WPRFU clubs collecting food parcels at DHL Newlands
The Western Province Rugby Football Union has teamed up with 3M and United Way to provide 1000 food parcels, which will be collected by local clubs and other selected beneficiaries at DHL Newlands on Saturday.
Science-based technology company 3M has joined with not-for-profit organisation United Way (UW) Worldwide to support relief projects across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) that are helping the most vulnerable people in society impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
United Way South Africa, the local UW organisation, is sponsored by 3M South Africa to implement a relief programme to provide nutritional food, fresh water, hygiene, COVID-19 educational awareness brochures and sanitisation products to vulnerable families, which this collection forms part of.
The 98 clubs will collect the food parcels from DHL Newlands on Saturday and then deliver them to those in need in their respective communities.
The food parcels will be packed by the DHL Stormers players on Friday and then handed over to the various beneficiaries on Saturday, with collections over three hours to ensure that the number of people at DHL Newlands is kept to a minimum.
Other beneficiaries include those involved in the WPRFU’s youth programmes, women’s rugby and the Hubs Development Programme, with a focus on supporting families in need.
Additional support for this initiative has come from Pick n Pay and Boxer Superstores, with DHL delivering the parcels, Crown National providing some food and Peninsular Beverages contributing water.
Strict social distancing and COVID-19 protocols will be maintained at DHL Newlands throughout the day on Saturday, with different groups of DHL Stormers players set to visit and collections staggered over the three hours.
WPRFU president Zelt Marais said that it is fantastic to see the local rugby community stand together in what is a difficult time for many.
“We are really proud of the way that the WPRFU has connected with sponsors to do something meaningful which will support those who need it most right now.
“Rugby has always had a strong community spirit, so it is important that we all do our bit in times like these,” he said.
