Ngwana Huis.
• In Brakpan, Carnival City donated R20 000 worth of much-needed juices, meat, cheese, yoghurt, margarine, fruits and vegetables to Tholakele Centre of Hope in Tsakani.
• In Cape Town, GrandWest donated food to the value of R37 000 to Elim Night Shelter, Tygerberg Cansa Association, Salberau Old Age Home, Little Brink Children’s Home.
• In Worcester, Golden Valley Hotel and Casino donated R3 600 worth of food between Worcester House of Hope and Nuwe Begin Skuiling. This included potatoes, onions, carrots, butternut, sweet potatoes, celery, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli and peppers.
• In Gqeberha, The Boardwalk Hotel and Casino delivered R3 000 worth of vegetables, fruit, bread and juice to Healing Minds, a community outreach programme in the Walmer Township.
• In Kimberley, Flamingo Casino opened its fridge and pantries to Destiny House Child and Youth Care Centre and Ons Huis Home for Older People, delivering cream cheese, yoghurt and assorted fruits and vegetables.
• Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein donated vegetables worth R2 500 to Paballong Place of Safety.
• Pretoria’s Time Square Casino and Hotel donated perishables worth R35 000 to Mamelodi Prevocational School.
• Perishables from The Maslow Hotel in Sandton were delivered to Phutaditjaba Old Age Home and Disability Care Centre. The donation included 41 different fruits, vegetables, fresh juices, bread, milk, sausages and various salads.
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