On 28 July 2016, The Sun International CEO SleepOut™ found its home on the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge; a representation of Madiba’s dream for an equal, united South Africa.
The focus for change was on education, as a vital means to eradicating homelessness.
R30 318 912.00 was pledged with donations awarded to three Primary Beneficiaries Partners; The ASHA Trust, Columba Leadership and The Steve Biko Foundation – all of which up-skill the youth and youth educators.
168 c-suite members registered, and brought with them an Exceptional Colleague, Outstanding Student, and Inspirational Matric Learner. Together, they became the #4Leaders4Change, engaging in an inter-generational discussion about creating change in South Africa.
Throughout the night, participants took part in various activities, from making food to donating clothes and blankets, to benefit the local community.
The morning after the SleepOut™, in collaboration with The Gift of the Givers, over 1000 members of the city’s homeless community were invited onto The Bridge, and encouraged to take with them all the event’s collected items; clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, cardboard, wood and food.
The shacks used at the Event were donated to the Local Zandspruit and Itsoseng Local Communities. Over 600 books were collected at the event, donated by the #4Leaders4Change, and awarded to the beneficiaries.
But change wasn’t only taking place on The Bridge; across the country the call to action was heard: #SouthAfricaMustRise.
Schools, businesses and students also spent the night outdoors on their school grounds, office parks and tertiary education institutions in solidarity with those on The Bridge. They collected items for their chosen beneficiary; under-resourced schools in their area.
Check out the official video released today with all the info here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-51MBLUKZc&t
June 2017 is sleepout month in South Africa. Save the date. Rise to the challenge. Make a difference for those that need it most!
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