Daycare runners enjoy prize giving day. (Image: BizCommunity)
Sasko, the bakery, launched the Siyasizana Day-care Project for day cares in Tembisa, in Gauteng in late September 2015 – and the pre-school centres are already reaping the rewards.
When the project was launched, there was a simple request made of day cares: collect used Sasko bread bags that would otherwise be thrown away, and redeem them for items such as mattresses, backpacks, basins, carpets, chairs and even fridges or stoves.
Siyasizana is isiZulu for “we are helping each other”. The project mobilised Tembisa residents to work together to support of their local day cares by all collecting their plastic bags. In total, 300 000 bread bags were collected, exceeding the expectations of all involved.
“We looked at the number of bread bags being discarded and the needs of the day cares in Tembisa,” Riaz Badroodeen, the brand manager of Sasko Bread, told SA Goodnews. “By collecting these bags to recycle, we are able to assist the mamas with the basic needs to make their day care environments more comfortable, ultimately benefiting the children in their care.
“Collecting bags is a small gesture, with a large impact. With a tidy sum of 300 000 bags, participating day cares will now be able to refrigerate food, prepare cooked meals, provide blankets to keep children warm, and set up tables and chairs during activity and meal times.”
THE PROJECT IS ON-GOING
The success of the project now means it will be rolled out in other parts of the country.
“Based on the success of the programme in Tembisa, we plan on rolling out the Sasko Siyasizana Day-care Project in other parts of South Africa. As the programme grows, we’ll continue to look at the needs of the participating day cares and how Sasko can assist,” Badroodeen said.
Jane Mokgonyana of Tender Care Day Care was the ultimate winner after collecting 20 000 of the 300 000 packets. Runner-up Matema Mashilo from Bophelong Day Care collected 10 050 bags and was closely followed by Nanini Day Care, where Nomthandazo Mkhondwana collected a total of 9 550 bags.
Seven other day cares in Tembisa also won something for their contribution to the project.
Sasko Siyasizana Day-care Project is an ongoing programme hosted and implemented by Sasko Bread. For more information, visit Sasko’s website or call the company’s customer care line on 0800 022 000
PLAY YOUR PART
Are you playing your part to help improve the lives of the people around you or the environment? Do you know of anyone who has gone out of their way to help improve South Africa and its people?
If so, submit your story or video to our website and let us know what you are doing to improve the country for all.
