Corporate SA reaches out to women in need

Thousands of women and children in need will benefit from a joint fundraising initiative on National Women's Day on 9 August involving the Vodacom Foundation, Nedbank, MNet and Pick ‘n Pay.

This year's Show your hands, show your heart event will focus on the need to nurture and care for abused women and children of South Africa by supporting the various fundraising initiatives that have been established. These range from buying cell phone charms to making a cash donation.

The proceeds will be distributed between the participating charities, all of which focus in some way on meeting the needs of these most vulnerable members of our society.

Mthobi Tyamzashe, Chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, says, “Vodacom is proud to join hands with our fellow platinum sponsors to support the women and children of our nation who are vulnerable and in need of assistance. Vodacom believes that every woman and child has the right to live in a nurturing, secure environment and we trust that our modest contribution will help the various beneficiary organisations to achieve their goals.”

How can you help?

There are several ways in which members of the public can assist:

* Send the word 'hands' to 36194, at R5.00 per sms; proceeds to go to the 82 adopted charities.
* Adopt a charity for the day and help to fulfil its wish list.
* Provide the items on a charity's “wish list” such as food, clothing, blankets, paint, etc; details of “wish lists” are available on www.wacd.co.za.
* Purchase cell phone charm for R10 from any Nedbank branch, or call Sho-Sho-Lo-Za Marketing on 011 234 0400.
* Make a cash donation at any Pick ‘n Pay till point.

In addition to supporting this event, the Vodacom Foundation will be supporting charities across the country in its annual Women's Day Campaign. Charities to benefit will include:
* Chosen Nation Day Care (Katlehong).
* Abraham Kriel Maria Kloppers Children's Home (Johannesburg).
* Iso Labantwana Tshwane Child Welfare (Pretoria).
* T & P Training and Support Counselling Agency (Botshabelo).
* Living Waters Centre (Eastern Cape).
* Open Door Crisis Centre (Durban). and
* Baphumelele Children's Home (Khayelitsha).

Through the Yebo Heroes umbrella, Vodacom staff will volunteer at various organisations and community projects focused on women and children doing painting, varnishing, roof repairs, burglar proofing, paving and other maintenance work. Some of the charities have asked to be supplied with groceries and cleaning materials, while some are looking for heaters and warm clothing. One has asked for a TV, CD player and photocopier as well as crayons, children's aprons, colouring in books and powder pens.

More information about how to get involved in Show your hands, show your heart is available from www.wacd.co.za.