Community-based non-profit organisation Meals on Wheels will deliver stationery packs to schools across South Africa following a fundraising drive that raised R1 million through Checkers’ Act For Change Back-to-School project.
The funds will provide pens, exercise books, calculators and other essential supplies to nearly 9,000 learners. Meals on Wheels is working with schools and communities across South Africa to ensure the resources reach those most in need. Gershon Naidoo, National Programmes and Marketing Director at Meals on Wheels, says the organisation sees first-hand the challenges families face every day, and through its network it is able to help ensure supplies reach learners in communities that are often overlooked.
The campaign, launched at the start of the 2026 school year, brought together Checkers customers, the retailer’s supplier partners and communities in a shared effort to assist learners. A limited-edition Act For Change exam pad, available in stores and on Checkers Sixty60, directed up to R2 from each purchase to the stationery fund, while customers could also donate R5 at till points nationwide.
Leading stationery brands including Pritt, Bostik, Henkel, Staedtler, Penflex, Bic, Butterfly, Casio, KV Art, Freedom Stationery, Bidvest, Palm Stationery, CTP Stationery, Sappi and Plastafrica participated by contributing a portion of proceeds from selected products.
Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group, says ensuring learners have the basic tools they need allows them to focus on learning and engage more fully in the classroom.
The Act for Change Fund remains active throughout the year, with proceeds allocated to CSI programmes across the country. Customers can continue to support communities in need by donating R5 at Checkers till points nationwide.