Category Archives: Charity & Selfless Service

Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Design Bursary 2024: Empowering the Future of South African Fashion

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Celebrated fashion luminary Gert-Johan Coetzee proudly announces the continuation of his esteemed Fashion Design Bursary into 2024, marking another milestone in his ongoing commitment to nurturing South Africa’s emerging design talent. Established in 2009 and hosted annually at the North-West School of Design, this transformative bursary has become synonymous with fashion education and career empowerment. 

The Gert-Johan Coetzee Fashion Design Bursary offers a unique opportunity for one deserving individual to embark on a comprehensive three-year fashion journey at Gert-Johan Coetzee’s alma mater. The recipient will delve into a curriculum designed to cultivate technical prowess, conceptual creativity and industry acumen under the guidance of seasoned professionals. 

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Wonderbag Helps Those In Need Post KZN Tornado

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On the 3rd of June 2024, a devastating tornado tore through Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, leaving a trail of destruction and heartbreak. Over two thousand people have been displaced, and the damage to major infrastructure such as roads and schools is extensive. Tongaat also being home to Wonderbag’s factory, meant the impact of the natural disaster was felt directly by this ‘global’ business whose staff members from the area lost their homes and personal belongings in a matter of seconds.

“As of yesterday, the death toll has risen to 11. Sadly 10 of our dedicated staff members lost their homes in a matter of seconds as the tornado struck. Visiting the devastated area, it was as if 10,000 bulldozers had torn through, destroying everything in their path. Not only for the sake of our affected staff members – but for all those in the community, our community, we need to do what we can to uplift those who have suffered loss. The Wonderbag can at least provide some comfort by ensuring hot meals for those affected. Wonderbag is also supporting rebuilding houses and providing food to cook nutrious meals for affected people and families. The donations that we receive will go toward people in the area that have lost everything. Our mission has always been deeply humanitarian, inclusive, and apolitical, focusing on feeding people, preserving dignity, and championing global freedom of choice,” said Collins.

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Support Reach For A Dream’s Slipper Day on 31 May 2024

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Get ready to kick off your shoes and step into the cosiest, most heartwarming day of the year. Slipper Day, Reach For A Dream’s biggest fundraiser, returns on 31 May 2024, promising a day filled with warmth, generosity, and fun—all in support of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Since its inauguration in 2011, Slipper Day has become a nationwide movement where everyone from office workers to school children band together to make dreams come true for children with critical diseases like cancer, renal failure, and heart conditions, simply by buying a R20 sticker and wearing it with their slippers on the day.

This year’s theme, “Step into My Slippers,” focuses on empathy, fun, and stepping into the shoes (or rather, slippers) of these brave children. This simple act demonstrates solidarity and support for these children, who often spend their days in slippers due to their health conditions.

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Pick n Pay Clothing and Sari For Change Collaboration

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My sister-in-law, Rayana Edwards, is the Founder and CEO of Sari For Change, a foundation that is dedicated to empowering unemployed women and promoting sustainability by upcycling gently worn saris into stunning, new and unique dresses. I own 4 unique recycled saris that have been made into wrap dresses by Sari for Change and I always get compliments whenever I wear them.

Hence, I was so excited to hear that Pick n Pay Clothing has partnered with the Sari for Change Foundation and together they have unveiled a limited and exclusive range of versatile wrap dresses which can be worn in three unique ways. The dresses are available in a kaleidoscope of beautiful colours, ensuring there’s something to complement every style preference.

Each dress is one-of-a-kind and embodies a story of renewal and uniqueness, as it is crafted from a single donated sari carrying its individual heritage. With only 200 dresses available, these exclusive pieces went on sale this week, at four Pick n Pay Clothing stores: Cavendish, Canal Walk, Sandton City and Gateway. Through the partnership, customers can buy one of these exclusive dresses for R369,99, which usually retails for over R1,000.

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Paying It Forward: Standard Bank Launches ACHIEVA Exchange To Empower First-Timers

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Standard Bank is proudly introducing ACHIEVATM Exchange, a transformative movement poised to redefine the way we celebrate personal milestones. Unlike any other market event, ACHIEVATM Exchange invites everyone to be part of something bigger, to repurpose their significant moments into tangible support for others. Set to take place on Saturday, 2 March 2024 at Soweto’s Maponya Mall, ACHIEVATM Exchange is a dynamic event where personal achievements open doors for others, echoing the spirit of community and shared progress.


First Job, First Needs
Under the theme “First Job,” ACHIEVATM Exchange calls for contributions that fulfil the essential needs of individuals embarking on their first job journey. All items – be it clothing, devices or stationery to a laptop bag or notepad – are welcome, provided they are clean, presentable and functional. Drop-off points have been made available at the below Standard Bank branches, but items will also be accepted on the ACHIEVATM Exchange market day.


• 5 Simmonds Street in Johannesburg’s CBD
• Fourways Mall
• Sandton City Mall
• Eastgate Mall
• Cresta Mall
• Rosebank Mall
• Menlyn Mall
• Mall of Africa
• Maponya Mall


“ACHIEVATM Exchange offers a fresh perspective on celebrating personal milestones. Empowering others through the symbolic sharing of personal milestones, participants go beyond their individual journeys to enrich and uplift others. As Standard Bank we’d like to extend a warm invitation to all, regardless of their banking affiliation, in our aim to foster a community of collective impact and shared growth,” says Head of Middle Market, Motlatsi Mkalala.

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