White Christmas Project receives shopping centre donations

15 Dec 2015

The South African Council of Shopping Centres' (SACSC) Gauteng Chapter has donated R25,000, while its members and their guests donated generous contributions of stationery at a recent networking event. Both of these donations were given to the Gauteng Round Table for its White Christmas Project.

White Christmas Project receives shopping centre donations

The annual Gauteng Round Table White Christmas Project makes a big difference in the lives of some 1500 children in the community. This year's Round Table White Christmas party took place at the Pro-Practicum School in Roodepoort and was packed with entertainment and treats for the children. They also received gifts of toys from the annual Toy Run.

The initiative was driven by the SACSC's Gauteng Chapter and its partners. Gaby Sithole, who chairs the chapter, says the donations of SACSC and its members will make the season more joyful for youngsters. It will also be a positive force for good in their lives during the coming year.

"With gifts of stationery, we are helping to equip these youngsters with important tools they will need for their education. We want them to have a bright future. The mall, retail and property industries are hungry for young talent, and this is one way that we can help nurture tomorrow's retail and property professionals," said Sithole.

Meaningful community initiatives

Commenting on the initiative, Amanda Stops, CEO of SACSC, said: "Shopping centres have an important place in the festive season. While meeting people's shopping and entertainment needs for the season, many malls also include meaningful community initiatives as part of their holiday programmes. We felt that supporting a good cause for children this festive season is a great way to reflect the community-mindedness of our members."

The SACSC is the official umbrella body of all involved in shopping centres, including: owners, developers, managing agents, brokers, professionals, retailers, marketers, service providers, financiers and researchers. It was officially launched in 1991 to advance the retail and retail property sectors of South Africa.

SACSC promotes the interests of the sector both in South Africa and internationally, while addressing issues and meeting challenges within the industry. It engages with associated sectors and other stakeholders on behalf of its members and highlights the role of shopping centres as a major resource for all communities in South Africa.