Christmas starts early for the elderly in Freedom Park, Devland

On November 22, Georgett Naidoo, CSI Specialist from Coca Cola Beverages SA hosted a Christmas party for the Sincedeni Elderly Craft Centre, an NPO situated in Freedom Park for 50 Seniors.

It was a surprise when the elderly received a sumptuous lunch, soft drinks and Coca-Cola branded gifts and shopping bags. The founder, Gabasile Mkhaliphi, aged 64 was overwhelmed having their first Christmas party with so much of fun and love among the elderly.

Her vision is to have all pensioners coming together out of their homes and using their talents and gifts working with beadwork, sewing, knitting, beading and gardening. The day was to uplift the elderly and make them feel loved when they don’t have loved ones around.

Here are some of the answers to key questions:

Q: How did Coca Cola’s relationship with the centre form?

A: We started with donations of used furniture from our offices that they requested this year.

Q: How did the idea for the Christmas function come about?

A: This idea was Coca Cola’s focus on sponsorship once a year for the elderly as we do not sponsor them during the year.

Q: Please tell me more about your CSI initiative?

A: CCBSA endeavours to ensure that resources, earmarked for community assistance are spread in a manner
that will benefit the greatest number of people. Our Corporate Social Investment programme covers the following flagship projects:
• NGO/NPO – Youth Development, including sport; academic excellence; computer training and life skills
• NGO/NPO – orphanages, youth centres, etc.
• Environmental Sustainability, for example, recycling and provision of clean drinking water in areas where water is a scarce resource.