The MySchool programme, which ran for over 27 years, is a South African fundraising success story. Originally established to help parents raise funds for their children’s school, the concept expanded to include ‘villages’ and the ‘planet’, as other worthy causes saw the potential to motivate their supporters to get involved.
During its lifetime, over 8 000 beneficiaries registered with MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, and collectively received over R1 billion from the programme. Operation Smile was one of them, and we are incredibly grateful for the regular, monthly income we received, which helped fund crucial surgical programmes for children born with cleft conditions.
MySchool becomes MyDifference
After being acquired by Woolworths, the MySchool programme was integrated with the Woolworths loyalty programme, WRewards, to form a new entity called MyDifference.
MyDifference rewards customer loyalty with special offers and promotions, vouchers, cashback and games. In addition, it continues the MySchool tradition of donating a percentage of whatever the customer spends at the till to the beneficiary of their choice.
It’s a collective action. Millions of consumers are able to generate substantial funding towards making this a better world for children, animals, the environment and more … all without spending anything extra.
All you have to do is scan the free MyDifference app at the till when you shop at Woolworths.
How can I join the MyDifference programme?
Joining the programme couldn’t be easier. Just download the free app from the Apple Store or Google Play and choose your beneficiary cause. You can choose up to three different charities to support.
You can see how much your beneficiary has received from the MyDifference programme, so you know your participation is making a difference. Chances are you’ll be amazed by the power of the programme to fund the important work being carried out by your charity.
Why choose Operation Smile South Africa as your beneficiary cause?
Funds raised through the MyDifference programme go towards surgery and follow up care for children born with cleft conditions. Without Operation Smile, many of these children would not have access to specialised surgery and world class aftercare, which could include additional operations, dental work and speech therapy.
Since the money is paid directly into our bank account every month, it allows us to plan ahead, knowing that funding is available as it is needed. As more people join the programme, or choose Operation Smile as an additional beneficiary, this regular, dependable income increases.
Sarah Scarth, Executive Director of Operation Smile South Africa, explains that the longer a child born with a cleft must wait for surgery, the more serious their health, developmental and psychological problems will likely be. The good news is that cleft conditions can be surgically repaired in as little as 45 minutes by a specialist medical team.
“We believe everyone born with a cleft deserves access to safe surgery and comprehensive care,” she said.
Operation Smile South Africa, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Health and supported by MySchool/MyDifference recently brought together a team of medical volunteers from across South Africa. During a three-day surgical programme at Rob Ferreira Hospital, Mbombela, they transformed the lives of 35 children with cleft lip and cleft palate.
This would not have been possible without the support of hundreds of shoppers, scanning their MySchool/MyDifference app with every purchase. Grateful thanks to all who support the programme, and who have chosen Operation Smile as one of their beneficiaries.