Vodacom's Goals for Miracles campaign raises funds for cataract operations. For every goal scored by Vodacom-sponsored teams Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic, a contribution is made towards free cataract operations through the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), the Pretoria Eye Institute's Sight 4 U Cataract Project, and the Netcare Vodacom Sight For You Programme.
“I can't thank Vodacom enough for the opportunity to undergo the cataract operation. Prior to this, I couldn't see people walking in front of me and I wasn't able to drive,” said Mzion, who had been experiencing eyesight problems for the past nine months.
“I certainly don't know what I would have done had it not been for Vodacom's Goals For Miracles campaign. I could not even identify players on the soccer field and their jersey numbers looked blurry. I hope that Orlando Pirates players can bang in more goals in the remaining league matches of the season as this will not only keep the club on firm track for a serious title challenge, but will further boost the funds being raised for the Goals For Miracles campaign.”
Mzion thanked Vodacom for recognising his need to undergo a cataract operation and Orlando Pirates' Nkosana Khoza for sending through his request to Vodacom. He also thanked the Netcare Rand Hospital staff for their support in caring for him during his stay.
Mthobi Tyamzashe, CEO of the Vodacom Foundation, said: “Mzion makes a significant contribution to Orlando Pirates' successes in his capacity as No 1 Supporter of the club. We are delighted to play a part in ensuring that he continues to provide his inspirational leadership for the millions of fellow Pirates' supporters, and we wish him many more years of healthy eyesight!”
Vodacom Foundation provided funding of R3.7 million in 2008 to enable the three beneficiary organisations to perform cataract operations. The funding meant that more than 1700 elderly people received cataract operations during the 2008 Eye Care Awareness Week in October. This brought the total number of cataract operations performed since 2004 to nearly 4 000.
Mzion's operation was part of the partnership between Vodacom Foundation and Netcare, a partnership that stretches back to 2004.
“The idea that a person's sight can be restored with a highly specialised, yet fairly simple, medical procedure in less than twenty-four hours is remarkable. Losing your sight and then having it suddenly restored must rate as one of the most life-changing gifts of all,” said Dr Victor Litlhakanyane, Executive Director of Netcare.
Following the announcement at the start of the season that each goal scored during Absa Premiership matches involving the Vodacom-sponsored clubs would see R10 000 going towards the beneficiaries, Vodacom took the total per goal to R50 000 for the derbies involving their sponsored sides in the first round matches of the league season.
Now the mark for goals scored in the derbies has been taken to a new height at R150 000, which is a further sign of Vodacom's commitment towards making a difference in the lives of people across all communities.
With the league goals scored by the three clubs totalling 78 to date, it is clear that Vodacom's reach through sport is reaching the brand's goals of being the “Greatest Supporter of South African Soccer” and the “Greatest Supporter of South African Supporters.”
The Vodacom Goals For Miracles campaign was successfully launched during the 2008 Vodacom Challenge with each goal scored contributing to free cataract operations performed through the beneficiary organisations.
The initiative was extended into the 2008/2009 Absa Premiership season and saw Vodacom-sponsored PSL clubs in the form of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic raising additional funds towards the campaign.
For Vodacom Foundation:
Ruth Coggin
Quo Vadis Communications
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 082-903-5819
E-mail:
Ruth Coggin
Quo Vadis Communications
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 082-903-5819
E-mail:
