Nearly all of McCain’s 51 plants globally are located in rural communities, with two of these communities being Delmas and Springs in South Africa. This is because one of their key goals is to provide rewarding employment opportunities for local people and stimulate rural economies through the purchase of local goods and services.
To continue in this light, the teams from McCain sites in Delmas, Springs and Rosebank pulled together to collect items for Kutu’s Orphanage and Drop-in Centre (Part of Gift of the Givers organisation) and the Elekanyani Orphanage Drop-in Centre in Delmas.
Donations made to the homes included 20lt of hand sanitiser with five 500ml spray bottles and 100 masks. They also included six boxes of 10kgs frozen vegetables and potato chips and two cases of sanitary pads.
Along with this, the teams donated 13 bags of clothing and toys, weighing about 10kgs each. These included jumpers, dresses, jeans, t-shirts, golf shirts, men’s suits, children’s clothing, jackets, toys, pyjamas and gym clothing.
This drive was initiated as part of the International Women’s Month initiative in March, but delivery was delayed due to the COVID-19 national lockdown restrictions and safety concerns.
Colleen Francis, Marketing & Category Director at McCain South Africa, says that as part of the International Women’s Month initiative the company focused on contributing to local homes in need. “One of the homes we chose specifically caters for orphaned children and young teens, while the other started catering for children in need, but has since morphed into servicing young teens and abused women as well.”
She says that the company hopes to initiate this drive on an annual basis for Women’s Day as well as before the festive season, and that both outlets need ongoing help with maintenance and general upkeep. “We are encouraging our McCain team members to get involved on a personal basis at the various facilities we support. We are currently finalising arrangements for ongoing food donations to children’s homes and women’s shelters in the Springs area”
“Food is an ongoing need and McCain will continue to ensure that a supply of chips and vegetables are delivered to the homes on a regular basis,” she concludes.
