Health and beauty retailer Clicks has announced it will donate more than R200 000 towards the refurbishment of Woodstock-based Chapel Street Primary School’s bathrooms.
The donation is the store’s 50th birthday gift to the school.
According to a statement, Clicks has been the school’s neighbour for 35 years and has had a long relationship with the school, helping out in times of need.
In February the retailer installed a borehole in the school’s bathroom facilities and often helps out with general maintenance of the 106-year-old school.
In addition to the donation, Clicks staff and management will be reaching out to 50 charitable projects during August, the store’s birthday month.
They will donate R1m worth of reusable sanitary pads to 16 schools, and a further 34 charitable causes will receive toiletries, infrastructure and basic essentials.
“We recognise that in order to make a meaningful difference in our society, we need to contribute time and resources and are actively encouraging our store staff to reach out and support local projects,” says David Kneale, Clicks Group CEO.
According to the statement, the retailer has a long tradition of giving back to local communities.
“In 2011, this was consolidated under the Helping Hand Trust, which delivers free basic healthcare testing and wellness services to disadvantaged South Africans through Clicks clinics.
“To date, over 125 000 lives have been positively touched by the services offered at over 200 Helping Hand Trust clinics in Clicks pharmacies.”
Says Kneale: “We don’t view giving back as a once-off. We actively strive to ensure that our contributions are meaningful and sustainable. By giving back through established and new initiatives, we hope to make a positive contribution to our society that long outlives our 50th birthday.”