KFC Polokwane invests in children’s development

The Lethlanthene Drop-in Centre (DIC) currently feeds and supports children from five villages in the Blood River area.
With ages ranging from one to 18 years, the DIC personnel have their hands full and KFC Polokwane has stepped in to help the centre with feeding the children through their Add Hope Campaign as well as getting involved on other levels by supplying essential equipment such as a swing set through the 67 min for Mandela Day initiative and other sponsors who donated chairs for the children to sit on when they do their homework.
House mother Regina Moloto explains that they started a crèche in January and that the little ones arrive at the centre in the mornings. The older children come to the centre after school where they receive a warm meal and help with their home work.
In 2006 KFC Polokwane started their journey with the DIC and through the years they painted the buildings, started a food garden, gave centre staff much needed guidance and are still buying food supplies for the centre every month as part of the KFC Add Hope initiative.
The Add Hope initiative provides funding for beneficiaries from money generated through sales of ‘hope’ in addition to customers’ normal purchases at various KFC outlets countrywide. The funding is worth R90 000 and valid for a year after which beneficiaries may apply again.
Cheray van Blerk, Marketing Manager of KFC Polokwane visited Lethlanthene recently and was very impressed with the way in which the centre staff have been developing the centre. “The food garden has doubled in size and the children are able to eat fresh vegetables every day. The personnel also took extra precautions to keep rations and equipment safe and the addition of the crèche will make a huge difference in this area,” she said.
Moloto thanked Van Blerk and KFC Polokwane for their commitment to the DIC and said they would not be able to help the children without the help of the Add Hope contributions.

Story and photos: MARKI FRANKEN
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