Girls and Boys Town shines
Through the proceeds of the CEO Sleep out Girls and Boys town furthers shine goals.
The inaugural 702 Sun International CEO Sleepout initiative has finally paid it forward.
While most of the money raised will be used in a variety of projects, a portion of the R26 million raised by this initiative has gone towards two 23-seater buses, two 16-seater combis and three sedans that were handed over to its beneficiary, Girls and Boys Town (GBT) on Thursday, 30 June.The global movement saw 247 CEOs from across the country spend the coldest night of last year, 18 June, sleeping on the Nelson Mandela Bridge. As part of the initiative, they had to donate money to GBT, which was the main beneficiary.
“The Legacy Projects will advance – and most importantly, sustain over time – GBT’s mission which is to support South Africa’s vulnerable youth and help them to shine.”
GBT CEO, Lee Loyns said, “This is a moment in our history that we will never forget. Through the one cold night, our children, those cared for by other similar organisations and those living on the streets – young and old – have become visible.” GBT is a non-profit organisation that helps homeless and vulnerable children through its various programmes. The overwhelming support they received from the CEO Sleepout, has made it possible for the organisation to implement six Legacy Projects.
The Legacy Projects involve multiple plans such as the renovation of the old-style dormitories, turning them into family-style units that house two parents and a number of children. This will familiarise the children with a two-parent household environment. They also plan to introduce home-schooling for vulnerable children who cannot attend school, and a number of community outreach programmes. The vehicles they received will be used to safely transport both the children of GBT, and the staff who work there. This forms part of the goals of GBT, which are significance, home, independence, nature and education (Shine).
“We are sincerely grateful to have received the backing that will make it possible to achieve our many goals sooner,” Lee said.
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