Shoprite group lends a helping hand to local charities

Charities and care organisations supporting the homeless during the Covid-19 lockdown period are no doubt under tremendous strain. More people are in need than ever.

As the need is greater, many big businesses have stepped in to help. One such example is the Shoprite Group, which has since the start of the lockdown donated surplus food valued at more than R13 million, providing 4.4 million meals to hungry South Africans.

Surplus food is any products that have or have started to reach their end of shelf life, but still fresh for consumption. Two of the 240 vetted non-governmental organisations benefiting from this drive is Nosh Food Rescue and One Small Act of Kindness based in Randburg.

Hanneke van Linge of Nosh said that the organisation values support like this from big businesses.

“Shoprite Checkers are one of many shops that have been helping out our 15 teams for over a year now. “Initiatives like this are always a massive help. This lockdown period has been tough, but we are moving faster than we ever did.”

Kelly-Ann van der Meer of One Small Act of Kindness added that support from businesses is pivotal in the daily running of the organisation. “Checkers have been helping us for over a year already, and their surplus helps to feed all those that we help. We have found this service to be truly valuable during the lockdown period as there is a great need at the homeless shelter that we run.”

The charity operates a temporary homeless shelter at the community church in Fontainebleau. The shelter also has a dedicated volunteer chef and support volunteers to help cook food for the homeless.Van der Meer continued, “Our chefs in the kitchen are loving the variety of food to cook with, and anything that is not used is sent to other charity organisations that need them.

“We receive a lot of fresh produce and other ingredients, which has helped the food made for our homeless folk more special.”The shop has also contributed to helping those in need countrywide in the form of Shoprite Mobile Soup Kitchens that have delivered more than 490 000 meals to over 700 beneficiary organisations.

Customers who wish to help the retailer in its charity efforts can contribute to the Solidarity Fund via its in-store Act for Change Fund collection facility, which so far has raised more than R3.3 million.Details: www.solidarityfund.co.za