Making a difference is not about the glamour of recognition, but knowing that your contribution has made a significant impact on those who need it most. And that’s exactly why MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, South Africa’s largest community loyalty programme, is taking time out to salute its everyday heroes.
”Our loyal supporters are the driving force behind the extraordinary and ongoing impact we have on schools, charitable organisations and animal welfare programmes. They are the real heroes,” says General Manager of MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, Pieter Twine.
Read on for five ways in which these committed supporters have been helping effect significant change over the past 23 years.
R2.2 million was donated to assist with disaster relief efforts during COVID-19
South Africa has a long history of rising to the challenge when disaster strikes, and lives and livelihoods are threatened. These include flash floods, droughts, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, which is approaching its one-year mark. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet has always assisted by providing relief where it is most needed, thanks to its supporters and their unwavering commitment over the past 23 years.
More than R800 million has been raised by MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet since 1997
After 23 years, the total sum of more than R800 million raised by South Africans has assisted over 8 000 charities, schools and organisations. To date this year, over R6 million has already been raised to help beneficiaries. The programme began as a fundraising tool focused soley on providing parents and individuals with the opportunity to raise funds for their local schools with every Woolworths shop. But in response to the vast and growing need in South Africa, it was expanded to include other retail partners and to assist communities, animal protection and conservation agencies, hence the name change to MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet.
Over R19 million has been raised for the fight against rhino poaching
Created in 2011, the MyPlanet Rhino Fund seeks to boost rhino conservation across South Africa, so when you select them as a beneficiary, you can trust that you’re raising funds for worthy and best-practice conservation initiatives. Even during a very tough 2020, when the world’s focus has been consumed by COVID-19, the MyPlanet Rhino Fund was still able to raise over R3.3 million from September 2019 to date.
R200 000 was donated to save Cape Cormorant chicks from starvation
In January 2021, 1,126 Cape Cormorant chicks were rescued from Robben Island and brought to be cared for at SANCCOB. This emergency relief response that followed their abandonment, apparently due to lack of food, is recognised as the second largest seabird rescue in the Western Cape since the MV Treasure oil spill in 2000. The rescue prompted an all-hands-on-deck alert at the SANCCOB seabird hospital based in Table View, Cape Town, to which MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet donated no less than R200 000 to help support the rescue mission.
Over 150 000 books have been provided to schools, learners and other institutions
Working alongside organisations like Book Dash, South Africans have positively impacted the lives and literacy levels of thousands of children and learners, thanks to the gift of educational and recreational books. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet first became involved with Book Dash in 2018 as part of the organisation’s 21st birthday celebrations, sponsoring 21 000 books for inclusion in Santa Shoeboxes going to children aged seven and younger. The impact was so significant that MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet broadened the scope of the collaboration the following year, sponsoring 50 000 books for Santa Shoeboxes in an inspiring example of a collaboration that ultimately benefits children. Last year, 100 000 books were sponsored.
It’s never too late to join the community of supporters who are giving back to these and other causes. Every time you swipe your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet or linked Woolies card when shopping at any of their retail partner stores, a donation is made to your chosen causes on your behalf – at no cost to you. Sign up for free at myschool.co.za or download the App. Retail partners include Woolworths, Loot.co.za, Bidvest Waltons, Builders and more.
