The Lowveld has joined hands in supporting GRIP (Greater Rape Intervention Project) through the Hoot 4 a Cause challenge on October 8, aimed at raising both funds and awareness about gender-based violence (GBV).

SPAR Lowveld’s sponsorship and events controller, Bella Mogane, explained that for each hoot, SPAR donated R1 to GRIP. A total of 2 506 hoots were recorded; however, SPAR rounded up the contribution to a final amount of R10 000.

Mogane said the initiative was designed to raise awareness in the Mbombela community and help people reconnect with the fight against GBV in a new, engaging way.

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“We are extremely excited to have been part of this initiative,” she said. “We believe the donation will make a difference to the organisation and to the victims they assist.”

GRIP’s CEO, Tarryn Lokotsch, said that during the two-hour activation, the air was filled with hoots, smiles, and waves from passing motorists. The aim was to raise both awareness and funds for GRIP’s work in the fight against GBV.

“The response was overwhelming; the community’s enthusiasm was contagious, and counting the hoots became nearly impossible,” Lokotsch said. “At the end of the activation, SPAR surprised us with a generous R10 000 donation. We are so grateful to SPAR for their creativity, energy, and unwavering commitment to helping us keep our services running.”

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Lokotsch added that this year has been particularly challenging for GRIP following the loss of major USAID funding, and partnerships like this truly help the organisation to keep their care rooms open and their fight against GBV strong. “Thank you, SPAR, for standing beside GRIP and the survivors we serve,” she concluded.