A charitable move

Sun International’s Payroll Department staff cashed in the value of their hard-earned overtime hours so they could donate R25 000 to Project House of Hope instead. The money, which represented two months of overtime, accumulated after staff worked over weekends to make changes to the company’s payroll system. Rather than taking the money owed to them, they agreed as a team to donate the funds to the home.

The team also donated essentials like food, clothing and nappies. Shared Services Payroll Manager Constant Laubscher says, “We had already collected clothing for the organisation, but felt they could use the money, especially for milk and nappies for the babies. Thankfully the company agreed, and we could make the donation.” Constant adds: “We are proud to work for a company like Sun International that supports communities and NPOs across the country, but we felt that individuals can also stand together to do good. Our department has an amazing culture. We love working together and we all share the same values.”

Project House of Hope opened in 2013 and today the organisation feeds around 300 people daily – including toddlers and children – at its community centre in Danville, west of central Pretoria. Its baby house opened in 2019 to care for younger children in crisis.

“We were taken completely by surprise. We are always looking for people to help and support us so this donation will help to plug a few holes. We are so grateful,” says Lizelle Marucchi, the home’s founder. The Director of Group HR at Sun International Verna Robson says the firm is really proud of its employeesfor their selflessness and commitment to supporting the charity by living their values and positively impacting the communities in which they operate.