Committed to making a difference

As a company, we strive to create an environment where all areas of our business operate in a sustainable manner – SPAR EC’s Roseann Shadrach

SPAR Eastern Cape is committed to making a difference in the communities where it operates, from providing employment to supporting those in need by volunteering time or generating funds for charities.

“As a company, we strive to create an environment where all areas of our business operate in a sustainable manner,” said SPAR Eastern Cape’s Roseann Shadrach.

“Key to this is being actively involved in our communities, whether it’s providing essential neighbourhood services, stocking locally-sourced foods or fundraising for good causes.”

Shadrach said this meant partnering with various non-profit organisations that were working tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. “SPAR is proud to be a part of fundraising events such as the SPAR Women’s Challenge, which allowed us to support organisations such as the Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities and the Missionvale Care Centre this year,” she said.

“At SPAR, our core values are ‘Family, Passion and Entrepreneurship’ and, as such, we select beneficiaries that tap into those values.”

One such organisation is the SOS Children’s Village in Port Elizabeth, which was identified as a beneficiary of the SPAR Little Ladies Race.

The village is one of eight across South Africa, and focuses on providing support for orphaned and vulnerable children from all over the Eastern Cape.

Shadrach said as a leading food retailer in the province, SPAR was also proud to partner with their suppliers to make a difference in the lives of as many beneficiaries in the community as possible.

One such initiative was the SPAR Charity Golf Day, which raised funds for Love Story, the Smile Foundation and Wings and Wishes.

“Without the generosity and support of our suppliers and sponsors, events such as these would not be possible.

“These organisations are truly selfless in supporting those in need and it is an honour for SPAR to support them,” she said.

“We are proud of our new partnership in support of Love Story through the TOPS sponsorship of the Valley and Good Night Markets, where all entry fees are donated to the charity.”

Shadrach said SPAR was also committed to reducing the overall environmental impact of their retailers, and creating awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.

“We feel it’s our duty to increase the general awareness and education of those around us by facilitating programmes that help schools and less fortunate communities live and work in a more environmentally sustainable fashion,” she said.

One such beneficiary is the Zwartkops Conservancy, which focuses on educating people on protecting the environment.

“It is a great privilege for SPAR Eastern Cape to be able to assist the numerous organisations that are making a difference,” she said.