CSI

CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT

Becoming Involved

November 2012 Coastal Christmas, The Beekman Group have adopted a number of local children homes as part of our CSI strategy, and this year was no different for the annual Christmas party that we host for all the children and carers at these homes. The younger children had a delightful day filled with party packs and hotdogs replenishing the energy they lost in the swimming pool, jumping castles and wet slides. For the older kids, a day at the Wild Coast Sun Wild Waves became an unforgettable experience and it was clear that these children had never imagined this type of experience before. We were surprised and delighted that many of them were not at all scared to go on the big slides, and they bravely queued to go down the highest slides again and again. A group of Beekman staff also joined and we finished the day with a lovely Wimpy lunch on the lawn overlooking the ocean. These are undoubtedly happy memories for these special kids.

September 2012 Donation for Winnifrieda Memela, On 3 September we found out that Winnifrieda Memela's (housekeeper at Suntide Qunu Lodge) house burnt down during the past weekend, and she lost absolutely everything. Not long before, there was a severe storm in the area when she lost the roof of her house, but she managed to replaced it with some savings, only for it to be burnt down to the ground a few weeks later. Resort Manager Rene Shacks communicated this sad news to head office, which is when staff decided to donate general household items to help Winni rebuild her home. Crockery and cutlery, clothes and wall paintings were among the items collected. Winni was delighted to receive the gifts and fellow staff at Suntide Qunu Lodge clapped their hands in celebration of this kind gift.

August 2012 SPCA, The annual SPCA collection was headed up by our reservations team and with all the other departments at head office following suite, this resulted in a mountain of food which made up three bakkie loads. The Lower South Coast SPCA expressed their appreciation for a generous donation of Pet food, snacks, toys and blankets from Beekman Group.

July 2012 Ziphakhamisa - Mansfield Mission, Ziphakamise is a Non-Profit Organisation, operating in the Ugu and Sisonke District Municipality areas, a developed coastal region extending into under-developed rural inland settlements. Mansfield Mission is one of their projects, where they provided creche facilities to families who resorted to leaving their toddlers alone at home as they had no one to look after them whilst the parents go to work. The building they managed to secure for the purpose was in a much neglected state, and the Beekman Group soon came on board and assigned a contracted builder to renovate the building. In 2013, the Beekman Group plans to decorate the interior to give the children a fun environment to learn and play. Watch this space for updates on that project.

June 2012 - Mkholombe Fire , On 19 May, Mkolombe which is a rural settlement near Port Shepstone met with disaster. It is rumoured in the Mkholombe community that a dispute between a landlord and his tenant could have contributed to the fire which destroyed 100 homes. According to Hibiscus Coast Municipality's estimation, 206 families were left destitute after the incident. Through the Red Cross branch in Port Shepstone, the Beekman Group was able to donate new school uniforms and school bags to children who have lost everything in the fire.

May 2012 CANSA Relay for Life, Another annual event which is a lot of fun yet very emotionally significant to many, as it represents the HOPE that all of those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who are fighting cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated. This is a well-known fund raising event worldwide, and the Beekman Group is proud to be regular participants. Relay For Life teams take turns to walk or run around a track for 24 hours. The goal is to keep one team member on the track at all times, as cancer never sleeps. Participants enjoy camping-out, entertainment, good food, games and community camaraderie. They all share a common purpose - their desire to help CANSA fight cancer and to support those affected by cancer.

The Genesis Trust, The Beekman Group has currently been involved in the donation of vehicles to The Genesis Trust a charity based near Port Shepstone on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal. Genesis has implemented a number of community outreach programmes, from dental care, to beading workshops, education, sports and social enrichment.

Louisiana Primary School , based in Port Shepstone, is a rural no fee school. Beekman Group donated much needed books and science equipment to the value of R25 000. As this is a no fees school, they are in dire need of assistance. We also ensure that any computers, office furniture, supplies and fittings no longer required are donated to our local charities and schools like Louisiana Primary.

The Flower foundation Homes in Port Shepstone were assisted by the Beekman Group with the installation of geyser timers in a bid to reduce their monthly electricity consumption. This was to help the pensioners' meagre income go that little further.

Developing New Talent We also sponsor the Southern KZN Bodyboarding Development Clinics that are run every month. The Group pays for the instructors and transports the kids from Gamalakhe, a deprived rural community, to the beach. Professional instructors give the kids training on water safety, understanding the ocean and of course giving them the thrill of riding the waves. Nomad Bodyboarding, a manufacturer of bodyboards, generously supplies the equipment. Bodyboarding is fun and easy to get into; and serves as a very healthy, positive distraction from all the negative influences kids face today.

Aiming for a Brighter Future We are especially proud of our association with The Themba Club, (incorporating two shelters, namely, the Themba Club Boys and The Themba Club Girls), which is an organisation on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast which provides a safe and homely environment for the growing number of children on the streets of our local towns, as well as for children who have been previously abused. In 2005 we purchased a motor vehicle to transport the children to school and we continue to contribute towards the running costs of the vehicle. We also assist towards the salary of an outreach worker who tries to reunite these children with their families or, if that is not possible, to ensure that these children are provided with a safe environment and schooling. In addition, in 2009, we awarded a bursary for tertiary education to the top student at the Themba Club Boys Home to study Tourism at the local technical college. Every year we also try to bring some Christmas joy to these underprivileged children by way of Christmas parties and, to this end, volunteers from the Group head off with party packs, gifts and Santa in tow. In addition to the Christmas party, the girls were also treated to a shopping spree and, with great excitement the girls each chose an outfit, a pair of shoes and some "jammies". It is always a wonderful experience to see such delight amongst these precious girls.

Caring for our children living with HIV Rehoboth Village is a home to children living with HIV/AIDS who have been abandoned or orphaned. Children are raised in a safe and loving home environment where their health is stabilised and controlled. Their vision is to grow their children into role models for the future generation. The Beekman Group has contributed towards the furniture & equipment for two of these homes as well sporting equipment for the play ground. Each year we also support the Aids Bannerthon for World Aids Day by purchasing banners for head office.

Showing Our Solidarity To show our support for Cancer survivors, we illuminate our head office building in pink every year in October in support of Breast Cancer and in association with Reach for Recovery, Port Shepstone. The ladies of Reach for Recovery are all cancer survivors themselves and their mission is to help other ladies who have survived breast cancer. We have also contributed by holding a cuppa for CANSA at our head office as well as joining in annually in the Jail & Bail CANSA fundraiser and Shavathon's. The Beekman Group also supports The Lower South Coast Hospice and Girls & Boys town annually contributions.

Not forgetting the animals Crags View Rehabilitation Centre is a local organisation which rescues and rehabilitates wildlife in need. The Beekman Group contributes annually to this worthy cause. We are also in the process of assisting our local Lower South Coast SPCA with annual donations of food, blankets and toys.