Campaign calls for pretty handmade toys

Shoprite and Checkers, in partnership with Age-in-Action, are once again sponsoring the Pretty Things for Little Things campaign that urges customers, especially senior citizens, to put their creative talents to work to make clothes and toys for needy children.

Through the creative and generous contributions made by the public, this campaign has, since inception in 2003, collected and distributed more than 140 000 handmade clothes, toys and blankets to needy children across South Africa. During last year’s campaign, over 20 000 unique handmade items were received.

Submissions for this year’s campaign open on 1 June, and it calls on entrants to make anything practical, durable and safe that a child can wear or play with. Articles can be made of any resources available and can be entered into four categories, namely soft toys, blankets, clothing and other articles made from materials such as wood, tin or wire.

The supermarket group, along with its partners, are grateful to all the participants and contributors over the years, while challenging customers and especially senior citizens to spread the joy even further over the coming years.

While the project is open to all, senior citizens of 60 years and older who enter their handiwork stand a chance of winning generous vouchers that can be used at Checkers, Checkers Hyper or Shoprite stores nationwide.

The competition will have three winners per category who will be selected in each province. The provincial winners will receive gift vouchers to the value of R2 500, R2 000 and R1 500 for first, second and third places. They will also go through to the final judging round in which three national winners per category are chosen.

National winners receive vouchers to the value of R6 000, R4 000 and R3 000 for the top three positions respectively. There is also a merit prize for the person who enters the most items in his/her province, as well as for the person who enters the most items nationally.

The closing date for submissions is 31 August. Provincial winners will be announced in September and national winners during October. Winners’ details will be available in Shoprite and Checkers stores throughout the competition, with the items being handed out in December.

Entry forms can be obtained from the Money Market counter in any Checkers, Checkers Hyper or Shoprite store, or from Age-in-Action offices countrywide, or download the entry form at www.shoprite.co.za or www.checkers.co.za.