Suzuki Auto South Africa has put its weight behind child welfare by supporting The Help-Net Fund, a Gauteng-based non-profit organisation focussing on the care and rehabilitation of abused, neglected and abandoned children.
Suzuki Auto SA has pledged the use of five Suzuki Alto hatchbacks to the organisation, which in turn has selected five celebrities who will drive the branded cars to create awareness about the charity, while also assisting in fund-raising activities.
The Altos will be driven by Jay, member of local boy band Eden, rising vocal star George Longane, Afrikaans idols runner-up Willem Botha, singing sensation Charlize Berg, and dance and singing diva MoniQue.
Each celebrity has committed to 120 minutes of community service per month, assisting The Help-Net Fund in creating public awareness and raising funds for its SafeHouse project.
They will attend weekend events at shopping centres where Suzuki’s well-known Gig Rig will be a focal point, with children’s entertainment such as jumping castles, fun runs and other activities organised in aid of the charity.
In addition, some of these celebs will feature in an upcoming, hidden camera-style feature film, currently being shot at various locations. The movie is expected to go on circuit at the end of the year, with proceeds pledged to The Help-Net Fund.
The Help-Net Fund’s SafeHouse Project recognises the need for safe houses where children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse can be settled while the courts decide on their future home.
Because the demand for places of safety cannot be met, children are often placed in interim places of safety that are no better than their original homes.
The SafeHouse project provides hope for these physically and emotionally abused children by providing care, love and rehabilitation in a carefully monitored and managed environment.
Funds are not only allocated to the children’s daily needs, such as food and clothing, but also to professional psychological and social counselling.
“We are delighted to be able to assist in what is clearly a worthy cause,” says Kazuyuki Yamashita, managing director of Suzuki Auto SA. “Children hold the future of the world in their hands, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the doors of opportunity are open to every child.”
"It is an absolute thrill to be involved with a company as dynamic as Suzuki Auto SA," says Jaco Meintjes, chairperson of The Help-Net Fund.
"This strategic alliance has already started opening doors for us as a non-profit organisation and enabled us to attract five well known artists as brand ambassadors to our SafeHouse Project.
“If more companies can display this commitment, the social responsibility landscape in SA could improve significantly."
STORY BY SUZUKI AUTO
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