Safelite Gears Up For Maafrika Tikkun
New Weight Loss Contest Welcomes More Participants
COLUMBUS, Ohio – March 21, 2011 - Once again, Safelite AutoGlass® is rallying to support MaAfrika Tikkun, a charitable organization based in South Africa, through its 2nd Annual Safelite® Challenge.
Established in 1994, MaAfrika Tikkun works toward the transformation of South African communities by caring for vulnerable children and orphans, not only providing vital care, but also building the skills needed to succeed in life. More than 800,000 families live in the communities supported by MaAfrika Tikkun. Nelson Mandela is a Chief Patron and has hailed MaAfrika Tikkun’s programs as a “miracle.”
Established in 1994, MaAfrika Tikkun works toward the transformation of South African communities by caring for vulnerable children and orphans, not only providing vital care, but also building the skills needed to succeed in life. More than 800,000 families live in the communities supported by MaAfrika Tikkun. Nelson Mandela is a Chief Patron and has hailed MaAfrika Tikkun’s programs as a “miracle.”
Last year, Safelite AutoGlass® raised $230,000 at its 1st Annual Safelite® Challenge, which included a triathlon, duathlon and charity poker run, and welcomed more than 250 participants. This year, more than 250 Safelite® associates, business partners, family and friends will gather in Las Vegas on April 16, 2011, for the 2nd Annual Safelite® Challenge. To increase fundraising levels for MaAfrika Tikkun, Safelite® added a 5K Fun Walk and Weight Loss Contest to the Challenge this year.
Last year’s top four fundraisers recently went to MaAfrika Tikkun to see first-hand the impact the money raised is having. “The opportunity to visit the camps in South Africa supported by MaAfrika Tikkun was truly inspirational. Being able to help these communities better themselves is worth every dollar raised, every mile ran or every pound lost,” said Matt Weger, chair of the Safelite® Challenge committee. “Each Safelite® associate, friend or partner that supports this cause can feel good not only about what he or she is doing for him or herself, but the good they are bringing to the vulnerable children of South Africa.”
Safelite AutoGlass® has placed a high importance on giving, not only to MaAfrika Tikkun, but to all the communities where there is a presence. In fact, since its inception in 2005, the Safelite® Charitable Foundation has donated $2.3 million to support organizations that promote the health and well-being of families.
In addition to the annual Challenge event, Safelite® holds an Annual National Giving Campaign – a two-week-long campaign for all associates held to raise funds for the charities of their choosing through a partnership with United Way, which implemented an electronic donation process. The Safelite® Associate Volunteer Day, which is a paid day off work to volunteer a full 8-hour day at a charity of the associate’s choice, and Community Service Days, a coordinated effort by a team or store to spend time volunteering together for a local charity, are just several examples of the company’s goodwill.
“Giving back to our communities is an important part of the Safelite® culture and it’s important that we share our success with those who are not as fortunate. It has been fulfilling to see so many people support MaAfrika Tikkun through this Challenge,” said Tom Feeney, Safelite’s president and CEO. “I am proud and thankful of our employees who have given of their time, energy and donations.”
Winners of the Weight Loss Contest will be announced April 16 after the triathlon, duathlon, 5K Fun Walk and Poker Run. In addition, the top performers and the top fundraisers will have an opportunity to participate in the London Triathlon – an annual fundraiser Safelite’s parent company Belron® holds for MaAfrika Tikkun as well.