Johannesburg, 27 July 2021: The last few weeks of turmoil, exacerbated by the global pandemic, have challenged South Africa’s resolve but SPAR and the communities they serve remain resolute in their aim to make a difference in the lives of others.

SPAR committed to a positive role in South Africa

The pain and the strife have been amplified by COVID-19 and the measures to curb the spread of the disease against the backdrop of a bitterly cold winter.

SPAR is committed to doing good in the communities it serves, whether contributing on a grand scale or through small tokens to show they care.

This is highlighted by several initiatives by SPAR retailers, ambassadors and the group as a whole to help communities in need.

“On our own, the challenges we face may seem insurmountable, but as a community we can solve the problems together and contribute to a prosperous future,” said Brett Botten, CEO SPAR Group. “We are living in unprecedented times. People talk of the new normal but what we are experiencing is far removed from normality. No matter the circumstances, if there is one truth we have learned through all of this, it is that we are better together.”

Chief among the initiatives is the #Takeabreak campaign, which is aimed at COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers. The impact of the pandemic is nowhere felt more than among the frontline workers. Frontline workers are under immense pressure working longer hours and double shifts without pause.

In the hope of providing some solace, SPAR will provide 10 000 frontline workers with vouchers to the value of R50 each, which they can use for a 10-minute break with a cup of coffee, chocolate or a piece of cake from any SPAR store.

SPAR has reached out to major private hospital groups, government hospitals and emergency services in Gauteng that will receive #Takeabreak vouchers.

Raising awareness of gender-based violence in South Africa, SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge ambassador Leilani Kuter walked 67 kilometres for Nelson Mandela Day.

Other South African women can also play their part by merely entering the 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. For every entry, a pack of sanitary pads will be donated to help keep a girl in school through the SPAR Petals Project. The Petals Projects advocates for a shame-free education for all young women.

The theme for this year’s SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge aims to encourage not only women but South Africans in general to #LiveLimitless. SPAR hopes to encourage communities to reach out to each other and those in need, and in the process, help each other to live without limits.

This year you will again be able to not only create your own race number online, but you can also create your own certificate of completion – check out sparvirtualchallenge.co.za and follow the few easy steps.

Entrants residing outside South Africa will unfortunately not be able to receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute to the donation of a pack of sanitary products for a schoolgirl in need.

For more information on the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/