Last year, The Bulletin reported about the MRP Foundation and the amazing work they do. Some of their partners include Absa, SPAR and the SA Rugby Legends. Below is a press release from the SA Rugby Legends, who teamed up with FNB to support charity.
One of the South African Rugby Legends Association’s (SARLA) primary objectives is to provide ongoing support for the upliftment and education of children. So, the Rugby Legends were only too happy to step up when Preggie Pillay, CEO of Commercial Property at FNB, issued a charity challenge to her colleague, Rugby Legend and Provincial Head of Property Finance for FNB Business: KZN, Justin Swart.
The Amaoti settlement is Durban’s largest informal settlement. Amaoti and its surrounding areas are affected by high levels of poverty, unemployment and social issues – including high numbers of orphans, vulnerable children and prevalent HIV – all of which have a direct impact on the kids who attend schools in the area.
Lungisani Indlela is a Christian-based NPO that caters for the ever-growing needs of local Amaoti community. Lungisani Indlela’s vision is to empower the people and children of Amaoti through education and community development. And they currently accommodate 350 children at their Amaoti school.
The Sarasvati Primary School in the Frasers informal settlement in Frasers, Tongaat, was opened on 12 March 1943. And with its 77th birthday approaching, this school also faces several social and financial challenges due to unavoidable circumstances.
Sarasvati is a government school and a no-fee institution, which accommodates underprivileged learners from the Frasers community and other surrounding communities (currently about 400 children from Grade R to Grade 7).
When Preggie Pillay heard of the two schools’ circumstances, she issued a challenge to FNB’s Commercial Property Finance Division, calling on Executive Members to dig deep and contribute to these two worthy causes.
Within a matter of hours, R 30 000 had been raised by 21 CPF Exco Members. Staff members contributed an additional R 3200. And the funds were put towards much-needed school shoes for 750 learners at the two schools.
Justin Swart then enlisted SARLA, who came on board, along with sponsor, Thirsti Water, to drop off the new shoes at the two schools and deliver some much-appreciated Thirsti Water for the kids. They also provided treats and ready-made maize porridge supplies. SARLA CEO, Stefan Terblanche, said: “We’re so glad that Justin and FNB brought SARLA on board to help these kids. It was truly a wonderful moment when the kids all received their brand-new shoes and supplies and we hope we helped them, at least in some small way, find some hope in the world.”
For more information on SARLA please visit: http://www.sarugbylegends.com
Facebook – @SARugbyLegendsAssociation
Twitter – @SARugbyLegends
Instagram – sarugbylegends
