Long-running annual charity event supporting disadvantaged young people in South Africa, held in person and virtually for the first time.
Belron® has donated over €18 million to Afrika Tikkun in the last ~20 years
2022 edition saw participation from close to 10,000 people, covering 184,751 kilometres
Belron, the global leader in vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration, today announced that its flagship annual charity event, the Spirit of Belron Challenge (“SOBC”), raised €2.2m in aid of Afrika Tikkun.
This year’s SOBC saw close to 10,000 participants swim, cycle, run, walk, and travel by wheelchair to raise money for Afrika Tikkun. Participation was open to employees, together with families and friends, as well as Belron’s suppliers and partners. For the first time in its 20+ year history, the SOBC combined an eight-day virtual event with an in-person day out – the “Day at Dorney” – in Windsor, UK, on Saturday 24 September. Over 1,000 people participated in the “Day at Dorney” and almost 9,000 virtually across 29 countries.
The money was raised through individual country fundraising, donations from employees, partners, and suppliers. Additionally, for every kilometre travelled, Belron donated €1 and also matched every €5 donation made via the virtual event app.
“This year’s SOBC was a wonderful reminder that our people are firmly committed to Belron’s purpose – making a difference with real care,” said Gary Lubner, CEO of Belron. “Despite the challenges and uncertainties many households face, it is overwhelming to see such generosity from our employees, suppliers, partners, and friends and family. With increasing rates of unemployment, poverty, and poor education in South Africa, it was more important than ever that we pulled together and were able to raise this amazing amount of money for Afrika Tikkun.”
Afrika Tikkun helps transform the lives of children and young people in the poorest parts of South Africa by providing mentoring, schooling facilities, clean and healthy living environments, and career opportunities. Through contributions from the SOBC, among other support, Afrika Tikkun has:
- Provided aid to 29,200 children aged two to six, and a further 70,012 children in school aged seven to eighteen
- Trained over 10,000 young adults, 4,000 of whom have been placed into work
- Supported over 75,000 families through its social services
- Provided primary healthcare services to more than 480,000 individuals
- Served more than 20 million meals
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About Belron®
Belron is the world’s leading vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration group. Our key brands include Carglass®, Safelite® Autoglass and AutoGlass®. We operate in 37 countries across 6 continents through wholly owned and franchise operations and also manage vehicle glass and other insurance claims on behalf of insurance customers. Belron is home to around 29,000 employees who served over 16 million customers in 2021 with a focus on service quality generating a very high level of customer satisfaction. More details are at https://www.belron.com/
About Afrika Tikkun
Afrika Tikkun Foundation is a non-profit providing education, health, and social services to disadvantaged communities within South Africa, through their five centres across Gauteng and the Western Cape. Their Cradle to Career 360° Model provides a holistic approach to the development of young people from early childhood to school leaving age, to when they journey into accessing economic opportunities. Currently assisting over 10,000 children and youth across the country, their primary goal is to create a sustainable future through economic empowerment for the youth of South Africa. The credibility of this cause won the support of the Patron-in-Chief in memoriam, Nelson Mandela. The success of Afrika Tikkun’s Cradle-to-Career approach is rooted in partnerships with beneficiaries and their communities, as well as the fundamental alignment and support of civil society organisations, private businesses and government.
Media Contacts
Edward Simpkins/ James Gray
FGS Global
Belron-LON@fgsglobal.com
