Vodacom staff collect goods for winter warmth

Vodacom's familiar collection wheelie bins will once again become a feature in the reception areas of its various offices across the country, as the company's annual Vodacom Volunteer Collection Drive kicks off for the winter season.

Branded in Vodacom's bright new red livery, the bins will soon be groaning with various items donated by generous staff members for needy communities.

This year, the drive will be focused on the ten participating organisations of Vodacom's ground-breaking initiative called Vodacom Change the World, whereby ten skilled volunteers have been placed in ten Non-Profit organisations for a period of 6 months, at no cost to the volunteer and host organisation.

The staff donations are based on a list of needs that have been identified by each of the Non-Profit organisations. Vodacom staff in the Gauteng region, for example, have adopted the Sandton SPCA and will collect pet food and blankets, whilst other organisations have requested items like blankets, clothing, books, nappies and non-perishable food.

Last year, Vodacom staff collected over 500 blankets, 150 bags and 26 boxes of clothing. 13 bags of tinned food were also donated, as well as nearly 700 bottles of prepared baby food. Other donations included toys, sports equipment, toiletries, bedding and nappies.

This is the fourth year in which Vodacom has held a Winter Collection drive.

Mthobi Tyamzashe, Vodacom's Executive Director: CSI, says: "The annual Collection Drive provides our staff with an opportunity to contribute to the communities around us. This also associates staff members with the Vodacom Change the World programme in a very practical way that supports our efforts."For more information on the Vodacom Change the World programme and to follow the progress of the 10 winners as they try to "change the world" during their six month placements, visit either https://changetheworld.vodacom.co.za/ or follow their updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vodacomchangetheworld.