SPAR UK's partnership with South African organisation Belongs To Me NPC has led to a £30,000 donation helping transform lives through making an impact on local communities in South Africa.

This partnership began in 2024, at the SPAR UK National Conference which took place in Sun City. At the event, Khumo Phalatse, founder of It Belongs To Me NPC, shared her story with attendees. The organisation, which began more than a decade ago, has been dedicated to addressing challenges such as period poverty, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and educational inequality.

Empowering communities

SPAR UK’s donation has helped It Belongs To Me NPC by donating materials such as books, toys, stationary and toiletries. The contribution has allowed for the renovation of a facility into a hub for learning and community engagement; creating a new library which now provides educational materials and career workshops. Such programmes provide pivotal support for local youth and women. Further, supporting volunteers have undergone counselling and youth development training to ensure the continued evolution of the various programmes.

The donation has also funded impactful initiatives, including a career awareness campaign that introduces young learners to diverse career paths, a Women’s Day event focused on empowerment and healing, an anti-bullying and substance abuse campaign for primary school students, social media safety workshops for high school learners, as well as a clothing drive providing essentials to families in need.

Khumo Phalatse of It Belongs To Me, said: “This donation has transformed not just our centre, but the lives of so many in our community. What began as a small spark of hope has now grown into a vibrant space of safety, learning, and healing. Thanks to everyone who attended the SPAR UK conference we have created something that will last – a place that inspires and empowers those who need it most.”

Dominic Hall, Chair of the National Guild of SPAR UK, added: “At SPAR, we believe in making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve, both at home and abroad. Supporting It Belongs To Me NPC has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and we are inspired by Khumo’s dedication and resilience. This partnership highlights the power of collective effort and the profound impact it can have.”

Source: SPAR UK

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About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.