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In support of efforts to assist post the riots, community-focussed betting operator, Hollywoodbets, has pledged a R3 million investment towards the rebuilding and upliftment of communities through its My Community Programme.
Their #HopeisPower project aims to provide immediate relief in the form of food parcels or assistance to areas in major distress. Jointly providing support to businesses impacted by the riots to help them get back on their feet. “We are focussing on the communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng who were most affected by the civil unrest. Our Hollywoodbets My Community website has also been receiving requests from the public which are being screened and we have a team who are currently on the ground identifying where the immediate needs lie, and decisions are being made daily on where to assist.”
In lieu of transparency, the betting operator adds that all the organisations assisted will be reported on and covered on Hollywoodbets My Community site. Moreover, the business states, “We have also been dealing with our partners such the Comrades Association, Hollywoodbets Dolphins and Sharks etc, and brand ambassadors (Jerry Sikhosana, Brian Baloyi, Mike Procter, Anthony Delpech, and Odwa & Akona Ndungane) where they have identified.”
As a start, Hollywoodbets is rolling out assistance to the areas in immediate need and to organisations most vulnerable, such as the areas where access to food and basic supplies is not possible currently. “At this stage we can’t advise on how many, but will be updating the media and our website as and when we do a handover.”
Hollywoodbets has also pledged R100 000 each to the South African Taxi Association (SANTACO) and Ntenga Foundation from this R3 million. Additionally, one of the My Community benefactors, SG Bakery in Umlazi, will also be supported with more equipment to help them meet demand.
“We are engaging our team members/managers to help identify areas/businesses in the locations severely impacted that don’t have insurance and have been destroyed. Therefore, they will need immediate supplies, machinery, and equipment to get up and running, for example spaza shops, bakeries and businesses which play a vital role in these communities. The process of selection is based on the severity and urgency of the request and public interest.” Moreover, Hollywoodbets CSI Manager, Rasigan Naidoo, explained that despite these difficult circumstances, communities had come together, “We have been united to help one another, in the true sense of “Ubuntu”. It is important for us to offer immediate relief and assist with the rebuilding of the communities in which we operate. Our thoughts are with those who have suffered loss or are facing distressing times.”
Communities and businesses impacted by the riots can contact them through their Hollywoodbets My Community website – https://mycommunity.hollywoodbets.net/hopeispower-r3-million-pledge/
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