Halls makes a difference on Mandela Day
The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately it seeks to empower communities everywhere. “Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day.”
As part of Halls’ ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Investment, Mandela Day 2016 presented the Company with another opportunity to positively impact the local communities surrounding their Mataffin farming and packing operations in Nelspruit.
Halls identified four primary projects based on the needs of the communities. Each Halls staff member dedicated at least 67 minutes to activating these initiatives. Local businesses too joined forces and supported the Halls teams with relevant materials, supplies and services that were required. Halls is very grateful to these businesses.
The four projects, the institutions of which Halls is already involved with ongoing CSI support, were as follows:
- Boschrand Primary (Grades 1 to 7)
The development of a library for the learners by installing bookshelves, erecting reading areas, painting and delivering the books collected in a recent Halls book drive
There were a number of external companies who partnered with Halls and donated supplies and services. These included Winmar, Bargain Books, Plascon and Arno Marais Woodworks
- Good Hope Creche
The rebuild and revamp of the Good Hope playground, including constructing a mini bike track and sandpits, fixing of broken equipment.
The Harley-Davidson Big Five HOG Chapter #8066 partnered with Halls and handed over 20 toddler plastic bikes to the Crèche. In addition, Umbani Construction, Titan Projects, Prominent Paints Nelspruit and Skip & Go Nelspruit donated supplies and services.
- John Mdluli Primary
The painting of a bright and colourful wall mural and the establishment of sandpits with donations of sand and sandpit toys in their Grade R play area
Paint Centre, Bravo and Industroserve- Golden Dividend supported Halls’ endeavours through various donations.
- Woodhouse Community Centre
The preparation of a soup kitchen for lunch for the children. A colourful mural was painted in the dining area and two exterior walls received their own coat of paint.
Paintsmiths Lowveld, Plascon, Winmar, Superspar The Grove, Sunbake and Vern Schefermann, were involved with us at Woodhouse
Matthew Comins, CFO of HL Hall & Sons and Chairman of the Halls CSI Committee, explains how important milestones like Mandela Day are to the Company. “Halls has a long history of supporting our local communities and Mandela Day presents us with another opportunity to make a real difference to those around us. Our staff are eager to work together and partner with other Lowveld businesses, inspiring each other to build a better South Africa for all.”