The event was held to commemorate Mandela Day, and indeed brought smiles to the children’s faces as they received goodie bags and an assortment of treats.
According to Geraldine Engelman, corporate social manager for Ster Kinekor, hosting this event was the company’s way of commemorating Mandela’s legacy and giving back.
“We wanted to give underprivileged children a unique experience, since many of them have never watched a movie at a cinema,” she said.
Engelman added that the company opted to invite the children’s village because of the special relationship they share.
She also explained the reason Ster Kinekor decided invite the children to the theatre rather than go to their village. “We wanted to also allow our staff to take part in the 67 minutes initiative so as to play our part in the memorable day,” she said.
“Our employees chipped in and donated goodie bags given to the children in order to make the day more memorable for [them].”
Ster Kinekor also has other projects with the children’s village, including the vision mission, which assists children experiencing eye problems.
The company is also screening the late icon’s movie, Long Walk to Freedom, something Engelman explained as another way the company opted to remember Mandela.
Grace Alfinete, acting co-ordinator at the children’s village, praised the initiative for making a difference in the children’s lives.
“It’s a real treat especially for the young children because most of them have never been to a movie theatre before, so we are pleased Ster Kinekor invited us,” she said.
The event was hosted at Ster Kinekor’s Preview theatre in Sandton on 18 July.
SOS children’s village is home to orphaned children, providing a home and health care to them.
