The Make A Difference (MAD) Campaign with VOC and Pick ‘n Pay continued to brighten up the lives of the less fortunate as they ventured on through into the third week of the MAD campaign. On Wednesday, the MAD campaign set off to Liberty Promenade in Mitchell’s Plain, where more than 200 nominees received vouchers and hampers at Pick ‘n Pay.

Wednesday had been one of the best turnouts since the campaign launched this year. But it was bittersweet for VOC staff and the Pick ‘n Pay team, as it was the first programme without the project coordinator, Thabiet Slamang, who passed away last week. Slamang initiated the project back in 2006.

The nominees that received their vouchers on Wednesday were more than grateful. Their stories were really touching, at times making it difficult not to be drawn in by their emotions.

Tanya Steenkamp, a 29 year old single mom and paraplegic residing in Portlands, was very touched when being nominated. Since being paralysed, she isolated herself from everyone. Steenkamp lost her right leg in an accident a few years ago only having to rely on her left leg, which is soon to be amputated. Despite all that Steenkamp had been through, she is very appreciative of the person that selected her.

“I feel honoured. This is the first time that I have been nominated for something like this. It’s a great thing to me,” Steenkamp said.

Shameela Kukupeteca from Manenberg was very overwhelmed and could not express her gratitude enough for being nominated.

“It’s quite an extraordinary feeling. There’s no expression that could express this moment. I would like to say shukran to the Voice of the Cape and Pick ‘n Pay for everything. This is not just for me, this is for my three sons as well. Shukran, ” Kukupeteca said.

Rachmat Petersen from Tafelsig also received a voucher and did not expect it at all. Petersen plans on sharing her voucher with her 16 year old daughter, her niece and the remaining bit on herself.

“This is going to help us a lot. I’m not working now for about six months, and I am the only bread-winner in the house. We’re going to share this for Eid, Inshallah,” said Petersen.

Organisers are requesting and asking the communities to send in or drop off their motivational letters.

“We still want more people to send in those nominations for those in need. We pledge to give away 1000 gift cards to the needy and we still have a few to give away,” said Mark Jennings, the Regional Marketing Manager.

There are over two weeks for motivational letters to be sent in. The co-ordinators of the MAD campaign aims to help as much people as they can, especially during the month of Ramadan. With less two weeks remaining, the co-ordinators are set on continuing with the campaign after Eid.

“If we don’t manage to do everything by the time Eid comes, we’ll just continue afterwards,”said Jennings.

If you would like to nominate someone, send in your motivational letters to mad@pnp.co.za or drop them off at your nearest Pick ‘n Pay store. Motivational letters can also be faxed to
0860 675 6007 or 021 448 8766. Do not forget to include contact details of yourself as well as the person you are nominating in your motivational letters. VOC (Shanaaz Abrahams)