SPAR Zimbabwe has a very strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme!
CSR projects often do not involve a simple cash donation. SPAR’s ethos of working together means that Community Benefits teams in all SPAR stores are actively involved in community work, whether this means sweeping, plowing, weeding, doing the washing, collecting rubbish or filling potholes – all this and more is in a day’s work for a SPAR employee, and everyone is proud to be part of the Community Benefits team. These are just a few of the community events SPAR sponsored this year.
Rainbow Run
In May 2017, SPAR Zimbabwe hosted the Rainbow Run in aid of Childline, which was a resounding success. Over 1600 runners participated, with sponsorship from more than 30 companies nationwide. The run raised $ 17,000 for Childline, which they have used to purchase a new vehicle for their community outreach program.
SPAR Kadoma Community Benefits
The SPAR Kadoma Community Benefits team is particularly active in the Kadoma community, and can often be seen sporting their SPAR Community Benefits T-Shirts, which state, “I am making a difference in my community.”
SPAR Kadoma supports Tariro Children’s Home, however, much of their support is not in the form of a cheque. “We believe that charity is not just about handing over money. It is also important to help charity organisations to become self-sustaining and to support them in other ways. To this end, we visit Tariro and literally get stuck in, weeding, mowing lawns, helping with the cooking and washing, and teaching the older children how to grow their own vegetables and look after rabbits and chickens.”
One member of the SPAR Kadoma Community Benefits team spent her winter knitting warm woollen beanies for the little residents of the children’s home – each one had a different pattern or was in a different colour. “We love seeing the children smile,” she said simply. “One smile means we are making a difference in our community.”
Bonsa Cancer Walk
The BONSA Cancer Walk was held in Bulawayo on 16th September 2017. Over 2,400 members of the Bulawayo community took part in this epic event, walking to raise money for Cancer Palliative Care. A total of $12,000 was raised, and this was donated to Island Hospice, the Cancer Association and the Fighting Back Fundraiser.
Community Clean Ups
SPAR stores have embarked on a year-long community clean-up campaign, in conjunction with Miracle Missions and under the guidance of EMA and the City of Harare. One SPAR store a week holds a clean-up in their area, encouraging members of the community and surrounding businesses to get involved. Since the initiative started, a total of 920 black bin bags of rubbish have been collected in Harare – Braeside, Ballantyne, Borrowdale, Groombridge, Helensvale, Queensdale, Waterfalls, Msasa, and the Avenues.
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