SPAR’s dedication to the communities it serves extends beyond providing a high-quality grocery experience. This year’s Congress continued the SPAR tradition of community support.
SOS Children’s Villages of India works for the holistic development of parentless children, plus women and children of vulnerable families. Founded in 1949 in Austria, SOS Children’s Villages began operating in India in 1964. For over five decades, it has continued to provide children without parental care or at the risk of losing it a basket of care services that go beyond childcare, ensuring comprehensive child development. SOS Children’s Villages of India directly touch the lives of around 28,500 children annually through their range of care services.
Mr. Sumanta Kar, Secretary General, SOS Children’s Villages of India, said: “SPAR’s support comes at a time of dire need and adversity, as we try to recover from the effects of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic. This donation will go towards finding sustainable solutions for children and their caregivers to help them rebuild their lives after the pandemic. Our focus is on the worst hit regions and children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it. As we strive to rehabilitate these children and their caregivers, we thank SPAR for their aid during these trying times. We hope that together we can continue to offer support to the worst affected communities and their children.”
Speaking about the donation, Tobias Wasmuht, Managing Director of SPAR International said: “As a global yet local food retailer, SPAR strives to add value to the communities it serves. Our partnership through SPAR India with SOS Children’s Villages is one that is cherished by the global SPAR family, especially after a particularly difficult year with the Covid-19 pandemic. We are committed to remaining a valued supporting partner and together we can continue to uplift the lives of these hopeful caregivers and their children in need.”
When the International SPAR Congress was held in India in 2018, the delegates chose this non-profit organisation to receive the annual donation.