PRESS RELEASE
JOIN THE RAINBOW CHRISTMAS DRIVE TO BRING CHEER TO THOSE IN NEED.
With the festive season fast approaching, several LGBTQIA+ groups, with the support of Mahindra South Africa, are embarking on a campaign to bring joy to underprivileged and vulnerable South Africans.
The Rainbow Christmas Drive, in conjunction with Pink Loerie Foundation NPC, Ways of Walking Foundation NPC, Gay World Foundation NPC, Foundation and Co NPC, Suzelle DIY Foundation NPC, Honey & Dora, Manhunt International South Africa and driven by Mahindra South Africa, is set to kick off on the 27th of November 2023.
The initiative will distribute donated non-perishable food products, previously loved and new clothing, personal hygiene products and 500 children’s gift packs to a range of beneficiaries such as LGBTQIA+ shelters in Cape Town, retirement homes, soup kitchens and children’s homes between Cape Town and Knysna. We are also requesting the donation of any items of value that can be auctioned to raise funds.
Corporates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies are encouraged to participate by collecting non-perishable food and personal hygiene products (male and female, including much-needed adult diapers – see comprehensive list below). They can then contact office@thechristmasdrive.com for the donations to be collected no later than the 1st of December 2023. All goods will be distributed to the beneficiaries by the 24th of December 2023.
The donations will be transported in a Mahindra Scorpio S11, kindly on loan in support of the cause.
Honey & Dora, the newest LGBTQIA+ venue in Cape Town, is a Rainbow Christmas Drive drop-off point in the Mother City. They’ve kicked off the campaign with a contribution of R2,000 worth of donations, setting the tone for a great Christmas for those in need. “Come and support this drive, drop off here and be part of spreading joy to those who are struggling this festive season!” says JP van Huyssteen, owner of Honey & Dora.
Manhunt International South Africa is proud to be associated with The Rainbow Christmas Drive. “The competition is not only a beauty contest but also a community driven event where the delegates get involved with misplaced youth, the elderly as well as victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Since we have the platform to raise awareness for these important matters and The Rainbow Christmas Drive has set out to assist more people than ever before this year, we are there every step of the way to show our solidarity,” says Rudi du Toit, owner and franchisee of Manhunt International South Africa.
The campaign further aims to bring awareness to the causes and organisations supported by the Rainbow Christmas Drive through in-person engagements, social media updates and newsletters.
“Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone’s life. You may feel that it’s a small drop in a huge tank, but we believe that every drop helps to fill that tank,” says Johann van Niekerk, Chairperson of Gay World Foundation NPC.
If you wish to contribute to or support the Rainbow Christmas Drive or would like more information, please contact office@thechristmasdrive.com (addressed to John).
Financial contributions can also be made to Gay World Foundation (a registered NPC with SARS PBO Number 9179400248) for the Rainbow Christmas Drive. The foundation will use these funds to purchase food and other items for the beneficiaries. A Section 18A certificate can be issued on request for any monetary contributions.
Financial donations to the Rainbow Christmas Drive can be made by EFT to:
GAY WORLD FOUNDATION NPC
Bank: FNB
Account Type: BUSINESS ACCOUNT
Account Number: 62881806172
Branch Code: 252445
Branch Name: MENLYN MAINE
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ
Ref: Individual or Company Name and CD2023
Pink Loerie Foundation (NPC) and Gay World Foundation (NPC with PBO)
Pink Loerie Foundation NPC, Ways of Walking Foundation NPC, Gay World Foundation NPC, Foundation and Co NPC, Suzelle DIY Foundation NPC as well as the following organizations:
CENTURION
BENEFICIARIES
(Subject to change without prior notice.)
Dove’s Nest – Place of Safety – Centurion, Gauteng
- Hygiene Kit*
- Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items*
- Fresh and Frozen Meat and Chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit*
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Concentrated Cooldrink Mix
- Cleaning Products*
- Stationery for School
- Baby Products*
- Toys
- Clothing (Newborn – 18 years old)
CAPE TOWN
BENEFICIARIES
(Subject to change without prior notice.)
