Introduction

SPECTRAMED, as a provider of healthcare cover, recognises the need to give back to the community and to those less fortunate. We absolutely feel that it is necessary to get involved in contributing to charity, and we do this by not only donating money, but by getting our staff members involved in a pro-active manner.

For 2011, we chose two charities as our focus points.

Baby Moses

Baby Moses is a sanctuary for abandoned and neglected children in South Africa. Since opening their doors in early 2003, they have changed the lives of quite a number of children who had a bad start in life.

On Fridays, SPECTRAMED staff members are permitted to wear casual clothes to the office, providing they pay a certain amount for this privilege. All of the money collected on casual Fridays during the year is donated to Baby Moses at year-end. 

As part of this initiative, SPECTRAMED also treated the children of Baby Moses to a screening of the movie “The Smurfs” on 6th November 2011. These kids, up to that point, had never even set foot in a cinema, which was, needless to say, a thrilling and unforgettable experience for them.  

Near the end of 2011, donation boxes were placed at SPECTRAMED head office, allowing staff members to contribute groceries (such as cleaning- and food products) to the charity. We are proud to say that a substantial amount of products was donated. Using the casual Friday donations, a brand-new microwave was purchased for them (something that a charity home with active youngsters can definitely not do without), as well as even more groceries.

To complete our open-heartedness for 2011, we delivered all of these to Baby Moses a few days prior to Christmas, along with SPECTRAMED-branded backpacks (for each of the children), packed with some delicious sweets. This was our part to ensure that Baby Moses’ 2011 year-end was special and memorable. 

Should you want to aid in contributing to Baby Moses, you can contact Lanie de Klerk via email on lani@babymoses.co.za, or via telephone on 011 768 4943. You can view their website at www.babymoses.co.za 

Ikholwa

Ikholwa Aids Orphanage was the focus point of SPECTRAMED’s 2011 World Aids Day. In comparison to previous years, where the Scheme always invited guest speakers to talk about HIV/Aids, SPECTRAMED decided on a more “hands on” approach for this year.

Ikholwa Home, in Weltevreden Park, is currently home to 39 children. As a special treat to these youngsters who have been infected/affected by HIV/Aids, SPECTRAMED decided to indulge them in a party on World Aids Day. 39 gift packages were made up at SPECTRAMED head office (one for each child) on the morning of the 1st of December. These gift bags were then delivered to Ikholwa during the afternoon. Staff personally dropped off the gift packages, and joined the children in their surprise party. The children were overjoyed by a magician, a jumping castle, sweets and snacks, and SPECTRAMED staff who played and cheered with them on their special day.

Should you want to aid in contributing to Ikholwa, you can contact Ulrike Mann via email on info@ikholwa.com, or via telephone on 011 476 9387. The Ikholwa website can be viewed at www.ikholwa.co.za