Charity has its place in the Sun

"There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return," said former South African president Nelson Mandela.

Sun International hosted a Festival of Giving from 17 to 19 July at its Sandton Central Office, which saw employees turn out to produce blankets, toys, and vegetable gardens for the less fortunate in the spirit of Mandela Month.

Warming hearts

More than 150 enthusiastic staff members volunteered their time and energy to a trio of causes over the three days. The results of their industry were impressive. Some 80 blankets were donated to NPO Johannesburg Dream Centre. More than 100 toys made out of recycled and pre-owned items, including skipping ropes, toy monsters, and party packs, were donated to the toysforgood initiative for nursery schools and early-childhood development centres.

And in a pilot partnership with Rise Against Hunger global movement, employees planted spinach, lettuce, and other vegetables in vertical gardening eco-towers. The crops will be distributed and form much-needed sustenance for children in Diepsloot, Tembisa, and Cosmo City over two months as part of the ongoing initiative.

Based in Northriding west of Johannesburg, beneficiary Johannesburg Dream Center is a non-profit organisation that focuses on poverty alleviation and job-hunting assistance in surrounding underprivileged communities like Diepsloot, Cosmo City and Kya Sands.

“Thank you, Sun International! It means a lot to our beneficiaries who need to keep warm during this especially cold winter. We are reliant on sponsors and donations to help people with monthly food parcels and empower them through CV services, mock interviews, and work-readiness programmes,” explained centre supervisor Wendy Kwinda.

Value of volunteerism

Inaugurated in 2009, the international Nelson Mandela Day recognises the great South African statesman’s lifelong contribution to the struggle against apartheid and the principles of democracy, equality, and freedom. On 18 July, citizens typically dedicate 67 minutes of their time in service to others in need in appreciation of the years Mandela spent in public service, but Sun International took matters a step further with a full three days of voluntary activity.

Studies have revealed a raft of benefits associated with volunteerism, from mental and physical health improvement to social perks and even career advancement. These advantages were written on the happy faces of the staff members, as they took to their tasks with aplomb.

“The volunteering sessions were therapeutic and fun. There’s no better feeling than making a difference in someone else’s life and by participating, I’ve had the ability to make a real impact. It’s great that we employees enjoy these opportunities as it is so good for mental wellbeing and comes with a deep sense of satisfaction,” said Sun International Central Office HR Consultant Lethabo Khoza, while packing blankets for distribution.

The festival was held in association with forgood, a platform that connects corporates with causes to service the needs of NPOs in real-time. Social impact events are a key forgood offering as it seeks to leverage corporate skills to aid the non-profit sector.

Tremendous response

“We’ve had a tremendous response since partnering with Sun International in 2022, making more than 50 connections to causes on our platform. Interest has grown further with the Festival of Giving. We’ve seen the social impact that can be achieved when two corporates come together,” said forgood Co-ordinator Bokang Mokoena.

Last year, more than 600 Sun International employees participated in self-defence workshops open to the public as part of the company’s anti-gender-based-violence campaign.

And there is more to come in 2023 as Sun International’s employee volunteer programme continues to gain momentum, according to SED Specialist Heidi Edson.

“The employee volunteering campaign is focused on spreading the love to the less fortunate. In 2023, we are targeting climate change and poverty alleviation. And it won’t stop with the Festival of Giving – we will continue the programme well beyond Mandela Month,” said Edson.