Vodacom raises nearly ZAR2 million for visually impaired

Vodacom has raised nearly ZAR2 million through its Vodacom Goals for Miracles initiative, aimed at assisting to restore the eyesight of the visually-impaired in South Africa.

The mobile network provider has pledged to donate R150 000 for every goal scored in the weekend’s match between two of the football clubs it sponsors in South Africa – Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Says Vodacom Executive Director, Romeo Kuala: “The Vodacom Goals For Miracles fund having hit the R1,9 million mark and more cash set to flow in, with goals scored in Saturday’s Absa Premiership showdown between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the Coca Cola Park stadium in Johannesburg , worth R150 000 each,”

He added, “Vodacom, which lives by the slogan of being the Greatest Supporter of South African Supporters as well as the Greatest Supporter of South African Soccer, is delighted with the impact that the Goals For Miracles campaign has had and the manner in which it has been able to change people’s lives.”

“As the official sponsor of both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, Vodacom is proud to be a key stakeholder in the most highly anticipated derby on the PSL calendar and I have no doubt that the supporters at the stadium and those watching or listening at other venues, will be treated to 90 minutes of riveting soccer as the players look to score those all-important and life-changing goals.”

During the 2008, the Vodacom Challenge involving Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs as well as English visitors Manchester United, Vodacom launched the ‘Goals For Miracles’ campaign, with each goal scored allowing for funds to be raised for free cataract operations performed through the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), the Pretoria Eye Institute’s Sight 4 U Cataract Project, and the Netcare Sight For You Programme.

The initiative was extended by Vodacom into the 2008/2009 Absa Premiership season.