18 Nov 2014 | By Sun International
Making a Grand Difference, Where it Counts
Many charitable donation drives or once-off programmes, while having a great effect in the short term often fall short when it comes to making a long-term sustainable difference that’s required in the daily lives of the charity’s beneficiaries. The GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World team believes that Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects should be far more than just a donation drop-off or token undertaking.
Through a range of community support initiatives that support Cape Town’s citizens, GrandWest staff, associates and suppliers have become actively involved in making a real change to organisations and programmes found in their own neighbourhood.
SOS Children’s Village
The SOS Children’s Village in Cape Town is one of the organisations regularly supported by the GrandWest community outreach programmes.
From 28 to 31 October 2014, more than 80 members of the GrandWest staff complement left their desks and headed to the SOS Children’s Village to undertake a range of repairs and renovations to make the organisation’s buildings and amenities a little better and brighter for all who work and reside at the village.
A Legacy of Caring
Established more than 30 years ago, SOS Children’s Villages have been making a true impact on the lives of orphaned and abandoned children in South Africa. The Cape Town SOS Children’s Village began providing support and residential services to vulnerable children in 1994 and was officially unveiled in 1996 by former President Nelson Mandela and SOS-KDI President Helmut Kutin.
Situated just outside of central Cape Town, the Cape Town SOS Children’s Village cares for more than 140 children, providing them with a loving home, support programmes and important counselling and guidance services. The SOS Children’s Village model rests on the idea of creating families, so within the village there are a number of family homes each headed up by a SOS mother.
Not just a Children’s Home
Aside from the residential programme, the Cape Town SOS Children’s Village also implements support and family strengthening programmes in Langa and Philipi, changing the lives of more 400 children outside the home.
The Renovations and Revamp
The GrandWest team took to the task list with enthusiasm as they repainted walls, repaired skirtings and attended to a bunch of “little-fix” tasks that the village’s staff had been unable to get to due to their busy schedule caring for the children.
Beyond repairs and renovations though, the GrandWest team also cleaned rooms, hung new curtains and fitted bedrooms with bright new linen. Members of the Granny’s Green Nursery team also created a special hydroponics garden that will be used by the SOS Children’s Village to grow their own herbs and vegetables.
Creating Sustainable Opportunities
Rather than simply handing over a cheque and hoping for the best, the GrandWest team responds to the definitive needs of the Cape Town SOS Children’s Village by creating a sustainable food garden and actively making a positive difference to the daily life and living environment of the village’s residents.
Isn’t that what giving should be about?