Caring companies reach out

HIV/Aids testing

By partnering with New Start and going into the community, Standard Bank is delivering on its promise to make HIV\Aids testing and information easily available and accessible in support of government's HCT strategy. The community testing campaign, however, is special because it has given its employees a chance to make a real difference since their personal actions have helped to contribute positively to their communities.

Tholi B, well known YFM radio DJ was present at an Outside Broadcast (OB) in Tembisa, Johannesburg. The OB was held to publicise a community initiative undertaken by Standard Bank whereby they partnered with New Start and enabled thousands of people to receive complimentary HIV/AIDS testing and counselling. In this picture, Tholi B is talking to one of the New Start nurses about the testing process.

“Our employees have helped change the perception that that testing is a death sentence. Rather, it is an opportunity to empower yourself to make the best of your future. By knowing your status, you can make sound decisions - whether it is keeping yourself healthy if you are positive, or ensuring you stay negative if you do not have the virus,” says Peter Philip, head of corporate health at Standard Bank.

Externally, it has been part of a number of programmes in support of HIV\Aids initiatives. Among these are Mfezana/Masiza HIV/AIDS Education and Support programme in the Western Cape, as well as the Gezubuso projects in the KwaZulu-Natal, which provides HIV/AIDS Education, care and support services to those infected and affected by AIDS.

Childhood cancer undiagnosed

Back row (l-r) - Francois Peenz (CHOC), Mzwandile Khanya (CHOC), Makhotso Fako (Danone); front Row - Children staying at the Danone Clover CHOC House in Soweto.

Danone, through its campaign, has created much needed CHOC Houses in Bloemfontein, Soweto, Cape Town, Pretoria and East London, as sanctuaries for children who are being treated for cancer. Children are accommodated in these houses with their families during what can be traumatic treatment of the disease.

{{image}]It presented a cheque for R100 000 to Mzwandile Khanya, national chairperson of CHOC in Soweto on Monday 29 March 2010. “It's a tragedy, but less than half of childhood cancer cases in our country are ever diagnosed, and most of those that are diagnosed are already too advanced for treatment to be a lifesaver. It is with deep gratitude that I accept this worthy donation on behalf of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation,” said Khanya.