A Facebook group of medical sales professionals has quietly become a lifeline, turning empathy into real-world support for those facing loss, retrenchment and uncertainty.
South Africa (20 December 2025) – At a time when many South Africans are feeling stretched, anxious and uncertain, a group of medical sales professionals has quietly been reminding us what community really looks like.
Through #MedicalRepsCare, kindness has become practical, immediate and deeply human.
What began as a Facebook group has grown into a powerful support system for nearly 8,000 medical sales professionals across South Africa. Founded by Nicole Paterson in 2009, the Medical Representatives of South Africa group was originally a place to connect, share industry insights and support one another professionally. Over time, it evolved into something far more meaningful.
“I started our Facebook group in 2009,” Nicole explains. “Over the years, I realised that it really is important for us to give back. There are so many people in South Africa who don’t have access to the medications and surgical devices we sell.”
The idea behind #MedicalRepsCare was simple: small, consistent acts of generosity could make a real difference. Members were initially encouraged to donate the cost of a cappuccino each month.
“Everybody was super excited and we raised some money initially but not enough to really assist,” Nicole says. “I am hoping that you shedding some light on our charity means that more people will donate.”
Then, earlier this year, the group faced a moment that would define just how strong their sense of community really was. One of their members, Candice Dunn, experienced an unimaginable loss when her immediate family was taken from her in a tragic car accident.
“Candice lost her whole family (husband, daughter, son and puppy) in a horrific car accident, which was eventually featured on Carte Blanche,” Nicole shares.
“One of our group members suggested we raise some funds to assist with all the funeral and related expenses. We raised R107 000 for her, which she didn’t initially want to accept, but we convinced her.”
The response from the group was overwhelming, not just in financial support, but in compassion and solidarity.
“Sadly, on the 31st of October this year, it all became too much for her, and Candice committed suicide. It absolutely broke every member of our group.”
“What stood out was how everybody on our group came together to help one of our own,” Nicole says.
That collective care has continued to shape the heart of #MedicalRepsCare. Right now, the focus is on supporting peers who have been retrenched and are facing an especially difficult festive season.
“Every year there are loads of retrenchments in our industry,” Nicole explains. “Somebody posted about how hard it is at this time of year when you are not working and you have a family to feed. The prospect of finding a job before at least February is just about zero.”
The response was immediate. Funds were raised to provide grocery vouchers, offering families both dignity and choice.
“Our board members decided on helping people with a grocery voucher because they have a few options,” she says. “They can either buy food, a present for their kiddies or school supplies in the new year.”
So far, just over R9,000 has been raised, with every contribution helping to ease the pressure on families during a stressful time.
But for Nicole, the true value of this community goes far beyond the numbers.
“Our motto recently is, ‘if not here, then where?’” she says. “Our group really looks out for each other. We motivate each other. The more experienced members and managers try to build people up, and the youngsters bring a fresh approach. We also celebrate ‘Feel Good Friday’ every week and keep humour alive in between.”
Having worked as a medical representative since 1992, Nicole understands both the rewards and the challenges of the profession.
“My motto has always been, ‘put the patient first and the rest will follow,’” she says. “We put others first every day. It’s often a very lonely and thankless job.”
She hopes that anyone reading this understands how even the smallest contribution can create meaningful change.
“I think many people feel the small amount they could contribute would mean nothing,” Nicole explains. “But I know there is power in numbers. The cost of a coffee every month, multiplied by even 1,000 people, would make a world of difference.”
At its core, #MedicalRepsCare is about people choosing to show up for one another… quietly, consistently and with heart. It is proof that community is not just something we talk about, but something we build, one kind act at a time.
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