The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on communities, especially those who rely on Non-Government Organisations and food banks. As a result, shelters for both children and the elderly have seen a surge in requests, therefore needing more donations and assistance to survive. Uber Eats understands its responsibility to assist communities in need and activated a few community-led initiatives in the last few months.
Giving back to those in need
Uber Eats recently visited St Mary’s Children’s home in Rosettenville under strict COVID protocols. The home which was established over 100 years ago to meet the challenges faced by communities which include the impact of HIV/Aids on children and families as well as circumstances that have led to child abuse and abandonment. The home was supplied with much-needed daily supplies for the 45 children which included toiletries, fresh fruits and vegetables.
In the same week, another NGO was visited in Orlando East, Soweto called Ekujabuleni old age home. The home aims to change the lives of 43 older people by empowering them to live full lives as actively engaged citizens and to secure their rights to comprehensive high-quality services according to their changing needs. The home was supplied with much-needed supplies which will allow the caregivers to run the home efficiently.
Uber Eats assists over 300 000 women and children
In May, as the national lockdown continued to affect the lives of many households, it became clear that vulnerable women and children needed support. Uber Eats partnered with Kotex® and Huggies® to ensure at-risk women and children have the essential products they needed such as nappies and sanitary pads.
During World Hunger Month in October, Uber Eats partnered with KFC and Add Hope to help fight hunger by contributing meals to children in need across South Africa. Through this partnership, Uber Eats was able to encourage app users to partake in this partnership with KFC and provide a meal for South African kids who are in desperate need.
Supporting GBV survivors
As the hard lockdown continued to impact our communities earlier this year, staying at home encouraged us to limit the spread of the virus. This created unintended challenges for some of the most vulnerable among us. This includes victims of domestic violence, many of which continue to face increased risk, and are left with few safe options to access resources, seek help or plan an exit. As an effort to assist Uber partnered with local NGO, Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development in Johannesburg to provide them with free rides to help them access life-saving services and find a safe place to shelter. In honour of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Uber Eats extended their long-standing partnership with the NGO to raise women’s voices in South Africa by donating R160,000.00 towards the NGO.
Shane Austin, operations manager at Uber Eats, South Africa, says, “The end of year is a time for families to gather together and share special moments that matter. We realise that the festive season may be a difficult time for many especially the residents at these homes. We realise the hard work that goes into ensuring that these homes run effectively and efficiently while caring for the vulnerable members of society.
As the festive season begins we are reminded of the things that matter the most and that is making a difference in the lives of those that need it the most.
Source:PR
