Spreading some warmth

Many underprivileged and homeless people are being kept a bit warmer as Bridgestone combined its annual Winter Drive with Mandela Day, to bring a little cheer to the less fortunate.

Among the beneficiaries was the Sunfield Fortuna Home near Nigel, Gauteng, where Bridgestone followed up its recent visit (where it donated goodie bags and jeans) by donating 110 sets of beanies, scarves and gloves to the home’s residents.

The home has been in existence since 1991 and provides care for mentally and physically disabled residents on a 24-hour basis. In addition to providing the basic necessities, Sunfield Fortuna also provides medical care, training and social interaction for the disabled.

The home receives no government funding, so all assistance from the public and companies goes a long way towards keeping the doors open and making the lives of the residents more comfortable.

Meanwhile, the Dutch Reformed Church in Benoni was also a beneficiary of the Winter Drive, with Bridgestone supplying 60 sets of beanies, scarves and gloves to homeless people. The tyre manufacturer also provided a soup kitchen, with portions of bread and fruit included to offer extra energy against the recent cold conditions.

Across town in Newlands, Johannesburg, Place of Refuge 911 was next on the list. At any given time, this facility provides food, shelter and basic necessities for approximately 160 people, including single mothers and the destitute. Again, Bridgestone provided sets of beanies, scarves and gloves to help ward off the cold.

“And, of course, we didn’t forget the abandoned animals, that also suffer terribly during the winter months,” says Bridgestone PR manager, Desirée van Niekerk. “Thanks to our Isando staff, we collected a good stock of pet food, which was donated to SPCA Edenvale to assist them in taking care of stray and abandoned animals.”