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Winter can be a harsh season for many people, especially those who do not have a place to call home. That’s why Nando’s, the home of flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, decided to warm up winter with a campaign that delivered 5000 hotpots and soups to various beneficiaries across the country. This undertaking was part of the Hot Plot campaign which ran throughout winter.
The beneficiaries included students in need at the North- West University (NWU), elderly residents at Queen’s Haven, homeless people at various shelters, disabled children at Odirile, orphans at Tshwaraganang and Sultan Bahu, and pre-schoolers at Kleintreetjies.
The NWU received 125 hot pot meals from Nando’s Mafikeng, which were prepared and handed over with great care to Mega Care Solution and the University Management. The meals were distributed exclusively to students facing severe hardship. Mrs. L J Maralack, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the donation, expressed gratitude to Nando’s for their outstanding support to the Mafikeng community on Mmabatho FM.
Queen’s Haven, a home for the elderly in the south of Johannesburg, received 100 hot pot meals from Nando’s Rosettenville. The home provides care and shelter for elderly individuals who are either unable or unwilling to be cared for by their families. Matron Naomi and her team were immensely pleased to witness the Nando’s brand extending a helping hand and supporting the community during this unexpected time of need. Nando’s Rosettenville has a history of showing benevolence to Queen’s Haven, having donated food before the lockdown.
Other beneficiaries of the Nando’s Winter Campaign included homeless people at shelters such as The Haven Night Shelter, The Salvation Army, and The Gift of the Givers Foundation. These shelters provide accommodation, food, clothing, and other services to people who have nowhere else to go. Nando’s delivered hot pot meals to these shelters, bringing warmth and comfort to those who are often overlooked and neglected by society.
Odirile for Disabled Children received 60 hot pot meals from Nando’s Jubilee. This organization is committed to caring for the terminally ill and providing rehabilitation assistance to the elderly during medical procedures. Duduzile, a Nandoca from Nando’s Jubilee, nominated Odirile for disabled children in an effort to brighten their lives. These children seldom venture out and experience life like their peers, mostly confined to their homes. Duduzile recognizes Nando’s commitment to the community and even suggests a clothing drive similar to those by larger businesses like Spar and Pick n Pay, where customers can donate second-hand clothes for shelters.
Tshwaraganang Children’s Homes received another 60 hot pot meals from Nando’s Jubilee. This organization aims to provide for children who cannot be with their families or are orphans. This includes not only food and shelter, but also a caring environment for play and growth. Dudu chose this organization to convey Nando’s care and support to these children, who rarely experience take-out meals due to financial constraints. She quotes a child named Pencil, who expressed gratitude for being able to taste Nando’s food for the first time. It’s worth noting that the shelter houses over 50 kids and also supports a shelter for 30 elderly individuals and those affected by gender-based violence. Clean and drinkable water supply remains a challenge in the area.
Sultan Bahu Community Centre received meals from Nando’s Fordsburg. The recipients of the meals were children from an orphanage under the care of the Sultan Bahu Community Centre on 3rd Avenue, Mayfair. This non-profit organization is driven by purpose, striving to provide support to the needy throughout the country, addressing medical, academic, and physical needs. The Operations Manager from Nando’s Fordsburg had previous experience with this organization and believed it presented a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.
Kleintreetjies Kleuterskool received 130 hot pot meals from Nando’s Eldoraigne. This day care hosts more than 120 children from underprivileged backgrounds, some attending primarily for food. Abdul, along with another Nandoca’s, delivered the meals.
This Hot Plot by Nando’s is part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in the communities where they operate. By delivering 5000 hotpots to those in need, Nando’s not only warmed their tummies, but also their hearts. As Nando’s says, “We’re not just about chicken. We’re about people first.”