Lions Cricket and McDonalds open the doors for hours of Happy Reading

Lions Cricket is proud to partner with McDonald’s for the Happy Reader Campaign, an initiative aimed at fostering literacy and education in our communities. The Pride will be donating 250 000 books in partnership with McDonald’s to deprived schools and Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) across the country.

This partnership aligns with Lions Cricket’s commitment to uplifting communities, promoting education, and inspiring a new generation of champions on and off the field. As a trusted community partner, #ThePrideOfJozi is uniquely positioned to amplify this initiative, ensuring meaningful engagement and widespread reach.

First stop for the campaign saw both the powerhouse partners visiting Tshepana Primary School in Orange Farm, generously donating in excess of 21 000 books. Accompanied by Lions Cricket MANCO members, staff and coaches, the event was further bolstered with the presence of DP World Lions players Lutho Sipamla, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka and Evan Jones.

Lions Cricket Marketing Manager Lebohang Mokgethwa says that reading is a life changer and if the Pride can play a part in opening up the world of possibilities for tomorrow’s leaders, then #ThePrideOfJozi is all in.

“We are genuinely grateful to McDonald’s and are proud to walk this journey with them. Today was about opportunity – both inside and outside of the pages of a book. This initiative aligns with our vision of developing future leaders on and off the field and further reaffirms our commitment to community upliftment. Literacy opens doors to opportunities and by partnering with McDonald’s we contribute to shaping curious and inspired individuals, who will go on to become great leaders in the future.”

The event was further celebrated with a host of interactive activities including a dance competition with the mascot in full cheer. Then came the turn of Marketing Director of McDonald’s SA Sechaba Motsieloa as well as Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright to hand over the books – a donation that was received with tremendous gratitude.

“Education is the cornerstone of empowerment and by donating books to young learners, we are investing in the future of our communities. This initiative aligns with our values and highlights the power of collaboration in driving positive change. Spending hours of ‘Happy Reading’ with the learners at Tshepana Primary School in Orange Farm was a truly rewarding experience that underscores the importance of fostering a love for reading among children,” said Sechaba Motsieloa – Marketing Director – Brand Impact at McDonald’s South Africa.

Mokgethwa concluded: “Both the books and our players inspired endless possibilities for hundreds of beautiful children and adults that are truly deserving. We look forward to many more such celebrations in our quest to spark the lifelong love of words, story-telling and reading.”

For more information: https://www.mcdonalds.co.za/news-notifications/mcdonalds-book-donations-2024