Majawie Safe Space – Delft, Cape Town, Western Cape
Supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community facing gender-based violence, including assisting them with shelter, counselling sessions, family support, and court support.
- Hygiene Kit*
- Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items*
- Fresh and Frozen
- Meat and Chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit*
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Concentrated Cooldrink Mix
- Cleaning Products*
- Stationery for School
- Baby Products*
- Toys
- Clothing (Newborn – 18 years old)
- Children’s Party Packs
Cape Town Pride Shelter – Oranjezicht, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Hygiene Kit*
- Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items*
- Fresh and Frozen Meat and Chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit*
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Concentrated Cooldrink Mix
- Cleaning Products*
- Male and Female Clothing
Van Niekerk-Benadehof Old Age Home – Strand, Western Cape
- Hygiene Kit*
- Adult Diapers
- Towels
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Small Christmas Gift
KNYSNA
BENEFICIARIES
(Subject to change without prior notice.)
LoerieHof Tehuis vir Bejaardes/Old Age Home – CBD, Knysna, Western Cape
- Hygiene Kit*
- Adult Diapers
- Towels
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Small Christmas Gift
Vermont Centre Old Age Home – Hornlee, Knysna, Western Cape
- Hygiene Kit*
- Adult Diapers
- Towels
- Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items*
- Fresh and Frozen Meat and Chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit*
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Concentrated Cooldrink Mix
- Cleaning Products*
- Small Christmas Gift
Engela’s Soup Kitchen – Hornlee, Knysna, Western Cape
- Hygiene Kit*
- Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items*
- Fresh and Frozen Meat and Chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit*
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Concentrated Cooldrink Mix
- Baby Products*
- Cleaning Products*
- Stationery for School
- Toys
- Clothing (Newborn – Adult)
- Children’s Party Packs
Tina’s Soup Kitchen – Hornlee, Knysna, Western Cape
- Hygiene Kit*
- Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items*
- Fresh and Frozen Meat and Chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit*
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Concentrated Cooldrink Mix
- Baby Products*
- Cleaning Products*
- Stationery for School
- Toys
- Clothing (Newborn – Adult)
- Children’s Party Packs
Little Hearts Educare – Hornlee, Knysna, Western Cape
- Hygiene Kit*
- Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items*
- Fresh and Frozen Meat and Chicken
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruit*
- Packets of Tea Biscuits etc.
- Concentrated Cooldrink Mix
- Cleaning Products*
- Stationery for School
- Baby Products*
- Toys
- Clothing (Newborn – 10 years old)
- Children’s Party Packs
*Examples of items that can be included in a Hygiene Kit:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, a bar of soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, shaving gel, deodorant, comb, razor, lip balm, facecloth, bandages, hand sanitiser, tissues, nail clippers, hair ties, feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads), toilet paper, washing powder and fabric softener.
*Examples of Dried, Canned, and Frozen Items:
Rice, sugar, macaroni, spaghetti, flour, maize meal, fish oil, salt, tinned fish, bully beef, stamp and beans, oats, Weetbix, milk, spices, baked beans, mixed vegs, peas, dried peas, sweetcorn, stock cubes, tea, coffee, soup mix, lentils, and vinegar etc.
*Examples of Fresh Vegetables and Fruit:
Potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, broccoli, green peas, tomatoes, butternut, bananas, grapes, watermelon, melons etc.
*Examples Cleaning Products:
Jik bleach, handy andy, pine gel, oven cleaner, window cleaner, dishwasher liquid, washing powder, fabric softener etc.
*Examples of Baby Products:
Diapers (all ages and sizes), wet wipes (without perfume or colorant), baby lotion, baby oil, petroleum jelly (without perfume or colorant), toothpaste, soap, body lotion, Vaseline, baby cereal (Nestum or Cerelac), baby formula (Lactogen 1 and 2, NAN 1 and 2 and Pelargon 1 and 2), Purity fruit or vegetable etc.
BOOKKEEPERS AND AUDITOR