SPAR in Botswana has undertaken a variety of initiatives during the course of this year, responding to community needs highlighted by shoppers to the retailer. Support has been given in the form of volunteer work, materials or funding to people in need, ranging from smaller projects through to larger-scale initiatives.

Focus on school needs

Wheelchairs and school uniforms were provided for 15 underprivileged children in Serowe by the local SPAR Supermarket. In Orapa, 20 primary school children who needed shoes received them from their local SPAR Supermarket. A vacation bible school run in the two suburbs of Gabora and Maru-a-pula receives support from SPAR Botswana through providing the food needed for the soup kitchen.

Improving access to nutritious fresh produce

The Mother’s Union Orphan Care Centre is a pre-school for vulnerable children, located in Mahalapye. The local SPAR Supermarket provided the school with materials and advice to develop their garden centre which grows vegetables for the children, ensuring greater intake of fresh vegetables. In Francistown, the local school received support from SPAR Marang in developing a vegetable garden which not only formed part of the education curriculum but also is a key source of quality fresh produce for the community. The Mother’s Union garden centre in Mahalapye was supported with the development of their vegetable centre.

Children in need

In the town of Maun, orphans, abandoned and less privileged children go to the orphanage Motse Wa Kgalalelo for a nutritious meal each day and SPAR supported the residential home with cooking equipment, crockery and furniture. In Mochudi, a young woman who cares for ten children needed support as her home was in a poor state of repair and was too small for their needs. Thanks to SPAR, it is now a safe home for them all. In Tutume, a grandmother has taken on the care of her three orphaned grandchildren and was assisted with the development of a vegetable garden and additional accommodation. Lastly – and reflecting on the awareness in Botswana of the SPAR community initiative – at the request of the Village Child Protection Committee, SPAR Botswana provided funds for a small house to be built for a single mother with five children and three grandchildren in Mokatse Village.

At SPAR, our commitment to communities extends beyond providing a high quality, value-for-money shopping experience. It also involves supporting those in need by volunteering time or generating funds while promoting educational initiatives and access to healthy nutrition. Through all of these activities, SPAR adds value to the communities it serves.

Source: SPAR Botswana

About SPAR Botswana

The licence to operate SPAR in Botswana was granted to the SPAR Group Ltd South Africa in 2004 by SPAR International. SPAR Botswana operates both the large SUPERSPAR format and smaller SPAR neighbourhood stores across the country.

The key focus in Botswana is on the delivery of excellent customer service with instore bakery, delicatessen, butchery, and fruit & veg departments playing an important role.