Where capitalism meets kindness
JUKSKEI PARK – The Colab Foundation along with its founder Dean Webb believe that capitalism can be used for kindness and to help those in need.
The team behind the Colab Foundation wants to live in a world where business can do good for all.
The foundation was founded in 2016 by Dean Webb and sprung out of the God First City Church, which is located in Joburg North. Now located in the Jukskei Park area, the organisation hopes to create a bridge between the world of business and those in need both in Johannesburg and elsewhere. One of the guiding principles, according to Webb, is the idea of compassionate capitalism.
“We have a unique challenge in this country,” Webb explained to the Fourways Review. “We have both massive unemployment and inequality that needs to be addressed.
“I would describe the foundation as a collaboration between business, government, the community and churches with the aim of making the world a better place.”
Central to the foundation is the idea of ‘compassionate capitalism’, which means that the world of business can still be used for good.
“It is a human aspect to strive, to endeavour, but that doesn’t mean we have to think only of ourselves. The problem with capitalism is when people get greedy.”
As part of the foundation’s work, it partners with non-governmental organisations on a number of projects including Impact Africa and the Philile Foundation, which operates early childhood development centres in Diepsloot and other informal settlements, supporting new moms who are leaving government hospitals with their newborn babies and the Remember Me feeding scheme for children in Yeoville and Melville.
“More broadly, we want to operate on two layers: Making sure donations [from businesses] get to credible organisations, and for the foundation to have shares in businesses [in order to make helping others sustainable]. We’d describe ourselves as catalysts for change, as while non-profits are good at caring for people, they are not so good at business.”
The organisation is always looking for help and is appealing for volunteers from the community to get in touch.
“We’re particularly looking for volunteers over the age of 65, so if you have any experience in public or private organisations, or non-governmental organisations and also have spare time come and help make an impact.”
Details: www.colabfoundation.org.za; dean@colabfoundation.org.za;
011 658 0512.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/292677/black-friday-searching-happiness-wrong-places/
