Call to donate food and clothes
According to reports there are roughly 10.2 million people in South Africa who are living below the bread line. Essentially, what that means is that these people are unable to purchase enough food for an adequate diet. Although the ambitious target has been set to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030, until then, many are still struggling.
As the colder months set in, those living in need are likely to feel the winter bite during the months ahead. Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa and the director of the RE/MAX Foundation, says it for this reason that the foundation will be focused on collecting both food and warm clothes from 5 May to 20 June 2014. Following on from last year's success, the aptly named Coats and Cans winter drive aims to uplift the underprivileged in communities around the country and help them through the often harsh winter months.
Extended collection period
"The decision was made to extend the collection period by an extra month to ensure more people benefit from the initiative. The less fortunate already have a lot to deal with on a daily basis, however the colder winter months often add another concern making life just that much harder. A warm meal and winter coat is often taken for granted, but for many it is a luxury that they simply cannot afford.
"In an effort to assist those in need and make a difference in our local communities, RE/MAX offices throughout the country will serve as drop-off points for the public to donate their spare winter clothes and non-perishable food items. A coat that is worn only once or twice a year could become a coat worn everyday by someone who really needs it," says Goslett.
To ensure that the collected items benefit the local community in which the RE/MAX office is located, each office will be entitled to nominate a charity or organisation in their area that will receive the goods. "We want the donations that are received from the public to impact their local community and make a difference to those living in that particular area. Each office will nominate a charity because living and working within a community can provide some insight into which organisations would benefit the most from the donations," he continues.
Positive impact
He adds that the donations will be handed over to the locally nominated organisations by RE/MAX offices between 23 and 27 June 2014. "While the RE/MAX Foundation is eager to make a positive impact and wants to enrich the lives of those less fortunate, the success of the campaign is largely based on the response that we receive from the public," says Goslett.
"We urge people across the country to visit their local RE/MAX office and donate some much needed items. The more donations we receive, the more people we will be able to help. A small donation from many people makes a massive contribution to the cause," he concludes.
For more information regarding the RE/MAX Foundation or the Coats and Cans winter drive, go to www.remax.co.za/foundation.
