Helping those in need

How does one reach out to those who do not have enough food to eat, or to those who are unable to prepare food for themselves? So many of us find it a rather daunting thought, and may often think that we`d like to help but don`t quite know how to go about it and therefore do nothing at all.

There are those who are equipped to carry out this wonderfully uplifting gesture, people who are pretty well organised at preparing food and delivering to these unfortunate people. The joy at receiving such a gift is quite remarkable, and with it the assurance that people care about them and that they are not alone.

Meals on Wheels is an organisation that really goes out and reaches the people. They rely on donations which is where each individual can make their contribution and then leave it to the organisation to do the rest.

Meals on Wheels have not only delivered meals, but have also selected a few houses that are in a state of disrepair, and made it their business to scrape, paint, repair and generally uplift the home.

SABINET

Corporate social responsibility:

In 2008/9, Sabinet continued to focus it’s CSR activities on the educational and social development of deserving communities in South Africa. In addition to formal corporate initiatives, Sabinet staff have contributed generously of their time and personal funds to assist in a number of projects.

The company donates 10% of its pre-tax profits to the Sabinet Chairperson’s Fund which then identifies, executes and actively manages and administers all CSR initiatives. Sabinet also made additional ad hoc contributions to the Fund over the past two years, bringing the average annual contribution to the Fund to 17% of profits before taxation.

The Fund was established in 2003 and registered as a Public Benefit Organisation in 2006. It ensures Sabinet’s CSR efforts receive the undiluted focus they deserve and that they remain sustainable and capable of delivering real long term value. All projects are closely monitored to ensure that they make a real difference to people’s lives.

Projects undertaken in 2008/9 include enterprise development, Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET), community library assistance, educational sponsorship of school children and support for various charities that uplift and empower young people in the community.

We believe these initiatives make a real difference in people’s lives. While the funds we contribute are essential and much appreciated by the communities, it is the passionate input and commitment of our staff that drive these projects forward and ensure that the communities truly benefit.

Koketso Nkuna’s computer training business, Shoma Institute for Computer Training, has grown significantly since 2007 when she was first sponsored by the Chairperson’s Fund with the donation of seven new computers to facilitate computer training courses at community libraries in Tshwane on behalf of Tshwane Community Library and Information Services.

In 2008, she expanded her business from the Mamelodi West community library, establishing new branches in Soshanguwe, Saulsville and Bodibeng. She also re-introduced training at Wespark Primary School. She is in the process of obtaining SETA accreditation for the courses.

A number of primary and high school pupils have since 2007 received a sponsorship from the Chairperson’s Fund to cover school fees, stationery, uniforms, trips and school sporting activities. The Fund broadened its focus in 2008 to sponsor more children in different regions with school uniforms and stationery. This is a project that Sabinet personnel have taken a personal interest in, becoming directly involved in liaising with the relevant schools to identify children in need and to purchase the necessary items for them.