Seasons's Greetings!

ECOSERV gives cheer to vulnerable kids this festive season

In a year when Ecoserv and AER has made an effort to give back to the communities in which they live and work there was only one way to end 2007 off.

This year, instead of spending thousands of rands on printing and mailing Season's Greeting cards for our customers and friends, we decided to use this money to make a donation in their honour and to replace the hard copy with a simple e-mail. We have chosen to support Vukukhanye, a local non-profit organization providing opportunities and care for orphans and vulnerable children.

Vukukhanye was started in 2002. It is based close to Ecoserv's head office in Westville. The home has cared for 46 children to date, and there are presently 11 children living at the Home. Vukukhanye also follows-up on children and caregivers and helps vulnerable families in underprivileged communities.

Said Quentin Hurt, Ecoserv and AER MD, “We asked staff to nominate charities and organizations that they felt would benefit from a donation at this time of year. In the past, we have worked with great local artists to produce our cards. This year it seemed appropriate to honour our customers and friends with a meaningful donation. The most compelling suggestion was Vukukhanye based on its care for our children, health-imperative and its strong educational ideals. Michelle Watson, the proposer, also had a personal connection with the home. We join our customers, staff and, now our parent company SGS, in taking delight in this special gift.”

A thrilled Anthony van der Meulen, Chairperson of Vukukhanye, accepted a cheque for R8300 from Ecoserv and AER on 19 December amidst some of the Home's excited children. Ecoservers were equally happy to be able to make a contribution to the lives of others during a time when everyone is enjoying quality time with their families.

Said proponent and Ecoserv Reporting Specialist, Michelle Watson, , “It felt good to carry this idea through and to have the company sponsor a community service that is so close to my heart. I couldn't think of a better, lasting gift.

“We thought hard about the impact of an e-mail that might get lost in the inbox, but we felt that the positive force of the gift was worth the risk. Seeing the joy on Anthony's face and interacting with kids, I knew we had made the right move.”

Ecoserv and AER wish our loyal friends, partners and customers a peaceful, joyous Christmas and New Year,  Our offices will be closed between 21 December 2007 and 2 January 2008.  We look forward to working with you in 2008 and offering you some very exciting new services and products.

Visit the Vukukhanye website for more information