With the festive season fast approaching, several LGBTQIA+ groups, with the support of Mahindra South Africa, are embarking on a campaign to bring joy to underprivileged and vulnerable South Africans.
The Rainbow Christmas Drive, in conjunction with Pink Loerie Foundation NPC, Ways of Walking Foundation NPC, Gay World Foundation NPC, Foundation and Co NPC, Suzelle DIY Foundation NPC, Honey & Dora, Manhunt International South Africa and driven by Mahindra South Africa, is set to kick off on the 27th of November 2023.
The initiative will distribute donated non-perishable food products, previously loved and new clothing, personal hygiene products and 500 children’s gift packs to a range of beneficiaries such as LGBTQIA+ shelters in Cape Town, retirement homes, soup kitchens and children’s homes between Cape Town and Knysna. We are also requesting the donation of any items of value that can be auctioned to raise funds.
Corporates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies are encouraged to participate by collecting non-perishable food and personal hygiene products (male and female, including much-needed adult diapers – see comprehensive list below). They can then contact office@thechristmasdrive.com for the donations to be collected no later than the 1st of December 2023. All goods will be distributed to the beneficiaries by the 24th of December 2023.
The donations will be transported in a Mahindra Scorpio S11, kindly on loan in support of the cause.
Honey & Dora, the newest LGBTQIA+ venue in Cape Town, is a Rainbow Christmas Drive drop-off point in the Mother City. They’ve kicked off the campaign with a contribution of R2,000 worth of donations, setting the tone for a great Christmas for those in need. “Come and support this drive, drop off here and be part of spreading joy to those who are struggling this festive season!” says JP van Huyssteen, owner of Honey & Dora.
Manhunt International South Africa is proud to be associated with The Rainbow Christmas Drive. “The competition is not only a beauty contest but also a community driven event where the delegates get involved with misplaced youth, the elderly as well as victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Since we have the platform to raise awareness for these important matters and The Rainbow Christmas Drive has set out to assist more people than ever before this year, we are there every step of the way to show our solidarity,” says Rudi du Toit, owner and franchisee of Manhunt International South Africa.
The campaign further aims to bring awareness to the causes and organisations supported by the Rainbow Christmas Drive through in-person engagements, social media updates and newsletters.
“Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference in someone’s life. You may feel that it’s a small drop in a huge tank, but we believe that every drop helps to fill that tank,” says Johann van Niekerk, Chairperson of Gay World Foundation NPC.