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A mother figure might be a teacher, a personal or professional mentor, a parent, sibling, friend, grandparent or even a father who played the role of the mum. Through celebration of these people in our lives, as a society we collectively re-emphasise the value created for individuals by the people who donate their time, attention and love to us.
Some mother figures should be celebrated for their hard work. They spend hours each week commuting back and forth to pay for education or meals. Others are celebrated for taking people under their wings in the workplace to mentor and fuel careers.
When looking at how to show appreciation for these important people the key will lie not in the size or price of a gift, but rather in the thought and action taken to recognise the important role in society that Mothers across the world play.
It’s all about the memories we create
Moms should be celebrated all year round and doing something special for them, through organising something thoughtful affords us the opportunity to show that appreciation with a tangible token of love. We can make it all the more special with a thoughtful gift that has real meaning to your mom and has a positive impact on the lives of others.
One way to do this is by buying your mom a Relate bracelet (or two, or three). These pretty handmade bracelets are created by elderly people, refugees and young adults, all of whom earn an income by beading the bracelets. Giving them even more meaning is the fact that each bracelet carries a deeper purpose, aligning with a specific cause that Relate supports. “Our bracelets champion causes ranging from human needs like literacy, malaria prevention, and access to clean water, to animal conservation efforts for elephants, penguins, and pangolins, among others,” says Relate CEO, Dalit Shekel.
Choosing a bracelet that resonates with a cause close to your mom’s heart can establish a cherished new tradition for you and your mom. Various causes for the bracelet purchases are funding the feeding and clothing of orphans, helping children at risk of life-threatening diseases, protecting elephants, or preserving SA’s beautiful natural habitats.
By linking a core memory with a bracelet, you’re reminding your mom that she keeps making the world a better place, not only by supporting a good cause, but by being your mom.
How merchants can make every occasion a special occasion
Merchants across the retail space often have great specials to celebrate all kinds of big and small occasions. Through a platform like Uber Eats, businesses can market themselves and showcase their offerings to bring in more customers to their storefront, driving more orders and keeping them coming back for more.
The fifth annual Uber Eats Cravings Report released earlier this year showed that local is lekker. Daniele Joubert, Head of Strategy and Planning, Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa says, “While customers searched for the usual fast-food suspects, local dishes fared well in popularity. Some of the most loved South African dishes on the app include pap, malva pudding, chakalaka, bunny chow, and boerewors so whether you’re having a Saturday braai with friends or a Sunday lunch with family, there’s a variety of suitable options on Uber Eats.”
Grocery and retail promotions on Uber Eats are always good options to help increase traffic and orders for special occasions. These include offers like Buy One, Get One Free. Consumers are spoilt for choice with whatever suits their budget and needs.
Always the perfect time for a gift emphasising health and wellbeing
With the surge in the importance of health and wellness in South Africa, it’s always the perfect time to celebrate your mom or mother figure with a bottle of alcohol-free bubbles or gift her with a gin and tonic without the booze. It’s a thoughtful gesture, while simultaneously gifting her better sleep, more energy, and better absorption of nutrients folic acid and zinc.
“There’s no doubt that people are increasingly aware of their physical and mental well-being and the effects that alcohol has on them,” says Ayanda Mvandaba, CEO of Drink Nil, an ecommerce retailer that specialises in non-alcoholic drinks. “Increasingly, young people in particular are now growing up in a world where this kind of well-being is being celebrated. Let’s keep celebrating it on Mother’s Day.”
The gift of eye-to-eye connection and communication
In an age of social media and digital communications, emphasising family gatherings and opportunities to sit down with family and friends and engage in meaningful conversation eye to eye is more important than ever.
These are the moments where everyone gets an opportunity to slow down, enjoy themselves and make memories. While there might not be capacity for every family to invite their loved ones over to their homes for meals and connection, there are still a multitude of beautiful spots across the country to book and enjoy special outings where you are not using your phones.
Colleen Lategan, Food & Beverage Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront comments that “Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront’s Sunday lunch is structured so that it includes elements that celebrate the traditional home-cooked food that a loving Mum would prepare on Sunday afternoon. Given its blended indoor and outdoor setting, it also allows for kids and adults to enjoy themselves through being immersed in nature. The buffet style menu includes a range of nostalgic dishes such as roast chicken, gravy and Yorkshire pudding and delectable heartwarming desserts.
“Moms don’t often get the opportunity to enjoy a three-course meal not cooked by them and a Sunday lunch is a great opportunity to let them put their feet up and enjoy being served and cared for, while enjoying the company and connection with their loved ones,” she adds.’
Recognising the Contribution of workers in the home service sector
Home services platform SweepSouth recognises the invaluable role that domestic workers, many of whom are mother’s play in our lives.
Lourandi Kriel, CEO at SweepSouth, notes, “We recently invited our customers to share their SweepStar (domestic workers who find work via the platform) stories, and received touching messages that underscore the impact SweepStars have had on their lives and households. The common thread in these narratives is inspiring, from individuals managing their families’ affairs diligently to single parents striving for better living conditions despite personal challenges. Our SweepStar stories resonate deeply.”
Throughout May, the company will share stories of SweepStars’ dedication and resilience on social media and in newsletters. These efforts will culminate in a special celebration, recognising SweepStars for their unwavering commitment and hard work.
“We’ve also set up five special prizes for our outstanding SweepStars. This initiative not only commemorates the role of caregivers but also highlights the often overlooked contributions of household heroes who support families across the nation as if they were their own,” Kriel added.