Mandela Day donations for the needy
Several Sun International properties have done their bit to feed local communities in need through their contribution to Rise Against Hunger (RAH) on Mandela Day, July 18.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people across the world honour Nelson Mandela by donating 67 minutes of their time to do good for those less fortunate, but this year the Covid-19 pandemic has created an especially urgent need.
Despite all but two of the hospitality group’s properties being closed during level four restrictions, seven properties have sponsored the distribution of meals to organisations within their local communities. In total, these properties along with Sun International’s head office has sponsored R275 000 to provide 424 boxes containing 91 584 meals.
“Typically, we would assist in packaging the food items. However, in keeping with Covid-19 protocols, we will instead be distributing boxes to several early childhood development centres this year,” said Heidi Edson, Sun International’s group socio-economic development manager.
These Sun International Properties donated the following:
• Time Square Casino in Tshwane donated R25 000.
• International’s head office and The Maslow Sandton hotel has donated R100 000.
• Carnival City Casino in Ekurhuleni donated R25 000.
• The five star Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town donated R25 000. Meals will be distributed too. The hotel is one of two in the group to still be open.
• Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein donated R50 000.
• Golden Valley Casino in Worcester in the Western Cape donated R10 000.
• Meropa Casino in Polokwane in Limpopo donated R40 000.
• The maintenance team at The Wild Coast Sun resort will donate their time and expertise to revamp the Amadiba Clinic and Preschool trauma centre in their area.
RAH CEO Brian Nell said, “Despite the progress made over the last few years, 2021 will see more people facing food insecurity compared to the last five years.
“Due to the pandemic and level four restrictions, RAH will not be able to host any meal packing events. Pre-Covid, July accounted for over 40% of our annual meals packaged with corporates and staff participating in Mandela Day activities. This year, we are not able to engage in any events.
“However, thanks to Sun International’s commitment and dedication to eradicate hunger, RAH will be able to pack thousands of meals at our warehouses and distribute nationally. The board and staff at RAH would like to thank Sun International for their loyal support to assist us in helping those most vulnerable and destitute during this difficult time.”
