Employees from Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) came in their numbers this week to roll up their sleeves for a day of purpose and good corporate citizenship. As part of the business’s Employee Volunteerism Programme, Corporate Social Investment days are set aside to improve the conditions of an organisation which serves the people of Limpopo . The chosen beneficiary for the Limpopo Province is the Paediatric Oncology Ward at the Polokwane Hospital and this week was the commencement of an extended and improved ward.
CCBSA decided to lend support and assistance to the Paediatric Oncology Ward, based on the needs that were established and communicated by the hospital. The aging facility was in need of some renovations and extensions to ensure the patients were comfortable and treated with dignity whilst visiting the facility. This grand gesture forms part of the Employee Volunteering Programme, a programme that aims to get employees immersed in projects in their communities and gives them an opportunity to give back through their time and effort.
Due to the scale of the project, it was decided that the upgrades would take a 2 phased approach. The first CSI day took place on the 19th of February and employees assisted with painting a newly built consultation and isolation rooms, building of book shelves, tables and benches for the new outpatient rooms and the creation of a play area. In addition, a new classroom is currently under construction to ensure young learners continue learning despite being hospitalised for several weeks. The second CSI day will take place on 26 February 2018 to ensure the completion of the upgrades. An official handover will take place on 2 March 2018.
“We as the Paediatric Oncology team are very humbled and grateful for what Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa is busy doing for us by upgrading our isolation rooms, renovating our outpatient rooms and building the school for our kids,” says Dr Vhutshilo Netshituni, Paediatric Oncologist at the Polokwane Hospital and the first black Paediatric Oncologist in South Africa.
Speaking at the first leg of upgrades at the hospital, was Nombuso Hlatshwayo, CSI Specialist for Limpopo: “An extensive amount was invested towards these upgrades as a means of encouraging our employees to give back and make a meaningful contribution to the hospital. We applaud the doctors and nurses that work tireously to take care of our children. What better way to thank them, than improving their vicinity whilst also making the stay of the children more pleasurable”.
CCBSA plans to create a greater impact this year, in the lives of the people that its business serves through its EVP’s and Enterprise Development programmes. This will also create valuable partnerships with existing and new stakeholders.
