HKLM Johannesburg will be hosting Orange Day on 1 August 2008, when the entire agency will be setting up camp at Cotlands in Turfontein to revamp this renowned children's sanctuary and host a party to celebrate its 72nd birthday.
The agency has been involved with Cotlands for the past five years, assisting with its rebranding, signage and a range of printed collateral, including posters, stationery and annual reports.
This latest effort aims to bring together all HKLM Johannesburg staff and expose them to the reality of Cotlands, while at the same time making a tangible difference to the lives of the 70 children who live there.
“I believe that it's not only big business that is responsible for sustainability, but all individuals - each and every person. There is a lack of understanding as to what sustainability really is. It's not simply a percentage of turnover given to CSI projects, it's about everybody getting involved on some level,” explains Sean McCoy of HKLM.
Orange Day will see HKLM staff undertaking an Extreme Makeover of the Sanctuary area of Cotlands in just five hours. The staff have been divided into seven groups, each with a team leader and each with its own project to complete within the allocated time limit. The different groups will be responsible for the playground's grass area; playground windows and gutters; playground road safety markings and outdoor games; the indoor dining area and play area; three children's rooms and the babies room. The day will culminate with HKLM hosting a 72nd birthday party for the Cotlands staff and children. Children will be treated to gifts which HKLM staff have self-funded and the day promises to be filled with fun and games.
HKLM acknowledges that there is much to be done beyond just the makeover itself so it is calling on other corporates to assist in fulfilling Cotland's wish list, which includes toy boxes, playground equipment, electronics, clothes, chairs and soft furnishings.
MassMart, Eltec Properties, Furniture City, Spar, RM Catering, Plascon, Wright Millners and Pulp Films have already come onboard to support this worthy cause and HKLM is appealing to other businesses or individuals to get involved and help make a difference, either by pledging cash donations or by providing items from the wish-list itself.
McCoy says Orange Day presents an important opportunity for both HKLM staff and Cotlands on a number of different levels.
“Every person needs a ‘heart moment' to bring them back to reality. We often live in isolation within the spaces where we work, eat, play and socialise. Instead of doing another corporate conference, we decided to do a teambuilding exercise, where we would not only have fun and get to know each other better, but would also be able to make a huge difference in a tangible way. Our HKLM Cotlands Orange Day is structured in such a way that there will be an immediate impact on the day-to-day lives of the children at Cotlands,” he says.
Lindy Nieuwenhuizen, Cotlands marketing manager and fundraiser, is delighted HKLM has chosen to get involved in this way.
“Cotlands has many wish-lists and this type of volunteer programme presents an opportunity for these wishes to be fulfilled. We have worked with HKLM for the past five years whenever Cotlands needs something, HKLM is the first to step forward and offer assistance. The HKLM Orange Day will enable us to tick seven items off our wishlist, which is really going to benefit our children and our organisation,” adds Nieuwenhuizen.
Companies wanting to get involved with the project should please contact Derry-Lee Lawrence or Christine Storey on (011) 461-6600.
