Save the Children’s second annual gala raised over R1.5 million for vulnerable children in Africa. 

Save the Children South Africa hosted its second annual gala dinner on Wednesday 29 November 2017 at the Maslow hotel in Sandton. The event raised R1.5 million through donations including an auction and a generous R750,000 gift from Nedbank Foundation. 

“We believe that every child, regardless of their circumstances and where they come from, deserves a chance and a future. They deserve to have a better life, better education, better health and to be protected. We believe that we must do whatever it takes to ensure every child gets that. We are here because ordinarily the only way we can reach children is through the support that we get,” said Gugu Ndebele, Save the Children South Africa’s CEO.

Through the theme, An Africa Reimagined, celebrities like Terry Pheto, Bo, Given Mabena, Zikhona Sodlaka, Janez Vermeiren and Mampho Brescia made a significant contribution to changing the lives of children.

During the gala dinner, the children’s rights organisation launched their Festive Season campaign ‘Bags of Hope’ - in partnership with Uzwelo Bags. By purchasing a high-end bag from the Bags of Hope collection, a multi-purpose school bag will be donated to a vulnerable child in 2018. The bags are specially designed with a poncho to protect children and their school books when it rains.

To purchase a bag or to find out more, visit www.uzwelo.co.za/fashion-bag.

The funds raised from the gala will be used to support Save the Children’s vision to significantly reduce violence against children. In the 2017 Violence Unwrapped study it was revealed that South Africa loses R238 billion in GDP annually because of our inaction to prevent violence against children. 

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For more information: Lois Moodley on 0724401519 or [email protected]

About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. 

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