Givers know, giving to others feels good. And when the company you work for gives you the opportunity to give even more, it feels even better. Three employees were given the chance to do just that through a programme called “Extraordinary Givers”.
South Africa (20 December 2022) – Phaswana Ngwepe, Benadette Paterson and Riette Steyn were able to give even more to causes that tugged at their heartstrings, far greater than they could have given on their own!
A MiWay initiative called “Extraordinary Givers” invited employees to participate in the company’s giving programme where they were invited to nominate a charity of their choice. The winning employees would each get their share of R30,000 to lend a greater helping hand and leave a positive footprint in the communities that matter to them.
Phaswana, Benadette and Riette are the ‘lucky’ MiWayans who not only jumped at the opportunity to win money for their chosen charities and do some good, but they were able to secure the donation through their nominations. Each of the causes they chose to support, has been touched by the donations they have received. Speaking to each of these Extraordinary Givers, we got to learn just how much the opportunity meant to them and how it made a difference.
Phaswana Ngwepe chose to support the elderly through the Kopano Organisation for the Aged, based in Lebowakgomo. The organisation trains the elderly, teaching skills such as sewing and gardening.
“Senior citizens are often neglected in our communities as some people think that they are too old to make a meaningful contribution to society. I wanted to show my elders that they still matter and that a lot of people value their wisdom. I wanted them to know that they are very special members of the community.”
“I was elated when I received the news because I know the needs of the elderly in our communities are often overlooked or simply forgotten.” – Phaswana Ngwepe
Phaswana’s financial win for the organization has been used to purchase much-needed gardening equipment, sewing machines and a gas stove. “It may not sound like much to some, but for those at Kopano, it’s already making a huge difference in their daily lives.”
Benadette Paterson supported Mother of Peace and she hoped that by winning, she would be able to assist the organisation in doing maintenance on their houses. The organisation works to support children in need.
“I read about Mother of Peace in the newspaper. They were struggling with finances and there were difficulties in maintaining their houses for the last few years.
As I also live in Amanzimtoti, we have all been affected by the recent floods and I felt the need to give a helping hand by nominating them. We all have the ability to help our communities, even if it is simply by spreading the word.”
Mother of Peace is situated in Lower Illovo and is run by Gavin and Linda Gradwell since 2003. Speaking to Gavin, he shared how blessed they felt and that it would go a long way in helping them support the children.
“Mother of Peace is blessed to be chosen to receive this donation. At this time of the year, we try to make sure that the children who have no homes or family to go to, are treated as special. This donation will certainly help.” – Gavin Gradwell
Riette Steyn’s choice was the CHOC House in North Rand. She chose the organisation because of how close it is to her own heart. She lost her son De Jager to a long battle against childhood cancer nine years ago; the organisation has helped keep his memory alive.
“I marked his first-year anniversary after his passing by attending CHOC’s remembrance service where my hero was honoured. This was the first time I’d heard of them, and this was simultaneously a horrible yet rewarding experience. CHOC has positively kept De Jager’s memory alive for the past fourteen years and for that I will be eternally grateful. Not to mention all the phenomenal work they are also doing in the communities of disadvantaged people – I’m really in awe of this organisation.”
“I felt so blessed that my choice of charity was chosen and grateful to the people who gave me a platform to motivate why CHOC should be chosen. A truly humbling experience!”
The funds from MiWay will be going towards the cost of petrol; CHOC transports the children to and from their cancer treatments every day. They will also pay towards electricity for the North Rand house and purchase much-needed toiletries.
“MiWay restored my faith in that there are still companies who want to make a difference and who care.” – Riette Steyn.
MiWay’s core CSI focus is on boosting education and sports in underserved schools and communities through their MiHeart Project. They loved being able to step outside of their norm, helping the three charities and supporting their employees’ passion for doing good.
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