Eco-friendly festive decor at Nando’s

Nando’s customers can enjoy the festive cheer that comes at this time of year with all of the decorations in-store, except these ones across the chain of chicken restaurants are also eco-friendly and have helped to boost disadvantaged communities.

Created by Nando’s in partnership with sustainable company, Carbon d’Afreeque, the decorations are made from recycled material and reinforce Nando’s belief in playing its role protecting the planet and people.

Nando’s Christmas decorations consist of festive wreaths and tinsel that decorate all Nando’s restaurants. Carbon d’Afreeque worked with the Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township.

The Sithandiwe Disabled Centre is run by Sam and Thandi Sefike and has 52 adults under its care as well as 37 disabled children in its day-care facility. The centre is reliant on disability grants that each member receives from the government and much needed help from FeedSA, and the Nando’s’ Christmas project has brought in much needed funds for the organisation. The organisation is in urgent need of bigger premises and a transport vehicle.

Under the guidance of Carbon d’Afreeque and the creative direction of Nando’s agency, Black River F.C., the residents at Sithandiwe Disabled Centre made the decorations out of old advertising billboards.

Thabang Ramogase, Nando’s South Africa marketing manager, says, “Nando’s is all about the family and we wanted to bring that across during the festive season. We’re really happy that the creation of our eco-friendly decorations has played a role in bringing much needed income to Sithandiwe at this time of year, and believe that our customers will feel right at home when eating in our of our restaurants this festive season.”

Thandi Sefike said growing up disabled made her realise people with disabilities were victims of prejudice: “I experienced no love because of my disability. I realised that I had to give what I was not given as a child. That’s how Sithandiwe was born.”