Chris Hani Crossing in Vosloorus held a Winter Warmer campaign as part of their CSI (Corporate Social Initiative), on Thursday, June, 2.
During this initiative, the elderly members of the community receive blankets, tea, and sandwiches. They usually receive these refreshments in the early mornings of grant receiving days, and this time blankets were added to welcome the winter season.
Regional Marketing Manager, Lebo Matla said, “This is part of our CSI, and we have a fixed grant payment CSI’s. A lot of elderly people come to the mall to collect grants as well as to do shopping. To ease the burden a lot of them come early in the morning, so during the period of waiting on summer days, we have what we call hydration points where we give them energy bars, water, and sometimes chocolates. During the winter season, we move from hydration points by having coffee and tea stations.”
She added by saying, some people would tell you that this is helpful to them as they need to take their medication while they wait for grant pay-outs and these are the same people who come to support businesses in Chris Hani crossing, and this creates a sense of loyalty to the brand of Chris Hani Crossing as the elderly will hold what is given to them dearly be it umbrellas or blankets.
During this Winter warmer campaign, tenants such as Pick n Pay, and Shoprite provided foodstuff for these campaigns. Some workers were assisting in making coffee and giving food parcels before they open.
Margret Tsotetsi, one of the elderly people who received a blanket, danced as she received the blanket and said that she is grateful for the tea and sandwich she got.
“I will wear my blanket at home and whenever I attend ceremonies during this winter,” said Tsotetsi.
Chris Hani Crossing does this every month during the elderly grant pay-outs from 6 am to 9 am.
By Tshepiso Makhalemele
