As the world marked Father’s Day on June 15, Shell Club in Kenya turned the spotlight on a special group single and widowed fathers who have shown exceptional strength and devotion to their families. Through its “Shell Club Surprises” initiative, the loyalty program honoured longstanding customers with heartfelt gestures that went beyond the traditional celebration.
One of the beneficiaries, 23-year-old John Maina, became a father figure to his younger brothers after losing his mother. While growing his small business and regularly visiting Shell stations, Maina remained unnoticed until now. Shell Club not only acknowledged his resilience but also supported his entrepreneurial journey with financial aid.
Another recipient, John Munene, faced the painful journey of raising three children alone after losing his wife. Shell Club eased his burden by covering school fees and gifting his family a much-needed vacation. “Father’s Day used to be difficult,” Munene said. “Today, Shell Club made it special again.”
Perhaps the most touching story is that of David Githinji, who lost both his wife and newborn during childbirth. Now raising two surviving children while navigating deep personal loss, Githinji received practical support in the form of rent assistance and household supplies. “Shell Club reminded me that there’s still a community that cares,” he shared.
Yvonne Samantha Achieng, Marketing Manager at Vivo Energy Kenya, explained the campaign’s purpose: “We wanted to make Father’s Day personal for our Shell Club family. These fathers have shown loyalty—we are now showing ours.”
Unlike typical marketing campaigns focused on gifts and shopping, Shell Club’s initiative highlighted compassion, real needs, and community support. The stories of Maina, Munene, and Githinji showcase the unsung heroism of everyday fathers and redefine what meaningful recognition can look like.
As ambassadors of this unique celebration, their experiences serve as a reminder that sometimes the most impactful gifts are those that simply say: we see you.
