Volunteers wanted for Children’s VIP Day

VOLUNTEER your time and help create an unforgettable day for underprivileged children during the seventh annual Children’s VIP Day, hosted by the Humanities Division of International Bank Vaults.

This year’s event is at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 13 August, during which more than 3 000 children from Durban and surrounds will gather at the Exhibition Centre and will be treated to a day of interactive fun, treats, games and pampering.

On the day, roles are reversed as some of Durban’s top businessmen and women trade in their executive jobs for a day of giving back and being executive helpers to a number of less fortunate children from a variety of homes and organisations. Lawyers can be seen with sleeves rolled up, twirling candy floss, dentists try their hand at face-painting and hip hop artists get in touch with their creative side by drawing fantasy creatures with toddlers.

“Since its inception, the essential purpose of this day has been to make a large number of underprivileged children VIP’s for a day while business leaders play a reversal of roles as their executive helpers,” said IBV CEO, Ashok Sewnarain.

IBV has forged partnerships with corporates, civic organisations, service providers, businesses and individuals who have come on board to lend their weight to this innovative event and thereby add value to the Children’s VIP Day, with the intention of forming lasting partnerships with children’s organisations and homes.

The concept of the Children’s VIP Day is that no cash changes hands and businesses get involved by offering time or products to make the day a success for the children. Partners can get involved and support with items to giveaway on the day in the form of tog bags, clothing, maths sets, calculators, stationery, books, toiletries, sweets, gadgets, food and beverages, transport, entertainment or activities and games.

“We are encouraging businesses of all sizes to get involved and to donate. There are 3 000 children who will truly appreciate it. Anything will be greatly appreciated and a little goes a long way,” enthused Ashok. “We are setting up book and stationery drop off stations so members of the public can donate their learning materials and books. The two venues will be IBV International Vaults at Gateway and at the Pavilion Hotel near North Beach in Durban.”

“It is through the sounds of their laughter and the sights of their smiles, that we will have ultimately achieved the event’s greatest success,” said Ashok.

To volunteer or to make a donation towards the day, contact Shivani Gosai on 031 566 3984 or e-mail shivani@ibvglobal.com.