The Workspace and XtraSpace will be among the corporates that have taken up this year’s challenge where their participation will go towards a worthy cause.
Both businesses specialise in helping people live beyond the limits of their living and working spaces and have found inspiration in this year’s race theme. The theme for the 2021 edition is #LiveLimitless which aptly fits in with the nature of their businesses.
XtraSpace specialises in helping people store their personal or business items safely and securely with self-storage and business storage solutions. The Workspace, in turn, offers flexible serviced offices and coworking spaces, removing the limits traditional working environments places on businesses.
The two businesses have decided to use the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge as a platform to create awareness about the SA Guide-Dogs Association, which help visually and physically impaired people and children with autism remove limits in their lives.
“This year’s theme resonated with both our businesses’ values and we decided to take hands in a race where everybody is a winner,” said Dirk van der Walt, Chief Executive Officer of XtraSpace. “Our participation will not only foster new friendships but will help fund the training of Assistance Dogs that make a positive and life-changing impact in the life of disabled people.”
Beyers Müller, Acting Chief Executive Officer of The Workspace said while businesses often compete for the attention of the same customers, they needed to play a bigger role in addressing the needs in society.
“As a business community, we need to take hands for the greater good of society, and even though this is a small gesture between two businesses, the net effect can be exponentially bigger if more companies get on board,” said Müller.
SPAR will be donating to the SA Guide-Dogs Association that will go a long way in assisting the non-profit organisation hit hard by the loss in funding brought on by the pandemic.
Yolande van Rooyen, Events Manager of the SA Guide-Dogs Association said while the pandemic has hampered fundraising initiatives, the need for assistance dogs remains a pressing issue.
“The lack of fundraising opportunities has had a devastating impact on our operations and our abilities to train dogs, pay for veterinarian costs and facilities,” said Van Rooyen. “These donations provide hope not only to us but to the people that are visually and physically impaired.”
Businesses can still secure a place on the virtual start line but will have to act fast before online entries close on 15 August 2021. A bulk entry of 50+ people will automatically enter the businesses into a draw to win a SPAR voucher of R10 000.
This year you will again be able to not only create your own race number online, but you can also create your certificate of completion – check out sparvirtualchallenge.co.za and follow the few easy steps.
Unfortunately, entrants residing outside South Africa will not receive a virtual challenge pack due to postal restrictions and courier fees. Your entry fee will still contribute to donating a pack of sanitary products for a schoolgirl in need.
For more information on the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/
