A cupcake can help a child fighting cancer, a shoebox packed with care can give a child Christmas joy, and a donated dress can help a matriculant feel like a princess on her big night. At CapeGate Shopping Centre, these three community initiatives give shoppers a practical way to make a difference.
Amanda McCarthy, acting marketing manager at CapeGate Shopping Centre said: “These initiatives give our shoppers, tenants and the wider community practical ways to get involved. Whether it is buying a cupcake, pledging a Santa Shoebox or donating a pre-loved dress, every contribution matters.”
Through Cupcakes for Kids with Cancer, which took place last Saturday, shoppers supported children and families affected by childhood cancer while enjoying a treat.
“The initiative turns a simple cupcake into an opportunity to support children who are facing an incredibly difficult journey,” says McCarthy.
Ways to give back
As the festive season approaches, the centre is also encouraging its community to get behind the Santa Shoebox Project, which invites individuals and families to prepare a personalised shoebox filled with gifts and essentials for a child. CapeGate has given shoppers the opportunity to pledge shoeboxes, with guidance available to help donors choose appropriate contents, pack their boxes and get them to the correct drop-off point.
“The initiative reflects the power of collective giving. One box may feel like a small gesture, but when a community comes together, those individual gestures can reach thousands of children,” says McCarthy.
Through its partnership with The Princess Project, CapeGate collects pre-loved evening dresses, formal shoes and accessories for matriculants who may otherwise be unable to afford the clothing needed for their matric farewell. The centre has been involved with the initiative since 2022, with previous campaigns seeing hundreds of dresses donated. Formal wear can be returned after a farewell and prepared for another young woman, allowing one act of generosity to create an ongoing ripple of impact.
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The CapeGate Princess Project received a Silver Award and special recognition at the SACSC Footprint Marketing Awards.
“We often underestimate what a small gesture can mean to someone else,” says McCarthy.
For more information, visit capegatecentre.co.za
