#ImStaying, Leading with Purpose

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibres connect us with our fellow man.” – Herman Melville

Few truer words have ever been spoken as the links between humans become even more apparent during our current trying times. A perfect example of this inter-connectedness was recently displayed during #ImStaying’s #VouchForYou campaign. Members within the group made up of 1.2 million rallied together for a common cause: to alleviate the suffering of South Africa’s most vulnerable.

The connection between us becomes increasingly evident when the suffering of one sparks another to action. Whether we realise it or not, we are all connected. What affects one of us, affects us all. While the effect is sometimes more immediate in some instances, every action has a reaction, and we get to decide the impact, together.

DONOR MESSAGE: “NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY!” – RETHA

#ImStaying launched the #VouchForYou initiative in late April 2020, thousands of recipients were able to find a lifeline because of the willingness and actions of thousands of donors. Both our donors, and those in need of food relief, responded in droves. #ImStaying received approximately 15 000 registrations for help and to date over R970 000 has been donated. For the most part, every registration accounts for an average family of four. This means there is still a much larger demand than available supply at present.

DONOR MESSAGE: “STAY STRONG WE WILL SURVIVE THIS TOGETHER!! – FRANCISCO

“We have managed to raise a substantial amount for our initiative thanks to our generous donors who have contributed over just under R1 million to date. We would like to thank those who supported this initiative. The true heroes of this campaign - our donors both local and abroad.” says Jarette Petzer, Founder and CEO of #ImStaying.

“We would also like to thank PEP Stores, KSB Company, and Nedbank for their generous contributions. We look forward to growing and nurturing these relationships as we continue to progress with our mandate to unite, collaborate, and bring change. This campaign bears true testimony to the power of that unity and collaboration can actually achieve.”

DONOR MESSAGE: “TOGETHER EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS.” – JO

Jarette continues, “This campaign has been a learning experience for us as a movement. It has been the most successful campaign that we have had the honour to be involved in, and the demand we came under helped to identify flaws in the system we were using.  Too many moving parts and processes caused delays in the distribution process.”

The concept of ‘You can find a problem you never knew you had, and find a solution you weren’t looking for’ comes to the fore as Jarette discusses the new partnership. “Our solution came in the form of Ukheshe. A smart end-to-end provider that enables not only a smooth transaction and distribution channel, but also empowers small business by not limiting the recipient in terms of where they can spend their voucher. A Fast and reliable solution for today’s challenges.

DONOR MESSAGE: “HOPE IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!” – ANONYMOUS

#ImStaying recently partnered with Ukheshe, and they will be championing various future initiatives with Ukheshe by their side. Clayton Hayward, Co-Founder and CEO of Ukheshe said, “The current global pandemic has pivoted our business from facilitating micro-payments with a broader objective to address financial inclusion, to a platform with a purpose to do more good. For a 90-day period, our services are free to all those who need access to Government grants or similar disbursements. Our partnership with #IM Staying and its Vouch for You initiative enables us to take our platform with purpose a step further.”

This is a very exciting time for #ImStaying and through this initiative it proves that major change can be affected when the right partners bring their strengths together to make a dream a reality. The #VouchForYou initiative was driven solely online – the marketing of the project, the donations, and finally, getting the vouchers to the beneficiary on the street.  This speaks to the powerful part that tech and social medial can play in our lives while reducing the risk of theft, corruption, logistical challenges, administrative delays and unnecessary expenditure.

DONOR MESSAGE: “IT IS TIME TO SHOW OUR PEOPLE THAT WE CARE DEEPLY ABOUT THE WELLBEING OF ALL” – JENNIFER LOUW

In closing, Clayton said, “Through #VouchForYou anyone can donate to those in need. We have made the process of redeeming vouchers as easy as possible by catering for all devices and users, and by using the Ukheshe Masterpass codes. The #ImStaying Fund is another way that South Africans can help each other during these very tough times. Ukheshe is staying, and we hope that many thousands will donate and pledge their support to the country and those in need.”

This global first movement of tangible change is creating ripples of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. By joining hands with like-minded and vision-driven organisations, like Ukheshe, true change is possible in South Africa.

GOOD THOUGHTS ? GOOD WORDS ? GOOD DEEDS

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