"Winter is a very difficult season for those living below the breadline, especially with the harsh temperatures that are often experienced throughout the season," says Anet Oberholzer, Broker/Manager or RE/MAX Jowic. "It is sometimes easy to take for granted the privilege of being able to dress warmly and have a hot meal during these winter months. So many people throughout the country don't have access to these basic things."
Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that community involvement and upliftment is central to the brand's ethos. "RE/MAX offices are independently operated businesses that are owned by people working and living within that community who have a passion for the area," he says. "That makes giving back so much more meaningful. The RE/MAX Foundation's Coats and Cans project has been exceptionally well supported this year, and we thank each RE/MAX office that participated and made a difference in the lives of those less fortunate this winter."
According to Oberholzer, RE/MAX Jowic nominated the Christian Social Council (CSC) Valhalla as their charity of choice, and donated the goods which they collected to them. "The CSC Valhalla is an incredible organisation that focuses primarily on intervening and providing secure home environments for children who have been abused, neglected or sexually molested. They also render services to around 55 foster families with no less than 62 foster children under their care. The children and the families that care for them receive therapy and an ongoing support from the organisation, which relies on the financial contributions of the local community. Much like most NGOs, CSC Valhalla would not be able to provide the service they do within the Centurion West community without the support they receive from people who generously give back to the community," says Oberholzer.
The RE/MAX Coats and Cans drive tied in nicely with the CSC Hope for Winter 2014 initiative, a national campaign which urged members of the community to donate warm clothes and blankets. She says, "Through the Coats and Cans project and the generosity of the public we were able to support their cause and help make a difference in the lives of people in the community that could not afford the basics needed to survive the winter cold. We donated blankets and non-perishable food such as corned meat, fish and many others, and will continue to work together with charity organisations to assist in uplifting our communities."
