One million meals. Countless lives touched

This year is particularly special as we prepare to pack our one millionth meal in partnership with Rise Against Hunger Africa.

Behind every meal packed is a story. Some of our employees have been part of this journey since the very beginning, while others have proudly joined the Million Meal Club over the years. Together, they have helped create a legacy of compassion, teamwork and hope.

We asked some of our long-serving team members to share what this initiative means to them.

Shereen – 25 years

For Shereen, Rise Against Hunger is about far more than packing food.

She remembers the excitement as the countdown begins, the music filling the room, the laughter between colleagues and the electric energy as everyone works towards a shared goal.

“It’s not about our positions – it’s about people. We work passionately together, knowing that hungry families will be fed.”

For her, the greatest reward is knowing that every meal packed represents compassion in action.

“It gives me immense joy to know that I made an impact in a very small way, yet brought boundless joy to those in need.”

Anella – 22 years

Having been with City Property for more than two decades, Anella says every Mandela Day is special.

“Being part of the Million Meal Club is both an honour and humbling. It reminds you not to take what you have for granted.”

Her message is beautifully simple:

“The little we do make a huge impact in someone’s life.”

Lucracia – 20 years

Ask Lucracia about Rise Against Hunger and she’ll immediately mention the laughter.

She loves the friendly competition between teams, but says the true reward is knowing what those meals represent.

“Working together for the greater good is what Mandela Day is all about.”

She leaves us with a reminder that perfectly sums up City Property’s spirit:

“United we stand, divided we fall. Together we achieve more.”

Lisa – 18 years

Lisa has watched the initiative grow over the years and says one of her favourite traditions is the annual Cook-Off competition(learn about the cook-off in our previous blog)

“The creativity is incredible. My favourite was the delicious chocolate cake made using the meal pack ingredients!”

But beyond the fun, she says being part of the Million Meal Club fills her with pride.

“We’re making a difference together while carrying on a legacy of goodwill.”

Anelle – 18 years

For Anelle, one memory stands above all the others.

“Nothing will ever beat the very first year when I had to organise the event. I was terrified—but so proud when it was a success!”

When asked what being part of the Million Meal Club means to her, her answer says it all:

“Freakin’ awesome!”

She believes Mandela’s vision continues to inspire hope through the dedication of City Property employees every year.

Bianca – 12 years

Bianca still remembers her very first meal-packing event.

“I had no idea that something so small could go such a long way.”

She says the initiative reminds her what City Property is really about.

“CPA is family. It’s a place that helps people—not just once, but continuously. It’s about people.”

Her favourite image is one many of us can picture.

“No matter how cold or gloomy the winter day is, our staff come together to make sure someone else has warm food and a full belly.”

Lyzelle – 12 years

Lyzelle laughs as she recalls one unforgettable Mandela Day.

“I was very pregnant and thought I could stand for an hour… I couldn’t!”

Despite that memorable challenge, she says she’s proud to be part of something so much bigger than herself.

“It’s a time to give back and reflect.”

Gilbert – 12 years

For Gilbert, every single meal packed matters.

“Knowing someone is going to be fed because I played a part is incredibly fulfilling.”

He believes the initiative reflects exactly what City Property stands for.

“We call ourselves Community Builders, and this is how we live those words.”

His passion comes from personal experience.

“Knowing what it’s like to go to bed on an empty stomach… I’d do this a million times without hesitation.”

Leonie – 9 years

For Leonie, every Rise Against Hunger event is memorable in its own way.

She loves the opportunity to work alongside colleagues from across the business, getting to know people outside of their day-to-day roles while sharing plenty of laughter along the way.

“There’s always a healthy dose of friendly competition from those who turn meal packing into a sport, which makes the day even more enjoyable. But what stays with me is that every event ends on a high note—fun, meaningful and truly memorable.”

To Leonie, being part of City Property’s Million Meal Club is about something much bigger than packing meals.

“It reflects our values of collaboration, care and making a meaningful impact. Even though we may never meet the people we’re helping, there’s a deep sense of purpose in knowing that together we’re strengthening communities and creating hope.”

She believes Mandela Day gives everyone the chance to pause and reconnect with what really matters.

“It reminds us of the power of collective action and that even the smallest acts of kindness can create lasting impact. It shifts the question from ‘What do I need to do?’ to ‘How can I contribute?’ And that shift is powerful.”

Samantha – 9 years

Samantha still remembers the excitement when her team finished second in last year’s meal-packing challenge.

But the competition is only part of what makes the day meaningful.

“Being able to help fight hunger makes me proud to say, ‘I did that. I added value to that cause.'”

Her wish is one shared by many colleagues.

“May this initiative never stop.”

One Million Meals. One Incredible Team. Together, we’re building stronger communities – one meal at a time.

Reading these stories, one thing becomes clear.

The Million Meal Club isn’t defined by years of service or the number of meals packed.

It’s made up of ordinary people who believe that small acts of kindness can change lives.

Every scoop of rice.

Every packet sealed.

Every volunteer who gives their 67 minutes.

Together, they have helped pack one million meals and, in doing so, created something far greater than food.

They’ve created hope.

Thank you to every member of City Property’s Million Meal Club. Here’s to the next million!