#RUSEUP TOGETHER WITH ONE SPARK

OneSpark is the new age, globally backed start-up on the block that’s completely re- inventing and disrupting the global insurance industry. OneSpark’s founders, Greg Smith & Josh Kaplan have always been purpose-driven, passionate South African entrepreneurs. They have lived their lives under the single-minded pursuit of trying to uplift people and society at large. That’s why they became actuaries, designed dozens of award-winning insurance products, helped create one of Africa’s largest Social Impact Bonds and finally, started OneSpark, a company who is doing everything it can to help create a better future for us all.

OneSpark initially contributed R100 000 to help those effected by the recent unrest. Together with other committed and proud South African companies, this contribution has now increased to over R200 000 to help families and businesses that have been severely affected rise out of this unrest and come out stronger.

In partnership with Trope Farming & Fremax Farms they have now sent trucks down to KwaZulu Natal to feed over 30 000 people in need. Food and much needed essentials have been delivered to individuals, organisations, such as the Soweto Association of People with disabilities, the SPCA in Durban, homeless shelters and more. Businesses who have suffered destruction and looting have received much needed monetary assistance to help rebuild.

Thandi Johnson, a leader, an entrepreneur, a community hero owns one of these businesses. Thandi started her small business in 2009 to brighten the community of Soweto by selling decorations for birthday parties and weddings, among many other things. It took Thandi twelve years of blood, sweat and tears to build her business from the ground up. But it took only one day to destroy it all.

“We’re in this together, and South Africa’s Ubuntu spirit shines bright. Our hearts were broken when we heard her story. Entrepreneurs like her are the lifeblood of our economy. It’s time we get her back on her feet and let her shine. That’s why we’ve pledged R25,000 to help her rise,” says Greg Smith.

“The name OneSpark stems from the deep belief that all it takes is one person, with one spark of an idea, to change the world forever. All you have to do is look at what Madiba did for us all as proof that any person has the power to change the world. That’s why we started OneSpark, to do good, to help those in need, and to help South Africa rise to the country we know it can be. Although we are still a young startup, we wanted to do our part to help, and we will continue to contribute whatever we can to help those in need. Sometimes it’s the smallest acts that make the biggest difference in people’s lives,” says Josh Kaplan.

If you know of any small businesses or individuals that have been destroyed or damaged that need a helping hand, please reach out to OneSpark at info@onespark.co.za so they can help or connect you with people who can. There ae still so many livelihoods that we can bring change to.

Every little bit helps. We rise by lifting others. We rise together.

Visit www.onespark.co.za for more information.

#RebuildSA #WeRiseUpTogether⠀#OneSparkRisesUp⠀