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Making Children smile
Date : 01/01/2005 A Corporate Challenge of a different kind… The IQ Business Group’s (IQ) employees conquered a challenge of a different nature on Saturday 5th February. Three-hundred children between the ages of 2 and 12 from orphanages around Gauteng were transported to the Endangered Wildlife Trust premises situated on the grounds of the Johannesburg Zoo to spend a fun-filled day.
Volunteers led by The IQ Business Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee and the Interact Club from St John’s College gave up their Saturday to entertain 300 less fortunate children.
A caregiver from the West Rand Veterans Society said, “For some of the kids even the bus ride was a first. They especially had a fun time interacting with the volunteers during games and activities.“
All in all, the day was enjoyed by all, a lovely start to the year for IQ’s CSR Committee. Eloquently put by Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, the President of St John’s College Interact Club, “The members of our Interact group had a fantastic time offering assistance to both IQ and the kids. It is wonderful to see a company that is willing to give time and energy in order to impact the lives of young people.”
For The IQ Business Group providing meaningful contributions to the environment it operates within is of utmost importance. Fiona Carrim, a member of IQ’s Corporate Social Responsibility says, “It’s imperative that companies begin working with other institutions like schools, NGO’s and the government in their CSR initiatives. It is also important that the employees of companies are actively involved in affecting change by means of initiatives such as these. It is only when the funds of companies willing to contribute are utilised using the expertise of NGO’s, the government and other people working on the ground that we can actually start making a difference.”
“Many companies donate large sums of money and gifts to countless orphanages, but today we realised that the kids are more in need of interaction, love and activity,” says Carrim.
This day encompassed all these elements, and apart from being very eager at the thought of planning the next fun day, The IQ Business Group is looking forward to building a more solid relationship with the orphanages with regular visits and outings.
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