Pick ‘n Pay Kenilworth Centre was abuzz with shoppers and onlookers on Wednesday as the VOC OB team joined staff to surprise unsuspecting people with hampers and shopping vouchers. Wednesday was the second round of the Make A Difference campaign, a corporate social initiative, in which Pick ‘n Pay partners with VOC every Ramadan. A number of nominees were there supported by their family and friends that nominated them.

The entrance of Pick ‘n Pay was soon packed with children, moms, dads, grandparents, and crèche teachers. One of the nominees that were selected was the Kreative Kids Day Care and After Care.

They received a voucher courtesy of Pick ‘n Pay and VOC of R2000.

“I’m ecstatic, nervous and excited because all of this is going to my kids that we are looking after. There are so many things we could do with this money. We need heaters because it is very cold in the classroom and we need food to cook decent meals for the kids. There’s just so much we can do,” said the principal of the day-care Shihaam Ramjan.

Shariefa Ghalliem from Heideveld was just as grateful for being nominated.

“It’s only me and my two grand children who are still on school. No one is working and I’m only a pensioner,” said Ghalliem.

Most recipients struggled to hold back tears, as the financial ‘lifeline’ they received was so sorely needed.

“Last year my mother was nominated, and this year I was nominated. I feel blessed. This is going to help us a lot because I’m not working and there’s no one else working. It’s going to help us especially for Eid, inshallah,” said Gadija Isaacs from Delft.

Shahieda Petersen from Mitchell’s Plain was very touched as she stood there alongside her nine year old daughter Kauthar Petersen with tears in her eyes.

“I’m very excited and very emotional,” Shahieda added.

This was a happy and emotional day for some, including those that stood and watched the nominees receiving their vouchers and hampers.

Making sure the beneficiaries were handed their goods were VOC Afternoon Cruise presenter Ayesha Laatoe, Kenilworth Centre’s Pick ‘n Pay Assistant Manager Omar Young, the Pick ‘n Pay Ottery store manager Wallied Adams, the Pick ‘n Pay Radio manager Collin Scholtz and the company’s public relations officer Sharon Brown.

“Choosing nominees for the MAD Campaign is getting harder,” said Scholtz.

“How does one not get emotional when reading these letters,” added Brown.

If you have know of a family, neighbour or friend that would appreciate receiving a helping hand, write a motivational letter explaining why that person should be nominated. All letters should be emailed to mad@pnp.co.za, or faxed to 0860 675 6007 or 021 448 8766. You may also drop off the letters at a Pick ‘n Pay near you, at the Customer Care counter.

VOC listeners and Pick ‘n Pay customers are urged to nominate those in need. VOC (Shanaaz Abrahams)