Not satisfied with the estimated R80 000 worth of hampers and vouchers given away during Ramadan 2013, organisers of the Pick ‘n Pay Make a Difference (MAD) campaign have set the goal of assisting 1000 families during the 8th edition of the popular campaign.

Following its launch live on VOC, listeners and Pick ‘n Pay shoppers are urged to nominate families they consider in need of assistance, particularly during the holy month. Those nominating should provide as much details on the recipients as possible, as well as motivation as to why the families are in need. The campaign will be different from last year, in the sense that recipients will be aware of their nomination.

Pick ‘n Pay marketing manager Mark Jennings said the company were dedicated to ensuring that as few people as possible went home hungry this Ramadan. He said the retailer had committed a lot of resources to the campaign, in the hope of really making a difference in people’s lives.

“A lot of passion and enthusiasm has gone in and we have had a lot of meetings to see how we can really make a difference,” he noted.

Despite the supermarket chain having faced a difficult time in recent years, Jennings said the company had not wavered in its contributions to the needy, suggesting the company had spent even more money on initiatives like the MAD campaign.

“While Pick ‘n Pay was having a rough time, so was the general economy, and so were consumers. They needed a bit of assistance, so we never stopped all the way through,” he said.

This year’s campaign will be different in the sense that, VOC will be hosting a number of outside broadcasts at various Pick ‘n Pay stores. With an OB already held at the Pick ‘n Pay in Paarl Mall, VOC will also be visiting the stores in Vangate, Kenilworth, Promenade Mitchells Plain, Canal Walk, and Ottery.

Jennings urged all VOC listeners to get involved with the campaign and to make a difference in the lives of a family in need.

“Our appeal is for you to help us help us the needy. Let us know of people who are in dire need, so we can make a difference during Ramadan,” he said.

The recipients of the vouchers at each OB will be broadcast live on VOC.

To nominate an individual or family, you can send your nominations via fax to 0860 675 6007 or 021 448 8766. Alternatively you can send an email to mad@pnp.co.za. Drop off points will also be available at all Pick and Pay stores across the Western Cape for those wishing to write out their nominations. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)