Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s director of rugby, on Tuesday, thanked the SA public for helping raise over R1 million to fight hunger in the country during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The Springboks’ ‘Stronger Together for R32-12’ fundraising campaign finished on a high note last week with six figures reached in contributions.
The draw to announce the 44 prize winners takes places at noon on Wednesday during a live event on the Springboks’ Facebook page.
A total of 31 928 raffle tickets were sold, while donations of close to R80,000 were received for a total raised of just over R1.1m. The two charities identified as part of the project – Gift of the Givers and Food Forward SA – will receive over R430,000 each.
“We asked South Africans to answer the call and to help the Springboks to raise funds for poverty relief and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved during this campaign,” said Erasmus, who coached the Springboks to 2019 Rugby World Cup (RWC) success in Japan.
“The players didn’t hesitate when I asked them to contribute some of their most prized personal RWC items, and a number of them took part in events to help raise awareness for the project. I want to thank them, as well as their fellow South Africans for their generosity.
“This unique campaign works closely with Food Forward SA and Gift of the Givers, both of whom are making a huge difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans all over the country, with a helping hand where possible.”
Kolisi said that through the distribution of the relief funds, the Springboks and people who contributed to the fund will ensure that fewer people will go to sleep on an empty stomach.
“The social-economic impact caused by the pandemic has been devastating in some of our communities, with many people struggling for work and food,” explained Kolisi.
“Last year we asked our fellow South Africans to support us during the RWC campaign and they did a magnificent job. So when the opportunity came for the Springboks to be involved and to make a difference, we did so without hesitation and because it’s the right thing to do.
“The players all jumped on board and donated personal items used during the RWC, which is really something special. We want to thank those who have contributed so generously and we assure you each donation will make a difference in someone’s life.”
During the six-week campaign, Kolisi and some of his RWC winning Springbok squad members visited the headquarters of Food Forward SA in Epping to help pack food parcels for distribution to needy communities, and they gave learners of Peak View High School in Athlone a surprise visit to handover food hampers and school stationery.
However, it was not only the Springboks squad who rolled up their sleeves during that time – but they were also accompanied by Blitzboks and Imbokodo captains, Siviwe Soyizwapi and Zintle Mpupha, and SA Rugby staff members.
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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