Checkers Sixty60 matches Mandela Day grocery donations

For many South Africans, Mandela Day is more than just 67 minutes of service it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

This year, Checkers Sixty60 has once again partnered with Meals on Wheels South Africa, encouraging customers to donate groceries through the Sixty60 app between 15 and 18 July. Every donation made during the campaign will be matched by Checkers, while customers will also have their delivery fee refunded, effectively stretching every contribution even further.

A growing campaign against hunger

Now in its fifth year, the initiative has already generated more than R3.3 million in grocery donations, helping Meals on Wheels continue supporting vulnerable communities well beyond Mandela Day.

With food insecurity remaining a daily reality for many households across South Africa, the partners hope this year’s campaign will surpass last year’s total and reach even more families in need.

Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group, said the campaign demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses and customers work together.

‘Mandela Day reminds us of the power of collective action. By working together with Meals on Wheels, and thanks to the generosity of Checkers Sixty60 customers, we can turn individual acts of kindness into meaningful support for communities countrywide.‘

Donations that make a lasting difference

Previous Mandela Day donations have already made a tangible impact in communities identified through local consultations.

In Beaufort West, the initiative helped establish a temporary nutrition programme that served nearly 10 000 meals while distributing 386 food parcels to vulnerable households.

Meanwhile, in Britstown, donated groceries provided a centre supporting people living with physical and intellectual disabilities with more than a month’s supply of essential food. The assistance reduced operating costs, allowing the organisation to direct more resources towards specialised care and support services.

These examples highlight how donations made during a short fundraising campaign can continue benefiting communities long after Mandela Day has ended.

How to donate

People can contribute from anywhere in South Africa or even abroad by using the Checkers Sixty60 app or website.

Supporters simply need to choose one of the designated Meals on Wheels collection points as their delivery address before purchasing groceries. The app also features a dedicated Deliver Kindness section highlighting the non-perishable food items most needed by the organisation.

Gershon Naidoo, Programmes Director at Meals on Wheels South Africa, said customer support continues to play an important role in sustaining the organisation’s work.

‘The support from Checkers Sixty60 and its customers has helped reduce pressure on our service centres by lowering grocery and operating costs, allowing us to focus more resources on the people who rely on us. When customers choose to donate, they become part of something bigger – helping us put food on the table for families and ensuring support reaches communities long after Mandela Day has passed.‘

Why it matters

Food insecurity remains one of South Africa’s biggest social challenges, with many families relying on community organisations for daily meals. Initiatives like this offer an easy way for shoppers to contribute while doing their own grocery shopping.

Meals on Wheels currently operates 179 kitchens across all nine provinces, collectively serving more than 200 000 meals every day. As Mandela Day encourages South Africans to give back, campaigns like this show how small individual contributions can become a significant source of support when communities come together.

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