The Shoprite Group has launched a discount buying card to assist welfare organisations in their bid to stay afloat amidst trying economic times. The Act For Change card gives qualifying non-profit organisations (NPOs) access to a 5% discount across various Shoprite Group outlets.

These much-needed benefits come when NPOs, like the rest of the country, face a 1% increase in value-added tax on top of an extended period of severe economic pressure.

Sinah George, manager of NOAH Khayelitsha, believes the newly launched Act For Change card will be of great help for her organisation that supports elderly people dependent on state pensions.

“Shoprite is already known for its low prices. With the 5% discount, our local Shoprite has become an even more attractive option from which to get supplies for our spaza shop.”

- Sinah George, manager of NOAH Khayelitsha.

The spaza shop, run by elderly residents from Khayelitsha, is one of the social enterprises used by NOAH to assist people dependent on state pensions in the greater Cape Town area.

A further benefit of this card is greater peace of mind for donors, who by paying donations directly into the card ensure their money is spent only on items that can be bought from Shoprite subsidiaries. The application process is open only to registered NPOs.

Hilton Davids from the Vlottenburg Community Organisation (VCO) would definitely recommend the card to other organisations.

“It can serve as a savings tool for organisations that put money on the card every month for use when there’s an urgent, unexpected need or special event.”

- Hilton Davids, Vlottenburg Community Organisation

VCO supports children in Wesbank, Kuils River, by feeding them and providing an aftercare programme for six to 18 year olds.

Like NOAH, VCO participated in the pilot roll-out of the Act For Change card in the Western Cape. Outlets where the card can be used include Shoprite, Checkers, Checkers Hyper, Usave, House & Home, MediRite and OK Furniture outlets.