JOHANNESBURG, 15 October 2020 – In its July Cash Back initiative, Bridgestone South Africa, along with auto fitment centre Supa Quick and its customers have raised R25 000 towards nearly 1700 meals to feed those in need through the Meals on Wheels project.
Following a handover of a cheque by Bridgestone to Meals on Wheels at the Meals on Wheels JHB Federation today, these meals will be delivered from October, coinciding with World Food Day on 16 October.
“As more and more South Africans have faced economic challenges in recent months, we recognised the urgent need to contribute to those in need of food, while offering financial relief to our customers,” says Nthabiseng Mogane, Bridgestone South Africa Senior Brand Manager.
Over three months between July and September, Supa Quick and Bridgestone ran a national Cash Back offer, where customers received cash vouchers of as much as R800.
For every two Bridgestone tyres, sized 17 inches or lower, customers would receive R200 and for every two Bridgestone tyres larger than 17 inches, they would receive R400 – customers buying all four Bridgestone tyres of 18 inches and above pocketed R800.
Customers had the option to either keep the cash voucher, or donate the cash to Meals on Wheels, a volunteer organisation that delivers nourishing meals to poor communities around the country.
“Serving society is in Bridgestone’s DNA. We are a company that is dedicated to being community conscious and relevant in every region that we are in. This initiative was important to us as it gave our customers the opportunity to also take part in assisting the less fortunate,” says Vuyokaxi Xapa, Senior Corporate Communications Manager at Bridgestone South Africa.
Currently, Meals on Wheels operates from more than 700 service points throughout the country. In towns and cities, these branches usually comprise well-established kitchens, while in rural areas and squatter settlements, they utilise fully fitted “container kitchens”, delivering a total of over 31 million meals a year.
“With around 80 kind-hearted Supa Quick customers passing on their cash back rewards out of pure goodwill, Meals on Wheels is moving closer to our goal of substantially increasing the number of meals we deliver compared to previous years,” says Zwelakhe Lamula, JHB Federation branch manager “As we rely on contributions to operate our feeding operations, donations such as this one from Supa Quick, Bridgestone and their customers, are critical to our ability to be more effective, especially during the current crisis.”