“I decided to commit to giving R250 per month as a silver member, and spoke to several of my friends about it. They were soon giving as well and speaking to their networks, and with just six friends signed up directly, the multiplying effect has resulted in good earnings for charity and for me,” says Botha. “I'm living proof that the principle works.”
Botha proudly handed over a symbolic cheque last week at the organisation's trustee meeting in Sandton, where nine of South Africa's charities met to discuss their partnership through The Giving Organisation, a trust launched by patron Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in 2006. Through growing the Give for Life network, the organisation aims to reach a total of R100 million for SA charities by end 2010.
“What inspires me about this is that you can get involved in this business via the internet, or by simply sharing the concept with your friends. By being part of this project, you can make an income for yourself, but more importantly contribute towards charities, enabling and empowering them to continue with the important charitable work they do. It was such a privilege for me to hand over this cheque knowing that reputable charities will make use of these funds to support those less privileged during this festive season” says Botha. “We're in a connected world; let's connect to really make a difference.”
The participating charities address a range of causes, from caring for vulnerable children and cancer treatment to animal welfare and nature conservation. They are CHOC, the South African Red Cross Society, the African Children's Feeding Scheme, Cotlands, CANSA, Reach for a Dream, Ithemba Trust, World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF) and the NSPCA. Give for Life members can also nominate additional registered charities of their choice to benefit from a percentage of their contributions.
Leon Louw, executive director of the Law Review Project, South Africa's network marketing watchdogs, says, “The service here is essentially the distribution of funds to reputable charities. An innovative structure allows for the participants, effectively the marketers of the business, to be rewarded for their efforts, while charities still benefit the most through the expanded network.” PricewaterhouseCoopers will audit the process while all payments are directly received by an independent trust with BOE as trustees.
"The manner in which funds can be raised for charitable organisations has become innovative and this is very much a win-win situation - a necessity in the harsh economic times we are all experiencing. Members work for and thereby generate income. Individuals and animals are helped by the benefiting charities that reap the rewards," says Christine Kuch NSPCA spokesperson and chair of The Giving Organisation.
Celebrity Give For Life supporters keen to use their pulling power and networks to benefit charity in a business-like manner include champion swimmer Ryk Neethling, rugby hero Victor Matfield, Binnerlanders actor, Hykie Berg and musicians Zwai Bala and Heinz Winckler. “I'm proud to be a part of a real business solution for charities in South Africa. You just can't argue with the numbers and the multiplying effect,” says Neethling. Others are Arnold Geerdts, John Laffnie De Jager, Andrew Thompson, Altus Theart, Zetske van Pletzen and David Conrad.
Information and the registration process is easily accessible through mobile phones on a mobisite www.giveforlife.mobi and online www.giveforlife.co.za.
