SOJO Business and Tourism collaborates with local NPO to give back
Mandela Day in the south of Johannesburg was warmly celebrated as local non-profits donated necessities to the disadvantaged.
In celebration of Nelson Mandela Day, SOJO Business and Tourism joined forces with local NPOs to spread love and joy to the homeless and less fortunate community in the south of Joburg on July 18.
Nicky Vakaloudis, CEO of SOJO said Gold Reef City, Thaba Eco Hotel, Just Darling, and Resthaven Ministries prepared 900 meals for the event. The Mall of the South and Gold Reef City also sponsored care packs containing bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, facecloths, and beauty products.
“We hired a mobile street shower for the day. It was heartwarming to see people taking up the offer of a warm wash and a change of clean, pre-loved clothing. The towels sponsored by Gold Reef City added to the shower experience.
“The expressions on the faces of the beneficiaries told a thousand stories. This act of kindness restored their sense of dignity,” said Vakaloudis.
Sheldon Stuurman, financial manager at Gold Reef City and director of SOJO said, “Many of us take our access to a hot shower, warm bed, and a daily meal for granted, but it is a different experience for those living on the street.”
Stuurman said it was a privilege to take part in making a small difference in the lives of the community.
Vakaloudis said children received treats of sweets, chips and biscuits sponsored by Universal Kitchens.
“Their little hands struggled to balance the soup, bread roll and all the treats, but they did not complain,” said Vakaloudis.
She said volunteers that came to help were from Balwin Foundation, Cross Culture City Church, Mount Like Eagles Mission, Resthaven Ministries, The Towers Church, SSJ Attorneys, Jenville Love Ministries, Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park, Mall of the South, Thaba Eco Hotel, Just Darling, Icarus Media and SOJO Business and Tourism.
“They sorted the clothing into piles for men, women, and children on Mandela Day, packaged and prepared it for distribution.”
Vakaloudis emphasised a donation box at Entrance 2 at the Mall of the South, inviting people to bring items from home throughout the year.
“We distribute these donations to organisations that assist the homeless and people in need. Mount Like Eagles Soup Kitchen, a local non-profit, collaborates with other non-profits in the area to help the community. Their greatest challenge is financial assistance. To sustain the soup kitchen, they sell both vetkoek and second-hand clothing. From funds raised by SOJO members, they received a new 100L stainless steel pot and a four-plate gas hob.
“SOJO also handed over a cheque of R22 875 to the Joburg Homelessness Network (JHN), a percentage of the profits raised from the 2022 Annual Golf Day held by SOJO and Gold Reef City.
“JHN, based in Randburg and the northern suburbs, contributed funds towards the Mandela Day event,” said Vakaloudis.
She thanked everyone for their support.
If you wish to get involved in these community drives or learn more about SOJO, contact them at info@sojo.co.za
