It’s amazing to see proudly South African companies doing their part in the COVID-19 crisis. Denny Mushrooms, for example, is playing a role in social responsibility through its Add Goodness project.

The CEO of Denny Mushrooms, Ryan Cotterell, said: “We are supportive of the necessary measures being taken to protect the people of South Africa. During these uncertain times, we are committed to protecting the wellbeing of our staff, providing nutritious food to more South Africans, and supporting our suppliers, customers and other partners in what will be tough times ahead. Our mantra of ‘Adding goodness to every meal’ has never been more pertinent. We are deeply touched by the impact this pandemic will have on families throughout South Africa. As a conscious corporate citizen, we believe we have a role to play in contributing to a better South Africa for all.”

The COVID-19 lockdown has affected most industries, with the result that businesses, supply chains and workforces are experiencing a state of unpredictability. Specifically, the lockdown is having dire consequences for restaurant owners who are struggling to keep their doors open.   

Calling all family restaurant owners

As part of Denny’s Add Goodness project, the company is supporting local restaurants by drawing attention to their needs brought on by COVID-19 and shining a light on their struggles. The initiative is called Support Your Local.

Denny has created a platform so that all communities have an avenue to provide support for their local eatery and is asking all family-run restaurant owners to visit www.dennysupportyourlocal.co.za and register a profile.

The mechanics

Restaurants will need to set up a fund on a crowdfunding site of their choice if they don’t already have one. Alternatively, Denny will provide assistance to set up a BackaBuddy fund. Members of the public can also let Denny know about their favourite local spot so that it can be included on the platform.

Furthermore, South Africans will be able to show their support for their favourite local by voting for them. The public voting period will be until midnight on 23 April. The restaurant with the most support will receive R10 000 in its BackaBuddy fund and Denny will also provide a free supply of mushrooms to the chosen restaurant for a period of three months. Denny will also encourage communities to support their local restaurant’s fund.

Adding more goodness

Beyond the Support Your Local initiative, Denny has increased its donations of mushrooms to communities most vulnerable during this time. Amongst these are The Haven Night Shelter, Gift of the Givers and selected old age homes across the country. In the first week of the lockdown, Denny donated over 10 000 punnets of mushrooms to those in need, and this number continues to grow daily.

Go to www.dennysupportyourlocal.co.za to support your favourite local restaurant. Chefs and restaurant owners can also register their voucher systems and BackaBuddy funds on the Eat Out website – find out more here.