Four charities benefit from mall extravaganza
Môreson Special School, Hope Village Orphanage Namibia, Senior Park Windhoek, and the Cancer Association of Namibia benefitted from Wernhil Shopping Centre’s Fashion & Lifestyle Extravaganza Corporate Social Responsibility initiative this year.This campaign aimed to make a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate by collecting and donating clothing, toys and other essential items, with community involvement as the key focus.
From 2 to 30 September, the shopping centre held a donation drive at the Pick n Pay atrium and in front of Dis-Chem every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00. Members of the public were invited to donate clothing items, toys, food products and toiletries to support care homes, schools, and other charitable causes. The public generously contributed previously loved items, resulting in an overwhelming show of support.
Wernhil's tenants, including The Foschini Group, JB Sport and Mr Price, showed their support by donating 105 boxes, 4 boxes, and 2 boxes respectively. Additionally, the public contributed 10 boxes of clothes, toys and food.
Pasta Polana Namibia added a generous contribution of 30kg of pasta and one box of instant noodles.
The campaign received tremendous backing from the community, with the total value of the received goods estimated to be N$250 000.
Towards the end of October, a team of ten individuals sorted and repacked the donations, tailoring each box to the specific needs of the four chosen institutions. Representatives from each institution were consulted beforehand to determine their primary needs.
The boxes and bags contained clothes of all sizes, underwear, winter jackets, sneakers, accessories, rucksacks, toys and some dry food. Each charity was set to receive approximately 20 thoughtfully packed boxes.
Earlier this month, the campaign concluded with a formal handover of donations to the selected charities. These donations will be distributed within the communities served by each institution, with some items earmarked for sale to fund other essential expenses.