Christmas has come early to 57 underprivileged children from Amazing Grace Children's Home in Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg, thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers from eBucks, the FNB and RMB Private Bank rewards programme.

"We asked the wonderful team at Amazing Grace what would make the most significant contribution to the children's wellbeing, and they asked for groceries, stationery and a printer, which we have handed over to them today," says Jolandé Duvenage, CEO of eBucks.

"In addition, many of our staff members 'adopted' children at Amazing Grace, by presenting them with gift bags, which included toys, clothing, shoes, toiletries and party packs," Duvenage adds.

Amazing Grace is a non-profit organisation that is home to children between the ages of 7 months and 18 years. The centre has 10 caregivers who are supported by volunteers from the community.

As part of the FirstRand Group's corporate social responsibility programme, the eBucks Volunteers Group works throughout the year to raise money for various community projects. The FirstRand Group then matches every rand raised by the volunteers with an equivalent donation.

"Each year, the staff at eBucks take it upon themselves to share the festive spirit by taking time out of their busy schedules and money out of their own pockets to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those who need it most," says Duvenage.

According to Duvenage, the Volunteers Group was looking for a sustainable project that it could adopt this festive season, so that efforts of the volunteers – and the matched support from the FirstRand Group – could make a valuable difference through donations.

"We were really impressed with the work that Amazing Grace does within the community, and hope that our efforts, in some small way, help make the festive season a happy one for its children and staff," Duvenage concluded.

About eBucks:

eBucks, the rewards programme offered by First National Bank (FNB) and RMB Private Bank, is acknowledged as one of South Africa's leading rewards programmes with highly active members spending in excess of 80% of the eBucks earned in any given month.