In South Africa, some 80 passionate Novartis employees across all divisions and levels of management chose to volunteer activities according to local community needs. On 21 April they joined their international counterparts by taking to the streets at 8.30am in pursuit of aiding five charities; Phomolong Children's Home and Tembisa Child Welfare Centre in Tembisa, Hlayisanani Crèche in Alexandra, Humble Little Achievers Crèche in Bapsfontein and Herfsland Old Age Home in Kempton Park.
Sullivan explains, “The charities requirements ranged from environmental, social and material - all of which Novartis sought to provide.” Both the Hlayisanani Crèche in Alexandra and the Humble Little Achievers Crèche in Bapsfontein were treated to a day outing at Lory Park where they enjoyed picnic lunches, games, a jumping castle and a visit from a clown. This was in addition to the freshly painted buildings they returned to that afternoon.
The buildings at Phomolong Children's Home and Tembisa Child Welfare Centre in Tembisa were also given a cosmetic makeover whilst other volunteers relieved the staff for the day by preparing food and assisting with child care. Also, in addition to providing snacks and refreshments, volunteers also engaged in fun-filled social activities with the elderly folk from Herfsland Old Age Home in Kempton Park.
“Since inception of this initiative 14 years ago, Novartis has worked towards positively impacting the lives of those less fortunate and aim to continue to do so into the future,” concludes Sullivan.
