Put your creative talents to work for needy children

Shoprite and Checkers, in conjunction with Age in Action, is again sponsoring the Pretty Things for Little Things promotion - a competition that urges customers, especially senior citizens, to put their creative talents to work to make clothes and toys for needy children. 

The Shoprite Group believes in the potential inherent in the youth of our country, and that our children should be provided with opportunities not only to grow and learn, but also to just feel happy and nurtured. In keeping with this commitment to the youth, the Shoprite and Checkers supermarket chains sponsor several projects aimed at enriching the lives of our country’s children, especially those less privileged. 

These gorgeous blankets and quilts are only a few of those entered in the 2010 Pretty Things for Little Things Competition. All of these items were distributed to needy children as early Christmas presents last year. 

The Pretty Things for Little Things project, that calls on entrants to make anything practical, durable and safe that a child can wear or play with, annually collects thousands of items that are distributed across the country to needy children as early Christmas presents. Articles can be made of any resources available and can be entered into four categories namely soft toys, blankets, clothing, and other articles made from materials such as wood, tin or wire. 

Last year Pretty Things for Little Things was able to bring joy through gifts to more than 16 000 children across the country! 

Anyone can take part in the project, but only senior citizens over 60 who enter their handiwork stand a chance of winning generous cash vouchers that can be used at Shoprite, Checkers or Checkers Hyper stores nationwide. Three winners per category will be selected in each province. The provincial winners receive gift vouchers to the value of R2500, R2000 and R1500 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in that order, and also go through to the final judging round in which three national winners per category are chosen. National winners receive vouchers to the value of R6000, R4000 and R3000 for the top three positions respectively. There is also a merit prize for the person who enters the most items in his/her province, as well as for the person who enters the most items nationally. 

The closing date for the competition is 31 August 2011 and winners will be announced in September. Winners’ names will also be published in the December edition of Ideas magazine. 

Entry forms can be obtained from the Money Market counter in any Shoprite, Checkers or Checkers Hyper store or from Age-in-Action offices countrywide, or download the entry form here. 

Enter now and help Shoprite and Checkers to bring much needed joy to little ones throughout South Africa when these beautiful creations are distributed to them later this year!