Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) staff raised over R14,000, matched by the company’s CSI Community Budget, totaling more than R28,000 for donations.
Kewtown Primary School received 100 school bags to assist learners who previously lacked proper storage for their educational materials.
Lentegeur LSEN School, catering to learners with special educational needs, was provided with essential stationery supplies.
A group of 100 learners who attend Kewtown Primary School will benefit from a donation of school bags.
Staff of Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) in Athlone embarked on a fundraising drive, managing to raise more than R14 000 to support two needy primary schools. These efforts were doubled through the CCPB CSI Community Budget, bringing the total donation to more than R28 000.
The CCPB South Team, based in Athlone, is passionate about giving back and runs similar initiatives annually, said Priscilla Urquhart, its Head of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability.
The second school identified was Lentegeur LSEN (Learners with Special Educational Needs) School who received stationery.
The 100 school bags were donated to Kewtown, where many learners cannot afford school essentials, which sees them attend classes without bags, often leaving their books behind at the school owing to a lack of storage.
This donation aimed to ensure every learner had a bag for carrying their learning materials in.
“The two schools were chosen based on employee nominations,” said Urquhart. “Kewtown Primary is in an area affected by high crime, gang activity and gender-based violence. One of our team members identified the school as a no-fee institution, in need of support, and CCPB stepped in to bring hope to the community.”
Urquhart emphasised the company’s passion for educational initiatives.
“We believe in the power of education to transform lives,” she said.
“By supporting these schools, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners, providing them with the tools they need to build a brighter future.”
The handover took place on Thursday 27 February at the Retail Academy at the CCPB offices in Athlone.
Kewtown Primary’s principal, Chris Balie, said the school catered for around 590 learners from the area and surrounding communities, including Gugulethu and Nyanga.
“Our learners come from very deprived backgrounds, poverty-stricken households, and cannot afford a school bag or basic stationery. This is why our school relies heavily on partners such as Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages and other partners to donate stationery and bags so our learners can benefit. The school bags will go a long way. We will identify 100 learners that really don’t have bags.
Natasha Mess, school-governing body chair, said this donation will be a great help to the school community.
“We at Kewtown Primary would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Coca-Cola for your generous donation of school bags to our school. Your kindness and commitment to supporting education are truly appreciated.
The school bags will greatly benefit our learners, providing them with a sense of pride and dignity as they head to school. Your contribution will also help alleviate some of the financial burdens that our learners’ families face.
Thanks again for your kindness and generosity. We are grateful for partners like Coca-Cola who share our passion for education and community development.”
