Some corporate companies brought smiles to needy children through generous donations.
This was brought about by the fundraising efforts of the Alexandra clinic. The clinic secured donations from the Airports Company of South Africa, Lonmin, Airlink, Vasity College, Pick n Pay and ABSA. The clinic received enough money from the donors to buy their target of 1 000 pairs of shoes and blankets for the needy children of all 13 primary and five secondary schools in Alexandra.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the principal of Eastbank High School, Isaac Tloloe said the occasion was an affirmation of practical collaboration of citizens in the corporate world with the public sector, to care for the future citizens of the country, the children.
He said the donated shoes and blankets would help reduce the children’s stressful conditions caused by poverty which also resulted in them being stigmatised and teased by their peers.
“The donation is an act of patriotism and even if it doesn’t fulfil all their needs, it will help to shift the children’s minds and concentration towards school work, which will give them tools and knowledge to be better citizens and achieve their dreams in the future,” he said.
Neo Callis of Airports Company of South Africa said shoes were part of the learning requirement and children should not be made to worry about them, but be able to focus on their school work.
Zingisa Mkhuma of Lonmin said it was the responsibility of every corporate to work with government by ploughing back part of their profits to help improve the circumstances of children who were the country’s future human resource.
“The donation of shoes and blankets will keep them warm and protect them from the shame of walking barefoot to school which can also demoralise them from attending school,” Mkhuma said.
Caregiver Mary Zwane said the support was an act of humanity from the clinic and the corporate businesses. “The donation will minimise the strain felt by poor parents, grannies and childcare organisations supporting needy children,” she said. “It will also enhance the spirit of learning among the children and also enable parents to use resources set aside for school shoes, for other household needs.”
Details: Alex Clinic; 011 443 5182
