Corporate companies encouraged to play their role in giving
ROSEBANK – This is even more of a necessity as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have such devastating effects on the country's most vulnerable.
Corporate South Africa has a huge part to play in assisting the most vulnerable in society.
This is even more of a necessity as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have such devastating effects on the country’s most vulnerable. The Thebe Investment Corporation (TIC) is no exception, according to the head of content Leigh Callipolitis.
Within days of being approached to assist a number of civil society organisations that assist vulnerable households; mostly for children who are orphaned due to chronic diseases and other societal challenges in the greater Soweto, Alex, Sedibeng and Orange Farm regions; the Thebe Relief Fund was established and a rush to raise resources commenced.
The fund was established by The Thebe Foundation Trust (which is under the TIC) based in Rosebank.
“A plea was sent to all employees and companies within the Thebe Group to voluntarily support this effort and within days, enough funds were raised to provide an initial 2 100 families with desperately needed food parcels to be handed out in communities where Covid-19 has greatly impacted food security,” said Callipolitis. The initial distribution was supported by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, alongside other organisations.
The appeal to the Thebe Foundation was made on behalf of the 27 organisations that assist HIVSA; a section 21 non-profit organisation established to develop and implement social support programmes and strategies to improve the lives of people and vulnerable communities, mostly for children who are orphaned due to chronic diseases and other societal issues. “We are appreciative of the commitment of the Thebe Foundation Trust and its partners for the quick response to the needs on the ground, and the many families supported through the community-based partners we work with daily” said Yashmita Naidoo, CEO of HIVSA.
“The majority of us may take for granted that we have access to hot meals every day with no need to think about where the next meal will come from. Most of us have never had to go to bed hungry. Our board of directors and the executive team are committed to support this voluntary Thebe Foundation initiative to help feed those that would otherwise go hungry,” said Lehlohonolo Chabeli, CEO of the foundation.
Thebe Foundation challenges all employees and companies within the group, and outside, who are able to pledge, as well as other groups beyond their network to support this initiative even further, by making any voluntary cash, product and logistical contributions.
Details: Thebe Foundation Phindi Nontlahla phindi@thebe.co.za
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