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South Africa's professional cricketers have dug deep into their pockets and have made a sizeable donation to help assist with the distribution of food to those suffering from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) on Friday announced that the country’s professional cricketers will be donating R300 000 to the Gift of the Givers Foundation to assist with distributing food parcels to communities suffering under the Covid-19 pandemic.
In announcing the donation, SACA CEO Andrew Breetzke said, “The pandemic is having a devastating impact on communities throughout South Africa. Our 315 members, in recognizing this, are committed to doing what they can to alleviate the suffering. A number of players, including Faf du Plessis, Vernon Philander and Temba Bavuma have already dedicated their time and resources to alleviate hardship in their regions.”
“This was an easy decision for the SACA Executive Committee. As professional cricketers, we enjoy the support of all South Africans, and this is a time when we need to show our support for them,” added SACA President, Omphile Ramela.
In showing his support, Faf du Plessis stated, “We all need to do what we can to assist our fellow-South Africans - this donation will make a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable, and it will hopefully motivate others to make similar contributions.”
In accepting the donation, Gift of the Givers committed to contributing a further R150 000 to the donation received from the players, thus increasing the support to R450 000. The monies will be directed to alleviating poverty amongst children in communities worst hit by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The decision by Gift of the Givers to supplement our donation is humbling. As an organisation, they do selfless work throughout South Africa and on behalf of all cricketers in South Africa, we thank them,” added Breetzke.
The professional cricketers have also set aside an initial amount of R300 000 to provide relief for members (past and present) who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
“In addition to these initiatives, we are working together with Cricket South Africa (CSA) to establish a fund to support individuals in the wider cricket community and will be looking to make a donation to assist in the establishment of that fund.
"We all look forward to the day when we can hear the crack of leather on willow again - but for now, we need to step up and play our part in fighting this pandemic, and the devastating impact it is having on many South Africans,” said Breetzke.
