Engen employee Charmaine Le Breton has helped raise funds to support Jaycees Foundation, an NPO based in Eerste Rivier in the Western Cape that focuses on community feeding.

Charmaine, a switchboard operator at Engen, utilised the company’s Employee Community Partnership Programme (ECPP) to secure R5,000 to purchase groceries, winter essentials and feminine hygiene products for Jaycees Foundation.

Engen’s ECPP is designed to encourage employees to engage in community service by providing financial support for their initiatives, with Charmaine’s dedication exemplifying the spirit of giving back and making a positive impact on society.

Established in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, Jaycees Foundation is committed to providing hope and support to the community through several feeding stations that offer healthy cooked meals.

The Foundation also collects and distributes sanitary pads and pre-loved clothing, and conducts health and wellness checks.

Charmaine, who assists with fundraising and the collection of appropriate goods, supports the Foundation because she believes in their mission to bring hope and dignity to her community.

“It's heartwarming to see the positive impact they make, and I am honoured to contribute to their efforts,” adds Charmaine.

Jaycees Foundation also runs the ‘Jar of Hope Drive’, a campaign aimed at collecting soup ingredients which are placed in a jar to help provide a warm meal for a family of four.

Leonora Fransman from the Jaycees Foundation extended gratitude to Engen for the company’s support.

“The funds provided by Engen through Charmaine’s efforts are crucial in sustaining our operations. They help us alleviate hunger by offering a hot meal three times a week, address poverty, and drive gender-based violence and substance abuse awareness,” says Fransman.

The Foundation also aims to run quarterly wellness initiatives offering free screenings, including Pap smears, blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV screening, and diabetes monitoring as well as implement TB testing in conjunction with the local municipal clinic.

“As winter sets in, Jaycees continues to appeal for donations of winter blankets, clothing, and shoes to share warmth with those in need. The community’s support is invaluable, and every contribution helps bring comfort to the less fortunate,” adds Fransman.

Another Jaycees initiative in the pipeline is to start a vegetable garden, which will provide them with vegetables for cooking meals.

“We are in need of soil, seeds, and gardening tools and would be grateful for any assistance,” requests Fransman.

Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager, comments: “As a company that cares deeply about the communities in which it operates, it is important for Engen to actively back NPOs such as Jaycees Foundation who do so much to support and uplift those in need.

“Engen remains steadfast in its support of social welfare organisations, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to helping create meaningful change and improving lives across South Africa.”