The Sunshine Centre Association Elsburg and Star Schools have joined forces for Casual Day.
“Star Schools is an educational institution that provides re-write and extra class programmes,” said the school’s financial manager, Pierre de Jager.
“Matric students often come to us when they are looking to improve their marks or get better grades if they have failed, while others attend the extra classes we offer.
“We primarily cater for Grades 10 to 12.
“The partnership with the centre came about when we were looking to do something different for our Corporate Social Investment (CSI).
“We got involved with Casual Day and, through them, we were introduced to the Sunshine Centre.”
De Jager also told the GCN that the official launch of the partnership took place on July 17.
“We wanted to prepare something for Mandela Day, but, because it was school holidays, we had a meet-and-greet with the staff from both organisations and decided to move the fun activities to today,” he explained.
“We wanted to get the staff involved as well, and it is for that reason that we are scattered at all the Sunshine Centre Association branches and spending time with the children.
“This is our Mandela Day; such initiatives shouldn’t be limited to just one day.
“Among other things, we are going to sell Casual Day stickers for the centre.
“This will not be one of those dump and run cases, it will be a long-term relationship, because only then will we make a great difference.
“We will use our network to help the centre achieve their goals, so, basically, if they need something, we will assist.”
Michael Ngobeni, the local centre’s manager, said the partnership is a positive initiative for the centre.
“We are happy to have the support of Star Schools, it is really great, everyone at the centre is thrilled and even more so about the future,” he said.
“Among other things, Star Schools brought treats and toys for the children.”
De Jager also said they didn’t just want to drop gifts and go.
“We are here to spend time with the children, because I believe time is very important and we need to care for them,” he explained.
“We realised that the centre has a toy library and we are reaching out to the community and asking them to donate toys, even if they have been used the centre is willing to take them because every new toy helps to stimulate the children.”
Ngobeni said Casual Day stickers are available at the centre.
“We also have stickers and if anybody is interested in purchasing a sticker they can contact the centre on 011 827-1738 and ask to speak to Debbie August or myself,” he concluded.
