Bed of ice for warmth
MELROSE ARCH - An enormous bed made of ice drew dozens of celebrities to Melrose Arch for the launch of the Nedbank Winter Campaign.
The campaign seeks to bring warmth through blankets to the less privileged members of society.
Thousands of vulnerable South Africans – especially orphaned children and senior citizens – will experience icy temperatures this winter, increasing their chances of cold, flu and chronic respiratory illnesses. The ice bed is the bank’s way of illustrating the cold facts and encouraging those who are more fortunate to make a warmer winter happen for others.
A number of the celebrities attending the launch, including Bonang Matheba and SAFM presenter Ashraf Garda, dared to lie down on the frozen bed. They were only allowed to get up after their fans and followers had tweeted, #WarmerWinter.
Kone Gugushe, divisional executive for corporate social responsibility at the bank said they had invested R3.2 million into the campaign over the past five years, which translated into 16 500 blankets donated to close to 36 000 people.
“Today’s launch seeks to remind fellow South Africans that each of us can do something to make a positive impact on someone else’s life,” said Gugushe. “Over the past years, we have received amazing support from all corners of the country and we are confident that through the generosity and support of employees, our clients, the public and all members of society, this year’s campaign will be an even greater success,.
Anyone can contribute R20 towards the blanket drive by smsing the word ‘winter’ to 40017, or donate a minimum of R100 to Nedbank Savings Account: 2001120915 using Winter as the reference.
Johannesburg Child Welfare and Ithlokomeleng Old Age Home received blankets during the event and their representatives gave testimony of their long-standing relationship with the bank and what the blankets mean to them.
