iPledge feeds the hungry

For a better world
Written By Michael Vinen

A crowdfunding initiative by AECI during the COVID-19 pandemic helped raise R3,5 million for 12 315 food parcels by December 2020. Supported by our Executives and Non-executive Directors alike as well as our businesses, CSI funds, employees, shareholders and suppliers, we gave hope to beneficiaries in 32 areas across South Africa:

Eastern Cape (2)

  • Burgersdorp

  • Mdantsane


Free State (3)

  • Sasolburg

  • Thaba ’Nchu

  • Zamdela 

Gauteng (8)

  • Alexandra

  • Benoni

  • Ekurhuleni

  • Eldorado Park

  • Hammanskraal

  • Kagiso

  • Klipfontein

  • Thembisa

KwaZulu-Natal (5)

  • Ezimbokodweni

  • Folweni

  • KwaMakhutha 

  • Umbogintwini

  • Umlazi

Limpopo (3)

  • Blouberg

  • Hlanganani

  • Musina

Mpumalanga (3)

  • eMalahleni

  • Hhoyi Village

  • Likazi

North West (3)

  • Brits

  • Klerksdorp

  • Mankwe

Western Cape (5)

  • Bonteheuwel

  • Dunoon

  • Kuils River 

  • Mitchell’s Plain 

  • Parow

To make sure the food parcels were received by the needy, we partnered with Joint Aid Management (JAM) SA and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. 

JAM is a humanitarian relief and development organisation operating in Angola, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda and Sierra Leone, while the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s “Each 1 Feed 1” campaign partnered with the Siya Kolisi Foundation to bring emergency relief to families seriously affected by the ability to earn an income during lockdown. 

For every R287 received, we were able to support a family of five for a month! This was made possible because of special pricing offered by major chains like Boxer and Pick n Pay. 

The iPledge winter campaign has been launched and we are hoping to supply care packs to people in need. Each pack is R350 and includes non-perishable foods, a beanie, blanket and scarf and a pair of gloves and socks. Our CSI Funds have already committed R900 000 which will reach  2 500 people. Employees who would like to give may do so via AECI Connect or by EFT to the Tiso AEL Development Trust or JAM which is responsible for managing the campaign. 

Michael Vinen
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