Cape Town - To mark Mandela Day, Sun International Hotels and Casino Properties have donated R275 000 to supply 100 000 much-needed meals to local communities across the country.
The initiative, which was done in collaboration with the group's contribution to the Rise Against Hunger campaign, saw seven of its properties sponsor the distribution of meals to organisations within their local communities.
Sun International’s group socio-economic development manager Heidi Edson said 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 had created an especially urgent need.
“Sun International Properties, along with the head office, sponsored R275 000 to provide 424 boxes containing 91 584 meals to communities in need, while usually we would assist in packaging the food items.
“However, in keeping with Covid-19 protocols, we instead decided to distribute boxes to several early childhood development centres this year,” said Edson.
Rise Against Hunger chief executive Brian Nell said: “Despite the progress made over the last few years, 2021 has seen more people facing food insecurity compared to the last five years.
“Due to the ongoing pandemic and level 4 restrictions, we were not 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 were not able to engage in any events.
“However, thanks to Sun International’s commitment and dedication to eradicate hunger, Rise Against Hunger will be able to pack thousands of meals at our warehouses and distribute them nationally.
“The board and staff at Rise Against Hunger would like to thank Sun International for their loyal support to assist us in helping those most vulnerable and destitute during this difficult time,” said Nell.