Latest news with #FestivalofGiving
IOL News
7 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
New Sun CEO rolls up his sleeves to help others
Just one month into the job Sun International's new CEO, Ulrik Bengtsson, rolled up his sleeves to personally plant herbs and vegetables into planter boxes destined for needy families in Alexandra, Rosettenville, and White City, Soweto. #BeTheDifference, Sun International's new CEO Ulrik Bengtsson planting a garden, while others made light work packing Jars of Hope and meals. Across the country, 800 staff participated in 22 activations, reaching 290 000 beneficiaries with a contribution value of over R3.2 million. Bengttson said, 'When I learned about the initiative I asked to be included in the team so I could play my part and also make a difference. I am proud of what we achieved, and even more proud of what Sun International, as a group, has managed to do for less fortunate people and communities.' The initiative forms part of the group's Festival of Giving, which was launched last year. It takes place in July but does not replace traditional Sun International Mandela Day activities, rather it dovetails with them by amplifying the generosity and giving that July has come to be known for. Bengtsson took his place alongside 150 employees from the company's Sandton headquarters, where they packed 200 meals, planted 50 garden boxes, and created 150 Jars of Hope, each containing enough nutritious dry ingredients to feed a family of four. The recipients were 450 families with an estimated 2 000 individuals benefitting from it. Heidi Edson, Sun International's SED Specialist (far left) spearheading the Festival of Giving with fellow employees at Central Office. Organisations that benefitted include Rise Against Hunger, supported by GrandWest, Sibaya and Windmill, and care for the elderly from Time Square and Carnival City. Wild Coast Sun, Golden Valley, Boardwalk and Flamingo worked with Early Childhood Development NPOs while Sun City made donations to House built by Manke and Meropa assisted victims of abuse. Another beneficiary was Corinthians, a non-profit organisation that promotes sports for the visually impaired. From a fun-filled day of soccer and netball. Thirty-five Sun International employees took to the field against 40 Corinthians team members in blind soccer and blind netball matches, to highlight the inclusive nature of these sports. Joining the teams in a fun-filled day of soccer and netball were the group's sporting ambassadors Pollen Ndlanya, former Bafana Bafana footballer, and Dumisani Chauke, renowned netball coach and sports ambassador. Sun International's Central Office demonstrated its spirit of giving during this year's Festival of Giving, achieving an impressive impact through collective effort, valued at R430 000. Employees created 150 Jars of Hope, packed 200 meals, and planted 50 Gardens for Giving, collectively benefitting 2 000 individuals across 450 families in Alexandra, Rosettenville, and White City, Soweto. More than 150 employees from Sun International's Central Office volunteered their time to enhance food security and bring hope to vulnerable communities. Contributions were donated to Meals on Wheels and the Corinthians Organisation, helping to provide both nourishment and support. But there was more, the company further supported Corinthians, a non-profit organisation that promotes sports for the visually impaired, by hosting a fun-filled soccer and netball day. Thirty-five employees took to the field against 40 Corinthians team members in blind soccer and blind netball matches, highlighting the inclusive nature of these sports. Sun International sporting ambassadors Pollen Ndlanya, former Bafana Bafana footballer, and Dumisani Chauke, renowned netball coach and sports ambassador, joined the event, inspiring participants and celebrating the power of teamwork and community. 'Our efforts reflect Sun International's ongoing commitment to supporting communities, fostering inclusive sports, and making a meaningful difference,' said Edson, creator of Sun International's annual Festival of Giving campaign. GrandWest once again played a key role in Rise Against Hunger's annual Mandela Day meal-packing initiative, contributing R64 750 to enable learners and educators from three local high schools to participate, while also waiving the Market Hall venue hire fee. This year, 1 080 volunteers – including corporate teams from Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Good Hope FM, alongside learners and educators – packed 240 624 meals in less than five hours. These meals will feed 1 046 children for an entire year through school feeding schemes and Early Childhood Development centres nationwide. Each pack contains rice, soya, soup mix, and a vitamin sachet, providing essential daily nutrition. Adding a creative touch, GrandWest's executive chef Keshan Rambarun prepared meals for the volunteers using the same ingredients. 'Every year, we are proud to support this initiative that changes children's lives,' said GrandWest general manager Mervyn Naidoo. 'It's inspiring to see so many hands come together to fight hunger.'
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Mysuru NGO to mark Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar's birth anniversary tomorrow
City-based NGO HEARt Organisation will celebrate Daanothsava 2025 to mark the birth anniversary of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, on Thursday. According to a release, the HEARt Organisation was launched with the objective to nurture and revive these essential qualities before they wither away at a time when human values and social harmony are noticeably declining in society. One of its initiatives is the annual program called Daanotsava or ''Festival of Giving,'' the release added. It is held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Krishnaraja Wadiyar every year at different schools and this year's event will be conducted at Mysore International School. ''Students will voluntarily donate rice or essential groceries according to their capacity and the collected items will then be handed over to a recognized ashram in the presence of the students'', according to the organizers. The initiative not only encourages children to share a portion of their resources with the less fortunate—such as orphans, the destitute, and the homeless—but also inspires them to lead a meaningful life, the organizers added.
