In a statement today (06/05/2020) the Shoprite Group congratulated and thanked its customers for reaching the R1-million mark in funds raised for the Solidarity Fund. This was achieved through big and small donations via the Group’s Act for Change Fund, a till point donation facility.

In appreciation the Group matched its customers’ contributions with another R1-million bringing the total raised for the Solidarity Fund to R3-million, as the Group immediately heeded President Ramaphosa’s appeal by making an initial R1-million donation. 

“Our customers are our greatest inspiration and it is their generosity that spurred us on to donate a further R1 million to the Solidarity Fund,” commented Pieter Engelbrecht, CEO of the Shoprite Group. 

He added that the Group’s customer generosity has surpassed all expectations, with contributions from rural supermarkets reaching unprecedented levels. “Every contribution counts and we are deeply grateful to each and every one of our customers who made a donation in this time of great need and dwindling resources. By working together,  we will overcome this crisis.” 

In reaction Nomkhita Nqweni, the Chief Executive Officer of the Solidarity Fund said: “The Solidarity Fund is a platform that was created to allow all South Africans from the public and private sectors, civil society, as well as the general public, to contribute to one consolidated effort in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“As an independent and agile organisation, we have been able to make and activate meaningful interventions to support and augment those provided by the state and other organs of society in a very short space of time. 

“The efforts of all the Shoprite, Checkers and USave shoppers who elected to make donations will ensure we can continue to make a difference in our communities and protect our frontline emergency workers,” she added. 

Donations are only added on at the request of customers. Anyone who would still like to donate to the Act For Change Fund, can do so at the till point in any Shoprite, Checkers or Usave store the next time they do their grocery shopping. 

The Group manages the Fund on behalf of its customers and pays all the money received over to the beneficiaries which at the moment is the Solidarity Fund. There are no administrative costs. 

The Act for Change Fund was launched in March 2016 in response to customers who enquired how they too could help drought-stricken communities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State at the time. 

In addition to its support for the Solidarity Fund, the Group has also donated surplus food to the value of R9 million to 233 non-governmental organisations since the start of the lockdown. These beneficiaries are always vetted and registered organisations supporting communities in hunger relief. Visit www.shopriteholdings.co.za to read more about how the Group is assisting the most vulnerable during this crisis.