In the Pretoria/ Tshwane metropole alone, 1.2 million of its 4.2 million citizens are desperately needy.
It is this desperate need which birthed a partnership between the Blue Bulls and clothing4children - with the aim of collecting as many as 50 000 bags of clothing by the 17th of September 2011.
The clothing will be distributed in disadvantaged communities across the metropole by turn the tide 4 children, local church networks and other organisations, including Walk Thru the Bible’s High Impact Network.
Clothing4children and the Blue Bulls are working together to collect these clothes from as many local schools as possible in the Pretoria/ Tshwane area. With over 40 schools expected to participate in this venture, this is indeed a drive that will make a difference to many in this area who live in dire need.
The clothing4children initiative was launched by brothers Schalk and Wim Burger, who saw the potential for meeting great need, through encouraging their fellow school mates to collect surplus and unused clothing, shoes and bedding to
give away. The official launch of clothing 4children was at St John’s College in November 2010 (see video here), with the retail value of the clothing already collected through this venture exceeding R100 million.
The partnership between the Blue Bulls Company and clothing4children was officially announced by Martin Deacon, CEO
of Turn the Tide, at Loftus Versveld on Saturday the 3rd of September 2011, at the Currie Cup match between the Vodacom Blue Bulls and the Sharks.
What a joy to see the support of both the Blue Bulls and Sharks players – who certainly made an impact as they walked onto the field carrying their filled clothing4children bags.
Empty clothing4children bags were made available to supporters at the stadium, and they were encouraged to take them home, fill them and return them to Loftus Versveld by Saturday the 17th of September 2011, when the Blue Bulls play DHL Western Province.
It is hoped that the Blue Bull supporters will follow the example of generosity set by both the Currie Cup players and
many local schools, who have already collected over 18 000 bags of clothing, shoes and bedding – with a retail value of
R54 million – already an excellent start towards meeting the target of 50 000 filled bags.
It is indeed encouraging and exciting to see the difference that we can make as we partner together to be ‘the hands and
feet of Christ’ and meet needs in a practical way.
Read the article on www.bluebuls.co.za: Vodacom Blue Bulls and The Sharks unite for Clothing4Children Campaign
Read the article on News24: Bulls, Sharks unite for cause.