MySchool | Donating to Solidarity Fund for COVID-19 relief efforts

In a show of unity and caring through action, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet announces a R500 000 donation to the South African government’s Solidarity Fund. This follows a R500 000 donation by MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet and Woolworths to Gift of the Givers, a disaster response organisation that is supporting frontline medical workers with protective wear, equipment and mobile testing sites.

As South Africa’s largest community loyalty programme, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet raises funds for worthy causes across the country. In keeping with this mandate, the decision to contribute to the Solidarity Fund was easy, given that it was established with the express aim of cushioning the impact of the virus on the most vulnerable of the country’s citizens.

TheSolidarity Fund, which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa after the National State of Disaster was declared on 15 March 2020, is independently administered and has received donations from more than 3 000 individuals and companies to date. Gloria Serobe, the chairperson of the fund, says that money received has already been used for activities critical to saving lives, such as the purchase of medical masks for those on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19. 

Future use of the funds will include accelerating interventions across healthcare response, COVID-19 detection efforts, humanitarian aid and support, and the mobilisation of citizens to flatten the curve and manage the pandemic’s impact on the economy, communities, households and individuals.

“The COVID-19 pandemic affects all of us and we believe that our supporters will be eager to contribute to this massive humanitarian and health effort. We also have to thank our main partner Woolworths, as well as Engen Foods, Loot.co.za, Bidvest Waltons and many others, for their support which enabled our combined contribution,” says Patricia Kowo, head of Marketing and CSI at MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet. 

To donate directly to the Solidarity Fund, visit solidarityfund.co.za. Remember, you can still help those in need – from children, the environment, animals and beyond – with every swipe of your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet or linked Woolworths card when you purchase your essential goods during the national lockdown, and at no cost to you. Visit myschool.co.za or download the app to sign up.

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