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Through the national Maskathon Initiative, FNB has donated 30 000 fabric-face masks to underprivileged and non-governmental organisations throughout the country.

The Maskathon was set-up as a call to local businesses, corporates and citizens to donate 1 million fabric face-masks to the underprivileged and to also helps stimulate local manufacturing across small- and large-scale producers in the country.

Launched by Wesgro in conjunction with the Western Cape Government and themed ‘one stitch at a time’ the initiative aims to save lives by preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus, building the economy and harnessing SME development through job creation and support. The idea has since grown to a national initiative that is replicated and supported by FNB and RMB in other provinces.

Stephan Claassen, Western Cape Provincial Head for FNB says that, “Being able to support and lend a helping hand through this uncertain period has inspired us to look for opportunities that make a difference in the communities that we operate in. Supporting those in need should be a core focus for us and we need to ensure that they get the protection they need during this unpresented time.”

FNB has procured 250 000 masks from large and small suppliers across the country for their own staff, for donation as part of the Maskathon, and will also hand out a further 100 000 masks at their branches across the country for clients collecting SASSA grants, in order to protect those most in need.

Earlier this month the Western Cape Government, City of Cape Town and Wesgro, with the support of FNB and RMB launched a dedicated digital Marketplace that connects businesses needing to purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their employees who are in the frontline of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Our partnerships and platforms like the PPE have proven to create sustainable and long-term valued solutions that have opened the doors not only for business but for our clients as well. Initiatives like these prove that working together creates impact, collaboration and builds a society that will be committed to making a difference,” concludes Claassen.

Visit https://maskathon.co.za/ to make your donation today.

Issued by FNB