The COVID-19 lockdown has affected most industries, with the result that businesses, supply chains and workforces are experiencing a state of unpredictability. Specifically, the lockdown is having dire consequences for restaurant owners who are struggling to keep their doors open. Â Â
CEO of Denny Mushrooms, Ryan Cotterell said, ‘We are supportive of the necessary measures being taken to protect the people of South Africa. During these uncertain times, we are committed to protecting the well-being of our staff, providing nutritious food to more South Africans, and supporting our suppliers, customers and other partners in what will be tough times ahead. Our mantra of ‘Adding goodness to every meal’ has never been more pertinent. We are deeply touched by the impact this pandemic will have on families throughout South Africa. As a conscious corporate citizen, we believe we have a role to play in contributing to a better South Africa for all.’
Calling all family restaurant owners
As part of Denny’s Add Goodness project, the company is supporting local restaurants by drawing attention to their needs brought on by COVID-19 and shining a light on their struggles. They’re calling the initiative: Support Your Local. Denny has created a platform so that all communities have an avenue to provide support for their local eatery and is asking all family-run restaurant owners to visit dennysupportyourlocal.co.za and register a profile.
The mechanics
Restaurants will need to set up a fund on a crowdfunding site of their choice, if they don’t already have one. Alternatively, Denny will provide assistance to set up a Back-a-Buddy fund. Members of the public will also be able to tell Denny who their local eatery is so that they can be included on the platform.
Furthermore, South Africans will be able to show their support for their favourite local eatery by voting for them. The public voting period will be until midnight on the 23rd of April. The restaurant with the most support will receive R10,000 in their Back-a-Buddy fund and Denny will also provide a free supply of mushrooms to the chosen restaurant for a period of three months. Denny will also encourage communities to support their local restaurant’s fund.
Adding more goodness
Beyond the Support Your Local initiative, Denny has increased their donations of mushrooms to communities who are most vulnerable during this time. Amongst these are The Haven Night Shelters, Gift of the Givers and selected old age homes across the country. In the first week of the lockdown, Denny donated over 10,000 punnets of mushrooms to those in need, and this number continues to grow daily.
Denny’s Operations Executive, Gavin Longmore said, ‘We are here to stand behind South Africans in this trying time. It is our role and duty to the country to provide fresh produce. We are extremely proud of all our staff who realise the enormous responsibility we have to feed the nation, and play our part in tackling this crisis.’
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