Charity initiatives on the go

Bridgestone’s Pink Valve Caps raise R1 000 000
Launched during 2014, Bridgestone South Africa’s Pink Valve Cap project has raised R1 000 000 for the fight against breast cancer. The money raised was recently handed over to PinkDrive and will be used to build new mammography units, as well as to help keep the existing units on the road.

PinkDrive’s CEO and founder, Noelene Kotschan, expressed her deepest gratitude to Bridgestone: “Today I am at a loss for words. How does one thank a committed organisation and the public for their contribution to financially assist PinkDrive?

“With this donation, through us, you will directly help thousands of people in communities by raising awareness and providing education on breast cancer.”

Bridgestone South Africa’s CEO, Mike Halforty, explains that Bridgestone came up the innovative idea that would captivate its stakeholders, while at the same time raise money for this worthy cause.

“The pink valve caps are a stylish add-on to a vehicle, and the patrons who purchased them could show that they had done their bit to assist this initiative” says Halforty.

“We are proud to be associated with PinkDrive and to know that we are actively helping this organisation to make a difference. We hoped for the best when we launched this product and we are more than satisfied with the outcome.”

The pink valve caps were sold at participating Supa Quick dealers for R50 and all proceeds were donated to PinkDrive.

Peugeot main prize for Beeld Children’s Fund
For the seventh year in a row, Peugeot will supply the Beeld Children’s Fund with a brand-new Peugeot 208 Access 1.2 VTi hatchback as the main prize for the fund’s annual fundraising competition. The 208 is valued at R189 500.

With the proceeds of the competition, the Beeld Children’s Fund supports various child-focused charities including: several children’s homes, shelters, day-care and after-school-care centres and counselling services. Just over R1 million was raised last year.

“It is important that we protect, assist and nurture the children of South Africa, as they are our future,” says MD of Peugeot Citroën South Africa, Francis Harnie.

“We are proud of our long association with this fund, and hope that our support of the competition will improve the lives of the many children in need.”

The Beeld Children’s Fund Car Competition is now open for entries. Tickets can be purchased from various welfare organisations at a cost of R30, or you can enter by SMSing the word PEUGEOT to 41511.

Alternatively, donations of R30 or more can be made directly into the Beeld-Kinderfonds bank account, ABSA Bank, account number: 4050654867. Please include your name, surname and cell number. In both instances, you will receive an SMS to confirm your entry into the competition.

Entries close on November 4. The winners will be drawn on November 5 and will be announced in the Beeld newspaper the following day.

GMSA, Mr SA and the Winter Woolly Week drive
Earlier this month, employees at General Motors South Africa and their children joined hands with Mr South Africa, Armand Du Plessis, at the Walmer Park Shopping Centre in Port Elizabeth, to collect money and unwanted winter woollies for Winter Woolly Week.

A Community Chest project, Winter Woolly Week assists people in the Eastern Cape’s disadvantaged communities, who are adversely affected during the cold winter months.

Colette Theron, Community Chest public relations officer, says Winter Woolly Week 2015 aims to assist families and individuals who have lost everything during unexpected disasters. It also assists registered soup kitchens with gas, gas stoves and ingredients. It invests in building proper structures for day-care centres, and provides clothing and blankets to those in need.