As the festive season approaches and the magic of Christmas fills the air, Wernhil, managed by Broll Namibia – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – is thrilled to announce the continuation of its cherished annual tradition: the Wernhil Christmas Wish List Campaign. “It is a tradition that is deeply grounded in the O&L Persona of being authentic, passionate and caring. This heartwarming initiative has been a beacon of hope and generosity for the past eight years, and this year, we are excited to have received a staggering 501 entries from the community”, said O&L Group Corporate Relations Manager and Spokesperson, Roux-ché Locke.

“Among the multitude of heartfelt wishes, we are delighted to introduce you to our chosen recipient, little Jadyn Beukes, a remarkable young girl who embodies the spirit of resilience and triumph”, Locke said. Jadyn has faced extraordinary challenges since birth, battling Down Syndrome and a complex heart defect. With only three heart chambers instead of four, her medical journey has been filled with uncertainty. However, following a life-changing operation in 2022, Jadyn’s health has seen remarkable improvements, allowing her to pursue her dreams. Despite this, her family continues to grapple with substantial medical debts.

Wernhil Shopping Centre, a property of Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group subsidiary, Broll Namibia, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Fashion & Lifestyle Extravaganza 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. This heartfelt campaign, in line with the group’s deeply entrenched values of being authentic, caring, and passionate about the community from which we come and in which we operate, is aimed to make a positive impact on the lives of the less fortunate. By collecting and donating clothing, toys, and other essential items, with community involvement, this project is a key focus for Wernhil.

The mall, the oldest in Namibia, hosted the donation drive at the Pick n Pay atrium and in front of Dis-Chem every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 14:00 from 2 September 2023 to 30 September 2023. Members of the public were invited to donate clothing items, toys, food products, and toiletries to support care homes, schools, and other charitable causes. The public generously contributed previously loved items, resulting in an overwhelming show of support.

Wernhil’s valued tenants, including The Foschini Group, JB Sport, and Mr Price, showed their support by donating a total of 105 boxes, 4 boxes, and 2 boxes respectively. Additionally, the public contributed 10 boxes of clothes, toys, and food. The campaign received tremendous backing from the community.

The total value of the received goods is estimated to be N$250,000.00. Pasta Polana Namibia made a generous contribution of 30kg of pasta and one box of instant noodles.

On 26 October 2023, a dedicated team of 10 individuals meticulously sorted and repacked the donations, tailoring each box to the specific needs of the four chosen institutions: Môreson Special School, Hope Village Orphanage Namibia, Senior Park Windhoek, and the Cancer Association of Namibia. Representatives from each institution were consulted beforehand to determine their primary needs.

The boxes and bags contained clothes of all sizes, underwear, winter jackets, sneakers, accessories, rucksacks, toys, and some dry food. Each charity institution was set to receive approximately 20 thoughtfully packed boxes.

On Wednesday, 8 November 2023, the campaign concluded with a formal handover of donations to the selected charity institutions. These donations will be distributed within the communities served by each institution, with some items earmarked for sale to fund other essential expenses.

Wernhil Shopping Centre expresses its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative, showcasing the incredible impact a community can make when united for a common cause.

The Wernhil Shopping Centre has once again supported a kindergarten in the Mix settlement in Windhoek’s Katutura township to improve the daily conditions of the more than 40 young children that attend the pre-school.

The total value of the sponsorship to Inge’s Kindergarten is N$6000 which includes six 5-litre cans of paint to decorate the exterior of the classrooms along with waterproofing, patching holes as well as installing and replacing broken window panes in the two classrooms, in time before the main rain season starts.

The donation also included a bright and colourful school sign produced and installed by Image Signs. The N$3300 for the new sign was shared equally between Wernhil and Image Signs.

Inge’s Kindergarten Head Mistress, Julia Bashir, said “We are truly thankful to O&L and Wernhil. They have been with us for three years now and we truly appreciate the difference they’ve made in the community. The little bit they assist with – the signage, paint and children’s parties – all make a huge difference and give motivation to the children and their parents.”

Broll General Manager of Operations, Johan van der Westhuizen, said “What Inge’s Kindergarten has done is an amazing initiative, and this is just the start. If we do not look after the youth, where will we be? It is important to support projects like these, and education will always remain an area of focus close to our hearts at Wernhil. We must look after the foundation of education and that starts here.”

For the seventh year running, Wernhil, managed by Broll Namibia – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – has made it its mandate to make meaningful contributions to people’s lives through the Wernhil Wish List initiative. This year, on 20 December 2022, the wishes of seven-year-old winner, Matthew Smith, were granted by the shopping mall.

