Tupperware Brands Celebrates Opening of First-Ever Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa

A ceremony hosted by Tupperware Brands Southern Africa (NYSE: TUP) and Tupperware Brands Chairman & CEO Rick Goings, was held on August 29 just outside of Johannesburg celebrating the opening of the first-ever Boys & Girls Club of South Africa (BGCSA).

Rick Goings, Susan Goings, Casey Bridges at the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa opening. (Photo: Business Wire)

Two years ago, a collection of civic and business leaders were called upon to embark on a mission to determine the feasibility of establishing a youth organization that could provide supervised, after school programs dedicated to improving the lives of South African children. They responded with a pilot program that would open the first BGCSA.

Utilizing the Boys & Girls Clubs of America after school program as a model, the newly established Club was largely funded by Tupperware Brands Southern Africa with a pledge of one million rand {$141,237 USD}.

"Because of the negative impact on the local society from high unemployment rates, crime, school drop-outs, AIDS and limited youth services, Tupperware Brands believes that it is important to create a safe environment for children where they can be a part of programs that develop their talents, self-esteem, and confidence under the supervision of caring, dedicated and well-trained individuals,” said Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands Corporation. "We are proud to support BGCSA in their commitment to inspire, nurture and enable young people to reach their full potential as responsible and productive citizens.”

The City of Johannesburg’s Department of Community Development has partnered with BGCSA to focus on implementing programs designed to positively impact the out-of-school experience that occurs during the crucial, unsupervised hours when vulnerable, at-risk youth in disadvantaged communities are neither at school nor at home and are most prone to destructive influences.

The new Club will be led by youth development professional Casey Bridges, son of actor Beau Bridges.

"Having mentors and positive influences in a young child’s life is so essential to their overall development and success and BGCSA is committed to offering them programs that will reinforce their abilities while helping them to grow as individuals,” said Bridges.

BGCSA provides a structured program that incorporates five core areas that include:

1. Education/IT/Career: A Learning Center where Club members can participate in tutoring, computer skills, learning games and various education incentive programs.

2. Sport/Fitness/Recreation: Programs that help develop fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress, appreciation for the environment and social and interpersonal skills.

3. Character/Leadership: Helping youth become responsible, caring members of society and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs. They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to the Club and their surrounding community, while celebrating their national heritage.

4. Health/Life Skills: These programs develop young people’s capacity to engage in positive behavior that nurture their own well-being, set personal goals and live successfully as self-sufficient, confident adults.

5. Arts/Culture: Enable youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts, crafts, performing arts and creative writing.

"The Boys & Girls Clubs have such a positive impact on the lives of young people by helping them achieve academic success and healthy lifestyles, develop good character, and engage in citizenship and public service,” said Allan Dando, President and Area Vice President of Tupperware Brands Africa. "We are delighted to offer these much-needed programs through Boys & Girls Clubs of South Africa, and we look forward to exploring future opportunities of opening more clubs within the community.”

About Tupperware Brands Corporation

Tupperware Brands Corporation is a portfolio of global direct selling companies, selling premium innovative products across multiple brands and categories through an independent sales force of 2.6 million. Product brands and categories include design-centric preparation, storage and serving solutions for the kitchen and home through the Tupperware brand and beauty and personal care products for consumers through the Armand Dupree, Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller Cosmetics, NaturCare, Nutrimetics, and Nuvo brands. For more information, log on to www.tupperwarebrands.com.

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