Fusion SA handed over R90,000 and more than 700 items of food, clothing and blankets to its chosen charities in the atrium of Fusion House on 1 June 2011. Cheques and items were received by representatives from Ikhaya Le Themba, Helping Hands, Animal Anti-Cruelty League and the Winter Blanket Drive.

A film production company was in attendance and will provide some exposure for Fusion SA’s Corporate Social Initiatives. They are making a documentary about Pricilla Simons, founder of Helping Hands, and the essential work she is doing to help those affected, directly and indirectly, by HIV/AIDS in Cape Town communities.

The items for donation were the result of Fusion SA’s Winter Charity Drive. During a three week period staff gave generously with an eye on daily communications and barometer updates.

A special thank you to each person whose donation will bring a little warmth to a sick or elderly person, and neglected and abused children and animals in the cold, wet Cape winter.

Rene Southwood of Animal Anti-Cruelty League said of the donation, ‘We would like to take this opportunity to express our most sincere thanks for your generous donation to the League. The League relies entirely upon the generosity of its many friends and your support in our cause is very much appreciated.’

Pricilla Simons, who battles on a daily basis to provide the needy in her community with basic care services was overjoyed with the funds and items collected for Helping Hands. She described the donations as, ‘an answer to her prayers.’

Ikhaya Le Themba’s Kim Richardson told us that many of the donated clothes would be bought for a small fee by unemployed people who had households to support. They in turn would sell the items and make a small living in this way instead of relying on handouts alone.

‘We really are very grateful to Fusion SA for their continued support of Ikhaya Le Themba,’ she said.

Fusion SA staff received from the Winter Blanket Drive, ‘An enormous, slobbery, face-licking, tail-wagging THANK YOU to Fusion SA for your enormously generous donations. The blankets will be used to line kennels and protect the animals from the cold Cape Town winter. The bigger blankets and bedding will be used on sterilisation days and all the food will help to fill the tummies of so many of our furry friends.’

Adele Lombard of the Winter Blanket Drive said, at the handover event, ‘Other companies can learn a lot from Fusion SA and the way you have opened your hearts.’