Dis-Chem Foundation combatting poverty since 2006: 'It's not about ticking a box'
The Foundation partners with registered NGOs, NPOs, and NPCs to support and uplift struggling communities through various initiatives.
Corporates that Care: The Dis-Chem Foundation
702's Bongani Bingwa interviews Jacqueline Kahlberg from the Dis-Chem Foundation.
Listen below:
The Dis-Chem Foundation was established in 2006 in response to the increasing levels of poverty in South Africa.
The Foundation partners with registered NGOs, NPOs, and NPCs to support and uplift struggling communities through various initiatives.
Notable programmes include the Blanket Campaign, which provides thousands of blankets to those in need, and A Million Comforts, which distributes sanitary pads to young girls so they can stay in school.
Kahlberg emphasises that the Dis-Chem Foundation is focused on action rather than just 'ticking boxes'.
"We want to make a better place for all of these communities and organisations."
- Jacqueline Kahlberg, Dis-Chem Foundation
Kahlberg highlights the Foundation's commitment to making a tangible impact, particularly in addressing water scarcity and nutrition.
One standout collaboration was with the Haven of Rest in Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, following the devastating floods.
The Foundation helped by installing a water purification system, ensuring safe drinking water for the Haven of Rest, which serves as a home to 150 people, including orphans, hospice patients, and those in need of kidney dialysis.
The floods had severely disrupted their water supply and destroyed their gardens.
"Down the line, they started to sell the water and they've become fully sustainable."
- Jacqueline Kahlberg, Dis-Chem Foundation
Similarly, the Dixie community, home to 175 families, was struggling with a lack of access to clean, safe water.
In April 2020, 15 taps were installed across the village, finally providing residents with reliable access to water after years of hardship.
A water committee was formed, and 10 community members were employed, gaining valuable skills for future construction or water-related projects.
"It's a beautiful story."
- Jacqueline Kahlberg, Dis-Chem Foundation
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.