In terms of its CSI programme, the company offers two main services to NPOs. The first is to increase advertising awareness on its unsold OOH inventories (billboards, street furniture, digital signage) to promote and assist the relevant organisations achieve their mission and objectives in the form of free design assistance and advertising media space.
The second is the donation of old billboard flex faces, which are used by organisations to make schoolbags and the like that are given to communities in need.
The company has assisted ten such organisation this year.
1. It 'gives conservation wings' through its sponsorship of BirdLife SA donating in excess of R500,000 worth of media space
2. R300,000 worth of media space to Afrika Tikkun, which uplifts developing communities in South Africa
3. Donating in excess of R500,000 worth of OOH sites to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory for Mandela Day
4. The Swaziland Epilepsy Organization (SEO)
5. The Journey of Hope Botswana (Breast Cancer awareness)
6. Malaria No More (Jan/Feb 2013)
7. Cheetah and Wild Dog Conservation in Africa (ongoing)
8. Sparrow Schools (ongoing)
9. Endangered Wildlife Trust (EST)
10. DeskBags that makes schoolbags that re-purpose as desks by recycling of old flex faces.
"As one of Africa's largest outdoor advertising companies, providing more than 42,000 outdoor advertising opportunities across Africa, the company recognises that its corporate responsibility is to minimise the potential for causing harm to the environment in all aspects of its activities. The company strives to build a 'good' brand based on sustainable business practices and improve its environmental and social stewardship," said CEO, Bazil Lauryssen.
"We understand and appreciate the value of CSI activities in the markets in which we operate. Over the last year, we have supported various charities and organisations who are trying to make a difference, through exposure and marketing support. All these charities are close to our hearts. The CSI programme forms part of the company's ongoing CSI strategy and has the buy-in from all staff and shareholders."
