For millions of South Africans, having a happy Christmas is simply about having food in their stomachs. Recognising this, SPAR South Africa’s ‘A Christmas Like No Other’ campaign delivered hundreds of meals to women and children in need across the country during a five-week period. SPAR South Africa travelled across the country to bring joy, warmth, and festive cheer to women and children in need in the form of ZAR2 million worth of groceries, essentials and Christmas treats.

In the spirit of giving, SPAR South Africa invited customers nationwide to nominate local NGOs, charities, or safe homes they believed deserved support. From these nominations, two charities per province were selected to receive festive food deliveries tailored to bring joy and sustenance over the Christmas period.

“Christmas is a time of giving and sharing, and while SPAR South Africa and independently owned stores support numerous causes all year, we wanted to make this festive season mean something,” said Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications & Sponsorship Manager at SPAR South Africa. “This campaign reflects the compassion and generosity that connects us to the communities we serve.”

Five weeks of joy

Deliveries of nourishing food, essentials and treats were made to homes supporting  abandoned and orphaned children, a home which helps care for babies born to mothers who don’t have the financial means to meet the needs of their infants, youth centres, an SOS Children’s Village, homes caring for those surviving sexual abuse, homes for the aged, and safe homes for abused women and their children. All are deserving homes and charities working to make a difference in their communities.

Making Christmas memorable

“We chose 18 causes to receive donations based on women and children being the most vulnerable within our communities. We felt there was no better way for the SPAR brand to show that we care by making Christmas 2024 a time to remember for as many people as possible, even if only for a short while”, said Maubane.

Each food parcel was curated based on a wish list supplied by each charity, ensuring that the donations met the recipients’ unique dietary and nutritional needs. The parcels included essential staples to provide sustenance and practical support. To bring joy and a touch of holiday spirit, festive treats were added.

“Although we haven’t done more than provide nourishing food and a few small luxuries, we hope it makes a real difference in the lives of those facing hardship while offering recipients the opportunity to come together and celebrate the spirit of Christmas,” concluded Mpudi Maubane.

Source: SPAR South Africa

Read more about SPAR South Africa.

About SPAR South Africa

SPAR South Africa was established in 1963. It operates four retail formats: SPAR neighbourhood supermarkets, SPAR Express forecourt stores, KWIKSPAR convenience focused stores and SUPERSPAR Supermarkets.  SPAR South Africa grants sub-licences to independent retailers to operate stores under one of the four formats, with almost all the current store portfolio being independently owned.