The team at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton has renewed its commitment to community support by launching a structured blanket drive aimed at assisting vulnerable residents during the colder months.

The initiative forms part of the hotel’s broader corporate social investment (CSI) programme, which has been gradually developed over the past two to three years. “We have been trying to put proper CSI initiatives in place. We have always done projects here and there, but now we want to structure them in a way that creates real impact in our community,” said a member of the hotel’s CSI committee who did not want to be named.

Read more: Sandton hotel strengthens winter outreach with community blanket drive

The hotel first introduced seasonal initiatives such as the Angel Tree campaign in December, followed by a teddy bear collection drive earlier this year. During the February campaign, the team collected nearly 150 teddy bears, which were donated to local organisations, including a community group in Wendywood and a clinic in Alexandra.

Encouraged by the response to these projects, the team decided to strengthen its winter outreach through a dedicated blanket drive. Although a similar effort was attempted last year, organisers admitted it did not receive the level of support they had hoped for. “This year, we decided to do it properly. We started the campaign around Easter and will continue collecting blankets until the end of May.”

The blankets will be distributed directly to people experiencing hardship in and around Sandton, including those living on the streets and residents of nearby communities such as Alexandra. Staff members, hotel guests, and members of the public all play an important role in supporting the initiative. Donations can include new or gently used blankets, toys, or financial contributions, which the hotel uses to purchase additional items where needed.

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Despite the positive response so far, organisers said their biggest challenge remained increasing community participation. “We aim to reach more people and help more communities. It is not about us as a business. It is about what we can do for others.”

Residents and businesses who would like to support the blanket drive can contact the hotel directly to arrange donations or drop-offs.

Details: merecia@balalaika.co.za

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