With winter firmly on its way and temperatures dropping, the RE/MAX Foundation is getting ready for its annual Coats and Cans initiative which will run from 15 May up until the 30 June 2017. Those who wish to contribute any blankets, winter woollies and non-perishable food items to the campaign will be able to drop off their donations at any of the participating RE/MAX offices.
“The colder months are extremely challenging for many South Africans living in impoverished conditions. There are people in our country who cannot afford to feed their families on a daily basis, never mind purchasing additional warm clothing to get them through the harsher winter season,” says Adrian Goslett, Director of the RE/MAX Foundation and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. “The Coats and Cans initiative is an opportunity for us as a brand to get involved with our local communities and make a difference where it is needed most. The amazing response and support we receive from the public each year are inspiring, and it has helped us have a positive impact in underprivileged communities and make people's lives a little more comfortable.”
He adds that although the campaign is organised and run by the RE/MAX Foundation, the success and reach that the initiative has enjoyed over the past few years can be solely attributed to the participation of those in the local communities. The more people who contribute to the cause, the more people we have been able to help. “As the saying goes, many hands make light work. Small contributions from a lot of people can make a significant impact on the community. As a company, we are a link in a chain and can only do so much. However, when people come together to contribute towards a common goal, big things happen, and lives change in a positive way,” says Goslett.
To ensure that the collected items benefit the local community in which the RE/MAX office is situated - each office will nominate a charity or organisation in their area that will receive the goods. Goslett explains that the reasoning behind this concept is that the brand wants the donations received from the public to impact their local community and make a difference to the people in that specific area. “When one lives and works within a community, they will have some insight into which organisations would benefit the most from the donations.”
The public is urged to once again get involved and visit their local RE/MAX office to donate some much-needed items. “Often a warm meal and winter coat is taken for granted, but for many, it is a luxury that they simply cannot afford. Every donation will have a positive impact on those who receive it,” Goslett concludes.
