When heritage skincare brand, Clere, announced theyâd be spreading the love all year long, during this their 60th birthday year, they meant it. Clere has always been a brand that cares. From their annual life-changing cash prizes through their national promotions, and their celebration of body positivity, their #SpreadTheLove motto encourages us to pay it forward and show kindness in all aspects of our lives, especially now in these uncertain times. It was with this sentiment in mind, that the brand added a donation element to their 2021 Winter In-Store Promotion. *
While consumers stand the chance to win R3000 daily, with three grand prizes to be given away at the end of the promo (R100000, R50000 and R25000), most importantly, for every valid entry received Clere will donate R2 to Gender Based Violence (GBV), child abuse and food relief charities. All consumers need to do to qualify is buy a Clere lotion or crème and see pack for entry details.
âWeâre proud to say weâve already raised R230 000 for charity. With the year not going the way any of us hoped, the past few weeks particularly traumatic for so many, if ever there was a time for spreading a little love and kindness, it is now,â explains Clere brand manager Su-Marie Annandale.
Speaking about kindness, it doesnât require grand, expensive gestures. It doesnât even need to take up much time. Sometimes all it takes is a kind word or a heartfelt thank you to make someoneâs day.Annandale recaps some of the ways we can spread love and kindness during tough times like these:
Reach out to family and friends – We are so lucky to have technology, so be sure to use it. Checking in with your inner circle during your extra time at home is a great way to make sure everyone is doing okay. Host a virtual birthday party for a friend or call an elderly family member who lives alone. Whatever you decide to do, find ways to stay connected with your loved ones. These moments will help strengthen our bonds and spread love during this crazy time.
Love your neighbours – A small job for many of us can be a difficult chore for older neighbours or those living with illness or disability. So, when you bring in your rubbish bins, offer to take in a neighbourâs too. Be sure to wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly before and after.
Get the kids involved – If you and your family are spending the weekend indoors, itâs the perfect opportunity to get the kids to sort through their toys and set aside the ones they no longer use to donate to a local charity.
Gift a meal – Give someone the gift of a night off from cooking. Whether itâs through a food delivery service, or one of the local restaurants offering takeaways, thereâs nothing like relaxing and enjoying a meal you didnât have to cook yourself.
Choose to smile more – The human brain is hardwired to smile during happy times. Smiling even when something small happens in your day can send endorphins throughout your body, reducing stress. Put a sticky note with a positive affirmation on your computer monitor or door frame to remind you to smile every time you see it.
Write a gratitude list â When you wake up or right after breakfast, write out five things youâre thankful for. It could be your morning coffee, your car that gets you from point A to point B, or your favourite meal. Putting pen to paper and recognising what youâre thankful for can benefit those around you, increase your productivity, and lower your stress.
Turn off your phone for a morning – Increased cell phone use has shown an increase in cortisol levels. If youâre someone that instantly looks at your phone the moment you wake up, turn it off before you go to bed the night before. Spend the first part of your morning getting ready for the day, reading a book, or making your breakfast as calm as can be.
Spread good news – Put your time and energy towards topics that uplift you, your family and friends. Consider reposting podcasts, articles, and even comments that shed light on the good things happening in the world, or for a simple motivational boost.
Nourish your body – Eat healthy and clean food groups to help boost your mood. Find a couple of healthy and simple meals that donât require many ingredients to prep throughout the week. You could even consider trying out food subscription boxes to have delivered right to your door.
Donate blood – Hospitals are always in need of blood; especially now during the countryâs third wave of COVID-19 infections. Visit the South Africa National Blood Services website to find out where and how you can donate blood during social distancing.
Love yourself – Be kind to yourself. That long-overdue soak in a bath scented with essential oils is a great start. Afterwards lather your body with an enriching moisturiser. A moisturiser will help keep the skinâs protective barrier functioning properly and your skin feeling smooth and soft. Clereâs range of lotions and crèmes offer four unique formulations (Tissue Oil and Pure Glycerine, Triple Glycerine, Pure Glycerine Crème and Glycerine Gel), all available in different fragrances and catering to the different skin needs of each consumer.