Between its formation in 1969 and 2000 the ABF paid out almost R5.5 million in assistance to ad industry people and continues to do so on a daily basis.
The Cape Town chapter, in particular, has fallen behind, however, and is now urgently getting mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by using word-of-mouth advertising to boost its local membership. It is looking to sign up members through fundraising events it will be hosting, of which the Crazy Golf Day will be the main event for the first half of the year. Thursday 7 May has been pencilled in and the event will take place at the River Club. This will be a fun day and the ABF is encouraging everyone in the industry to come and play. Experience or knowledge of the game of golf doesn't seem to be a prerequisite.
The chapter is also looking for potential candidates to help with the day-to-day running of the ABF, particularly with regard to accounting, fundraising and membership drives. Potential members can log on to the ABF website at www.abf.co.za
For the young bloods in the ad industry, the ABF helps people in advertising when they are needy. This could have been a result of anything from contracting a serious illness to an accident that may have put them down; the loss of support from your breadwinner or even unemployment.
"Sure, you may be immortal now, but as every banking commercial seems to preach: "Think about your future," says a prophetic line on the website.
Since its establishment the ABF has helped hundreds of families throughout the country to face the sudden crises that have afflicted them.
With the exception of a couple of paid officers, volunteers from the industry do all of the ABF's work. The ABF is a non-profit organisation and is purely around to provide support to those in our industry who are in need.
Some of the things that the ABF established in 2008 are:
The ABF, in conjunction with Lifeline, organised facilities for a dedicated call-centre line to cater specifically for people in the advertising, media and related industries who need counselling or treatment for stress, HIV/AIDS, or substance-abuse problems. This is available telephonically to all members 24/7, and personal face-to-face sessions can also be arranged.
The ABF executive committee consulted with educational institutions and other interested parties that provide study in the field of advertising to provide prospective deserving, underprivileged students with bursaries to study in this field. One of the institutions - AAA School of Advertising - agreed to have its second-year students do an advertising campaign for the ABF as part of their annual curriculum. The ABF also intends to advise the advertising fraternity of the availability of successful students with a view to obtaining the best possible employment for them and mutually for the new employer. The ABF has also negotiated with a supplier to provide all its members - corporate and individual - with lots and lots of goodies at discounted prices that range from 5% to 50% off and these benefits are available the moment your membership is confirmed. In addition, you will be able to use it as often as you like 24/7. Corporate members will be able to use these facilities to reduce their employees' travel bills.
To offer your services to or to join the ABF, log on to the website or, if you are in Cape Town, get hold of Riaan Kriel at Bizcommunity.com (T) 021 680 3500 | (F) 021 685 1045 (C) 082 447 4226, or email him at .
