Winter is finally losing its grip and we’re starting to feel the sun’s hot rays again. That could also signify a new sun hat, bikini or board shorts. While out buying your new summer apparel spare a thought for the volunteers who run the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) who are on standby day and night throughout the year. Throughout the month of November, and to coincide with National Water Safety Month, the NSRI is putting out an extra call to supporters to sign-up for a MyVillage card to help them raise much needed funds. Every time you swipe your card at Woolworths – whether it’s a Woolworths store charge card, VISA card or Difference card – Woolworths will donate up to one percent of the value of your purchase to the NSRI, provided you have selected them as the charity of your choice. “With the change in weather we have already seen a noticeable increase in emergency calls,” says Meriel Bartlett, Marketing Director for the NSRI. “Although our rescuers are all unpaid volunteers – the cost of boats, equipment and medical supplies are significant, yet every cent donated to the NSRI goes a long way. Even if you are already a MySchool supporter, donating to a school or another cause, you can add the NSRI as a second beneficiary so that every time you shop, you give something back to more than one organisation. You can also use your card at other MySchool partner retailers in order to maximise the contributions made on your behalf.” The NSRI appeals to recreational boaters, sailors, paddlers and bathers to take the necessary precautions when heading out to our coasts, rivers and dams this summer. Parents are asked to keep a watchful eye over their children and to never leave them unattended around a large body of water; nor by the pool at home. The MyVillage fund-raising initiative was launched in partnership with the national retailer for organisations that focus on the improvement and protection of the environment and animals organisations. According to Pieter Twine, who heads up the project for Woolworths, broadening the scope of beneficiaries has given other community-minded customers – those who do not have children or whose children have finished school – the opportunity to support worthy causes every time they shop with Woolworths and their partner retailers. “South Africans have a long and proud history of helping one another,” says Twine. By swiping your MyVillage card, you can easily contribute to the NSRI and other similar organisations such as The Sunflower Fund, The Amy Biehl Foundation, Habitat for Humanity and The Children’s Hospital Trust.” If you wish to activate your MyVillage card or sign up as a MyVillage supporter, please email merielb@searescue.org.za, log on to www.myschool.co.za or call 0860 10 04 45. ENDS Notes to the Editor MySchool Programme – Shop and raise money for Schools •The MySchool programme encourages supporters to raise funds for schools. •Consumers throughout the country who carry MySchool and Woolworths World of Difference cards can earn additional funds for their chosen schools by simply swiping their card at the tills each time they buy at any Woolworths store in South Africa. •Woolworths World of Difference card holders are automatically invited to participate in MySchool. •Cardholders can support any school of their choice and do not have to have children at school in order to participate. •Woolworths through the MySchool programme to date has contributed more than R50 million to participating schools. •In October 2007 MyPlanet / MyVillage was introduced, this an extension of the MySchool programme, enabling customers to raise funds for selected charities & environmental organisations. •As an added bonus Woolworths World of Difference card holders are entered into a monthly lucky draw via each item that they have purchased. The monthly winner receives R10 000-00 credit on their World of Difference card and another R10 000-00 for their nominated school. •All South Africans are encouraged to participate in the MySchool programme by getting a brochure from the nearest Woolworths outlet or contacting MySchool on 0860-100 445. The Good business journey •Woolworths Good business journey is a comprehensive 5 year plan announced in April 2007 to help people and planet. It incorporates a series of challenging targets and commitments centred on four key priorities: accelerating transformation, driving social development, enhancing Woolworths’ environmental focus and addressing climate change.

Winter is finally losing its grip and we’re starting to feel the sun’s hot rays again. That could also signify a new sun hat, bikini or board shorts. While out buying your new summer apparel spare a thought for the volunteers who run the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) who are on standby day and night throughout the year.