Cashbuild gives R3.5m to schools

Over the past year alone, Cashbuild donated R3.5 million in building material vouchers to 250 schools.

The donations are made through its Art-at-Heart initiative.

The 250 schools spent the vouchers building new classrooms, painting their schools, fixing toilet facilities and on general repair work.

Every time a new store is opened, refurbished or relocated, an Art-atHeart competition is held, whereby building material vouchers worth R15 000 are given to the eight primary schools.

At the official opening ceremonies, pupils from the schools entertain those attending with singing, cultural dances and theatrical performances.

In order to participate in the Art-at-Heart competition, pupils from each school must submit their best artwork.

Their art is exhibited at the ceremony and remains on display in the store for the next six years.

Artwork is judged and three winners from each school are named.

Winners received Cashbuild Art-at-Heart gold, silver or bronze certificates for first, second and third places respectively.

The Manager’s Choice award is also presented to the overall winner. This award is announced on the day and the winner receives a stationery pack and a trophy. The winner also opens the store.

Since the Art-at-Heart campaign was launched 18 years ago, Cashbuild has helped more than

3 200 schools in southern Africa with more than R40 million worth of building materials.

Cashbuild is black economic empowerment compliant and every time a store is opened, relocated or refurbished, it not only makes donations to local schools, but also creates jobs for the community.

The Art-at-Heart competition is a southern African Cashbuild initiative whereby donations are made to some of the region’s most needy schools. –