Joburg shoppers raise over R22 million in MySchool funds

Before the start of your Christmas and holiday shopping, sign up for your free MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card ... and get swiping!

WORKING: Children at Cotlands working on some Math.

THE funds raised by the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet fundraising programme during its last fiscal year is a reminder that there’s a smart way to use shopping to make a difference in our communities, and in the country. With the “silly season” upon us again, retailers are holding thumbs for bumper sales and so are hundreds of schools, charities and environmental organisations.

Thanks to MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet cardholders in the greater Johannesburg area, a total of R22 271 151,79 was raised this year. Nationally, the programme raised over R70-million thanks to the support of 1.2 million customers choosing to give back as they shop. Cardholders can nominate up to three beneficiaries and then swipe their cards at

participating retailers every time they shop. The retailers make contributions on behalf of cardholders based on a percentage of their spend, which is then distributed to the schools, charities or conservation bodies of their choice, at no additional cost to the shopper.

For schools and non-profit organisations across the country, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet has become an important fundraising partner making a much-needed contribution to the on-going funds they need to carry on their vital work.

A popular beneficiary among cardholders in Johannesburg is Cotlands, a MyVillage beneficiary. Registered as a charity in 1942, Cotlands has been providing care to vulnerable children for almost 80 years. The organisation is a seasoned specialist in providing early childhood development (ECD) opportunities to vulnerable children from birth to six years of age.

During the latest fundraising period, the organisation received R108 405,18 from the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme. Cotlands’ programmes include providing under-resourced ECD centres and playgroups with toy libraries and educational resources across six provinces. These resources are essential for the children’s development of language, mathematics, problem-solving, gross and fine motor skills, as well as social and emotional skills.

Another firm favourite of Joburg cardholders is the Johannesburg SPCA, a MyPlanet beneficiary, which received R39 098,86 during the last fundraising period thanks to shoppers swiping their cards. Based in Booysens, the Johannesburg SPCA has been uplifting the welfare of animals since 1902.

The organisation has a jurisdiction of some 1 500 km², including the Krugersdorp area. Its successful community upliftment programme engages animal owners in under-resourced areas, providing basic vet services and promoting animal-centric networks where community leaders take charge of the proper care of animals in their communities.

The Inspectorate of the Johannesburg SPCA enforces the Animal Protection Act to prevent cruelty to animals. Neglected and abused animals are rehabilitated, where possible, at its Animal Adoption Centre and kennels. Over 900 animals were successfully re-homed over the past year. The organisation also operates one of the largest animal welfare hospitals in the country, offering accessible and affordable vet services and advice. More than 7 200 animals were treated at the Johannesburg SPCA Veterinary Hospital over the last fundraising period.

“Every year it’s a delight to see how cardholders, schools, charities and businesses are working together to make every swipe count. We have become one of the country’s biggest community fundraising programmes that enables South Africans to make a difference, just by shopping. Well done, Joburg shoppers for playing your part!” said Pieter Twine, general manager of MySchool.

So, before the start of your Christmas and holiday shopping, sign up for your free MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card online at www.myschool.co.za and select up to three schools, charities or conservation organisations you would like to support and swipe your card at a range of participating retailers every time you shop.

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