Mpact, the JSE-listed paper and plastics packaging company, has helped make a real difference to the lives of the communities it touches by raising funds for a mobile kitchen in Springs, Ekurhuleni.
By participating in the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge Ride for a Purpose initiative, the company has enabled local charity, SpringsCare, to buy a mobile kitchen that will be used to provide much-needed hot meals for children in need in the Springs area.
SpringsCare is a Section 21 Company established in 2010 to reach, restore and equip the community of Springs and surrounding areas to help meet their daily needs.
Having learned that many Mpact employees are cyclists, Mpact Human Resources Manager Vaughn Wood and his team based at Mpact’s paper mill in Springs, decided to initiate a corporate social investment (CSI) project Make an impact with Mpact that goes beyond just hand-outs.
The CSI initiative, which began last year, challenged Mpact employees and their families, customers and suppliers, to participate in the cycling event to raise funds for SpringsCare. A total of over R334 000 was raised, with the company donating R3 to every Rand raised by the cyclists.
At Mpact we recognise community engagement as a business imperative and a cornerstone of remaining sustainable. We believe this mobile kitchen will help SpringsCare to feed children attending poorly-resourced local schools in the greater Springs community, says Howard Emmett, the General Manager of Mpact’s Springs Mill.
An important fact to consider is that providing even one meal a day will enable these children to get a better education as no one can learn on an empty stomach.
Emmett adds that this initiative, which will be ongoing, is in keeping with Mpact’s approach to CSI. It’s our wish to truly engage with communities in a sustainable manner so that the effort is authentic, extending beyond merely providing hand-outs out of a sense of duty.
So far 28 Mpact employees have already entered the 2014 Momentum 94.7 Challenge under the Make an impact with Mpact initiative. We hope this year’s event is even more successful, allowing us to continue to assist our local communities.
Issued by FTI Consulting Strategic Communications
Kgomotso Moalusi +27 (0) 11 214 2413 / +27 (0)76 941 2902
On behalf of Mpact Limited
Deborah Chapman Communications Manager, Mpact +27 (0) 11 994 5500 / +27 (0)76 650 4155
About Mpact
Mpact Limited is one of the largest paper and plastics packaging businesses in southern Africa. It is listed on the JSE’s main board in the Industrial: Paper and Packaging sector. The Group has the leading market position in southern Africa in recovered paper collection, corrugated packaging, recycled-based cartonboard and containerboard, PET preforms, styrene trays, and plastic jumbo bins. These leading market positions allow Mpact to meet the increasing requirements of its customers, achieve economies of scale and cost effectiveness at the various operations.
Mpact has 32 operating sites, 22 of which are manufacturing operations, based in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and employs 3,998 people.
Please visit www.mpact.co.za for more information.