The company announced yesterday, 23 July 2013, that it had gathered and distributed over 4300 items of warm clothing to needy communities in the two provinces.
Kevin Hurwitz, CEO of Wonga.com SA, says that the company is thrilled at the amount of donations received from the South African public. "Winter is always a miserable time of year for many underprivileged communities in South Africa, bringing much discomfort. The large amount of contributions received is testament to the tremendous support shown and goodwill possessed by ordinary South Africans. This means that many needy people will receive an item of clothing to keep them warm this winter."
The concept was inspired by the company's latest TVC where the Wonga character Felicia's knitting skills are enhanced by a super powered jacket allowing her to knit faster, mirroring the speed of a Wonga loan. "Drop off boxes were placed in convenient locations in both cities, which began filling up in no time."
In the Western Cape, the donated clothing items were given to NewKidz on the Block, a non-profit organisation providing care to orphans in South Africa by linking them with foster families and children's homes.
Hurwitz says that the donated gear will benefit various organisations across the province identified by NewKidz on the Block. "These organisations include the Christine Revel Children's Home in Athlone, Groenheuwel Primary School in Paarl, Hands of Compassion soup kitchen in Retreat, Jellie Spinder soup kitchen and foster home in Bellville, Steinthal Children's Home in Tulbagh and The Homestead home for boys off the street in Khayelitsha."
Organisations in Gauteng that stand to benefit from the clothing items donated include the Soweto Home for the Aged, Takalani School for the disabled in Soweto, MES Impilo Homeless Shelter in Jeppestown, Bathuseng Care Centre in Alexandra and the Carl Sithole Children's Home in Soweto.
As part of the campaign, the digital finance company teamed up with the Cape-based non-profit organisation Grandmothers Against Poverty & Aids (GAPA) to employ its Gogos to knit beanies and scarves for those less privileged. Wonga provided all the materials needed for Gogos to knit the beanies and scarves and also gave them an opportunity to earn an income by paying them per item knitted.
The scarves and beanies knitted by GAPA were donated to U-turn, a Christian non-profit organisation that reaches out to homeless people in Cape Town through rehabilitation with the aim of reintegrating them back into society.
Randall Bester, U-turn's 1st phase co-ordinator, says that all donations to their organisation make a big difference in the lives of the homeless. "We issue vouchers to our homeless patrons and they are able to redeem this voucher at specialist centres in exchange for food and clothes. The donation will go a long way in helping the homeless people who are part of our support base. The general public can also purchase these vouchers from participating resellers in Cape Town and give it to those on the street who asks for help."
In kicking off the campaign Wonga.com handed out 1200 scarves at various intersections around Gauteng and the Western Cape. "Recipients were asked to 'pay it forward' and pass the scarves on to a needy person in their respective communities. This activity proved very successful and coincided with the theme for the campaign which was to spread warmth this winter.
"We are very happy that we could assist in improving the plight of the homeless, orphaned children and less fortunate persons across South Africa this winter. Our efforts will never be enough, but it is important to realise that every little bit can make a big difference in the end," concludes Hurwitz.
