Community-based non-profit organisation, Meals on Wheels will deliver essential stationery to schools across South Africa following a fundraising drive that raised R1 million through Checkers’ Act For Change Back-to-School project.

The funds will provide much-needed stationery packs, including pens, exercise books, calculators, and other essential supplies to nearly 9 000 learners. The organisation is working closely with schools and communities across South Africa to ensure the resources reach those most in need.

Rising costs can bring pressure for many families. Rising costs mean some learners still lack the basic tools to participate fully in the classroom. Through its partnership with Checkers Act For Change, Meals on Wheels is helping get these supplies directly into students’ hands.

“We see first-hand the challenges families face every day. Through our network, we’re able to help ensure these supplies reach learners in communities that are often overlooked.” 

- Gershon Naidoo, National Programmes & Marketing Director at Meals on Wheels

Launched at the start of the 2026 school year, the project brought together Checkers customers, the retailer’s supplier partners, and communities in a shared effort to assist learners.

Everyday shopping became a simple way to contribute: a limited-edition Act For Change exam pad, available in stores and on Checkers Sixty60, added up to R2 from each purchase to the stationery fund, while customers could also donate R5 at till points nationwide.

Leading stationery brands including Pritt, Bostik, Henkel, Staedtler, Penflex, Bic, Butterfly, Casio, KV Art, Freedom Stationery, Bidvest, Palm Stationery, CTP Stationery, Sappi, and Plastafrica, joined Checkers by contributing a portion of proceeds from selected products.

“Ensuring learners have the basic tools they need allows them to focus on learning and engage more fully in the classroom.” 

- Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group

Anyone can continue to support communities in need by donating R5 to the Act for Change Fund at Checkers till points nationwide. The Fund is active all year round, with proceeds allocated to CSI programmes across the country.

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