Shoprite and Checkers, in partnership with Age in Action, is once again sponsoring the Pretty Things for Little Things campaign that urges customers, especially senior citizens, to put their creative talents to work to make clothes and toys for needy children.

Submissions for the 2015 Pretty Things for Little Things campaign opens on Monday, 1 June 2015.

Through the creative and generous contributions made by the public, this campaign has, since inception in 2003, collected and distributed more than 140 000 handmade clothes, toys and blankets to needy children across South Africa.

Shoprite and Checkers, in conjunction with Age in Action, would like to thank everyone who has participated in and contributed to this worthy initiative over the years, and challenge customers and senior citizens to keep on knitting, sewing, building and crafting so that the joy can be spread even further over the coming years. During last year’s Pretty Things for Little Things campaign, over 20 000 unique handmade items were received.

The Pretty Things for Little Things project calls on entrants to make anything practical, durable and safe that a child can wear or play with. Articles can be made of any resources available and can be entered into four categories namely soft toys, blankets, clothing, and other articles made from materials such as wood, tin or wire.

While the project is open to all, senior citizens of 60 years and older who enter their handiwork stand a chance of winning generous vouchers that can be used at Checkers, Checkers Hyper or Shoprite stores nationwide. 

Three winners per category will be selected in each province. The provincial winners receive gift vouchers to the value of R2500, R2000 and R1500 for first, second and third place respectively, and also go through to the final judging round in which three national winners per category are chosen. National winners receive vouchers to the value of R6000, R4000 and R3000 for the top three positions respectively. There is also a merit prize for the person who enters the most items in his/her province, as well as for the person who enters the most items nationally.

The closing date for submissions is Monday, 31 August 2015. Provincial winners will be announced in September and national winners during October. Winners’ details will be available in Shoprite and Checkers stores throughout the competition with the items being handed out in December.

Entry forms can be obtained from the Money Market counter in any Checkers, Checkers Hyper or Shoprite store or from Age-in-Action offices countrywide. Alternatively, entry forms can be downloaded from the Shoprite and Checkers websites.

The supermarket group believes in the potential inherent in the youth of our country, and that our children should be provided with opportunities not only to grow and learn, but also to just feel happy and nurtured. In keeping with this commitment to the youth, the Shoprite and Checkers supermarket chains sponsor several projects aimed at enriching the lives of our country’s children, especially those less privileged. 

Enter now and help Checkers, Shoprite and Age-in-Action to bring much needed happiness to little ones throughout South Africa when these beautiful creations are distributed to needy children as early Christmas presents later this year.

For more information, visit the Age-in-Action website.