As part of the project, Wonga has employed the gogos of GAPA during the month of June who will knit warm items of clothing that will be distributed to underprivileged communities around South Africa. In addition, the company is calling for anyone wanting to get involved, to donate blankets, scarves and beanies which Wonga will then distribute.
"Winter is always a miserable time for the many underprivileged communities in South Africa and we hope that we can at least make a difference to some people this year," explained Kevin Hurwitz, CEO of Wonga.com SA.
In one of Wonga's television adverts, the character Felicia wears a hi-tech jacket, which allows her to "knit for Africa". Hurwitz explained that this was the stimulus for the CSR campaign: "In GAPA we found a group of real-life gogos, just like our Felicia. We're thrilled to be able to employ them for the month of June and at the same time create some warm items of clothing to give to those people who really suffer in the cold winter months."
GAPA consists of a group of inspirational women from Khayelitsha in the Western Cape. They are all the unlikely breadwinners in families affected and torn apart by HIV/AIDS and poverty. They support and care for their orphaned grandchildren and others in their community.
"At Wonga we pride ourselves on being a truly customer-focused business and so we wanted to involve and engage our customers in this campaign; to offer them the opportunity to help someone else out."
During the month of June, Wonga will also be handing out scarves at various intersections around Joburg and Cape Town. "All we ask is that if you happen to receive one of these scarves on your way in to work, please pass it on to someone who may need a bit of extra warmth" explained Hurwitz.
Anyone wanting to get involved can drop off their donated gear at the Kaya FM offices in Joburg and the Heart 104.9FM offices in Cape Town throughout the month of June.
The rest of the country is also welcome to join the #WongaWarmers project by visiting Wonga's Facebook page for all the details on how to get involved.
