Imperial Logistics’ tributes to Madiba on Nelson Mandela Day took many forms, from painting classrooms to feeding underprivileged tots, visiting hospitals and donating blankets and blood. What they all had in common was the Group’s commitment to making a difference, and helping to make the world a better place.

Cobus Rossouw, chief integration officer at Imperial Logistics says, “Imperial Managed Logistics gave its support on this memorable day to the Graceland Crèche, part of the Thembalitsha Foundation and one of the company’s adopted charities. Staff members donated children’s clothing, toys and food, and spent time helping to feed the little ones, play games and hand out sweets.”

“Group Company Pragma devoted its Nelson Mandela Day efforts to producing “goodie” bags filled with snacks, sweets and toys for the Bet-El school in Kuilsriver. The school caters for children with special needs.”

“Olievenhoudtbosch Christian School, which is situated in the struggling community of Olievenhoutbosch, Centurion, received meals, school supplies and sports equipment from Imperial Logistics’ group company Resolve. Theschool was started in 2004, by ‘Church Without Walls’, to help children and families in this community that is challenged by poverty, over-population, unemployment and abuse. When the school started, there were no classrooms and the learners were taught in a tent. Since then, Wendy houses and steel containers have been acquired, and these are used as classrooms, a library and a kitchen. The school has also built four classrooms through donations from local people and businesses.”

“Imperial Truck Rental’s staff rolled up their sleeves and got painting to mark Madiba’s birthday. They painted two classrooms at the Oxford Combined College in Malvern, near the company’s Denver offices in Johannesburg.”

“The Unjani Clinic in Nelmapius was the recipient of donations from Imperial Health Sciences, which collected food, clothing and much-needed blankets for the community clinic which stretches its limited resources to care for the underserved and desperate community in this area.”

“Donations of a different kind were the focus of Imperial Air Cargo’s Nelson Mandela Day efforts. The day inspired this group company to celebrate life and to give someone a second chance at living, so, with the help of the SA National Blood Service, staff were encouraged to donate lifesaving blood.”

“Imperial Retail Logistics ensured that it made a difference in as many lives as possible, with five projects nationally that celebrated the giving spirit of Madiba. In Johannesburg, 10 boys from Jabulani Khakibos Kids – a shelter for street children – were invited to the company’s Jupiter Depot for lunch. They also received goodie bags, and food parcels were sent back to the shelter for the 38 youngsters who live there.”

“Staff from the company’s Bloemfontein Depot spent the day at Pelenomi Hospital, where they helped with day-to-day operations, and also provided snacks, treats and gifts for patients of all ages and staff.”

“Then TLC Outreach Projects – a community-based initiative that is catering for children at risk in informal settlements – benefited from the efforts of staff from Imperial Retail Logistics’ Cape Town Depot.“Since 1996 TLC Outreach Projects has been rehabilitating the children scattered on our streets because of abuse, addiction and extreme poverty,” Rossouw adds, “Staff donated their time, and also supplied basic necessities and treats to make the day special for children cared for by TLC.”

“In Durban, Hope House, a haven for abandoned and orphaned babies and toddlers, received donations of daily necessities, and staff from Imperial Retail Logistics in Durban also spent time playing with the little ones.”

“CANSA – The Cancer Association of South Africa – was the organisation that the company focused on in Port Elizabeth, with donations of various necessities, and time devoted to assisting the association with its work in the area.”

Concludes Rossouw, “Imperial Logistics is committed to playing its part in uplifting people and communities in need wherever possible, and Nelson Mandela Day was the perfect opportunity for the entire group to unite behind this resolve, and make a difference in as many lives as possible. Nothing beats the feeling you get when you arrive at a place in need, and you are welcomed with a hug or a firm handshake by children and people who don’t even know you, but who know that you are there to help in some way. Whatever the gesture, whether big or small, we can all contribute to making the world a better place.”