Matthew has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as a rare, noncontagious skin disorder, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a condition that leaves the skin fragile and susceptible to blistering. As EB is incurable, treatment tends to involve managing pain, lesions and infections. This condition has not only been a challenge physically for Matthew, but emotionally too as he has faced bullying because of his condition.
As the winner, Matthew will receive all the items on his wish list which include a school bag, bicycle with helmet and toys, all up to the value of N$6 000 sponsored by Wernhil.

The Wernhil Centre Management also learnt from Matthew’s mother, Jade Smith, that their medical aid had already been depleted for the year and support towards Matthew’s daily medical supplies would be appreciated. To help meet these needs, Wernhil in partnership with Dis-Chem Wernhil and Wernhil Pharmacy will sponsor supplies to treat Matthew’s EB. Thanks to the sponsorship of Wernhil Pharmacy and Dis-Chem Wernhil, Wernhil will also be able to gift all the school stationery Matthew will need for the new year.

Jade Smith is working to create awareness around EB and runs a Facebook page called “Butterfly child (Namibia)” to help achieve that. The term “Butterfly children” likens the sensitive skin of those with EB to butterfly wings.
As part of the Wish List initiative, the winning child may choose one of two schools – this year being Inges Kindergarten and Môreson Special School for the Cognitively Impaired – to also receive a Christmas gift according to their needs. Matthew selected Môreson Special School for the Cognitively Impaired to receive a donation valued at N$6 000. In the spirit of the season, Wernhil will grant Inges Kindergarten its wishes up to N$6 000 as well. Both schools will receive these donations in the new year.

More information about the initiative:
Every year, Wernhil makes a Christmas wish come true. The competition was first launched in December 2016 and has since become Wernhil’s annual signature event. The competition involves children between the ages of 6 -12 filling in a wish list letter together with motivation as to why they deserve the gifts on the list. From all the letters, 10 finalists are chosen who all receive a gift hamper to the value of N$300.00. From the 10 finalists, the winning child receives all the items on their wish list up to the value of N$6 000.00. Wernhil is also dedicated to continuously support two underprivileged schools through the initiative. The winning child chooses one of the two schools to which Wernhil makes a charitable donation to the value of N$6,000.00 and because it is the time of giving, Wernhil also donates the same amount to the other school.

The much-anticipated Wernhil Fashion & Lifestyle Extravaganza kicked off on 24 September 2022. After months of preparation, it all came together at the Pick n Pay atrium with lights, cameras, and beauty on the runway. The event was a celebration of proudly local lifestyle products, talent, and entertainment with a special focus on the fashion Wernhil has to offer.

As part of the extravaganza, Wernhil clothing store tenants including the Foschini Group, John Craig, Edgars, Optic Exclusive, Spec Savers, Legit, Shoe City and Big Daddy had their fashion worn on the runway by models from Diamond International Modeling Agency as well as some of their very own shop assistants who also received modelling coaching classes from the agency.

One of the event highlights included entrepreneur, Nomvula, taking to the runway in a special dress made of Top Score materials, designed by Cathy Tshikesho from Urban GLAM Designs CC and Top Score. The new Top Score fashion line took to the runway too showcased by model Varaa Hambira and Djodjo Bomassa.

Along with the charisma of Master of Ceremonies, Courage the Comedian, entertainment for the day included singers Lin-Mari Coetzee (Winner of Voice of Namibia 2021) and Jessica Strydom (Top 5 of Voice of Namibia 2021). Ethnix Namibia a popular music duo put up a stunning performance with the crowd singing along and grooving to their favourite songs.

Wernhil’s mascot, Jovi designed by Wernhil shopper, Xamira Hangara in 2019 also added to the day’s energy by cheering up a packed audience. Crowning the festivities, ten loyal Wernhil shoppers who participated in the Wernhil shopper competition were excited to receive their share of a N$40,000 special prize. Julia Endjala could not contain her excitement walking away with the grand prize of N$10,000.

Wernhil Center Management team would like to appreciate Dis-Chem Wernhil for availing 10 make-up artists to do the make-up for over 40 models and Padana Hair Boutique for giving fresh new hairstyles to several models. Thank you to Pick n Pay Wernhil for sponsoring most of the refreshments for the models and crew, and to Pasta Polana for the delicious pasta dish for the VIP and @home Wernhil for a beautiful set-up of all the décor for the event. Also a big thank you to Diamond International for availing their top models for the show and for organizing the show programme.

Building up for the fashion show, Wernhil hosted a shopper’s Spin and Win competition. This would have not been possible without those resolute Wernhil tenants that generously sponsored 57 prizes. It is an encouraging indication of what we can achieve together and the potential for continuous cooperation and support for each other. Thank you to all our esteemed event partners and tenants involved in making this show a reality and a memorable one.

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