Social Responsibility

VGA Inc is a firm with a social conscience. We are committed to lend a helping hand to those in need within the environment in which we operate. Our aim is also to assist the government in its drive to eradicate poverty, high levels of illiteracy, and to facilitate crime prevention, job creation and access to justice, as part of our corporate social investment strategy.

In this regard, the firm endeavours constantly to identify and partner with organisations involved in these projects to achieve this objective. We have provided funding for senior citizens and continue to make monetary contributions to a variety of charitable institutions.

Corporate Responsibility Update 2009

JOY TO JORDAN HOUSE

On Friday, 13th November 2009, the staff of CBS accompanied by VGA had the privilege of visiting Jordan House, a home for the aged, some of whom are in poor health and living on the edge of society. During the year, much needed funds were raised to make it possible for CBS to delight eighty five residents and forty staff members with a Xmas Extravaganza.

The proceedings started with the melodious voices of the newly established CBS Choir. (This was the first time they stood united in song). The elderly, both men and women participated in singing and dancing contests with great gusto, with prizes aptly awarded to the champions as nominated by their fellow residents.

Sherell De Palo, a member of the CR Committee, handed a highly prized and treasured donation to Pearlene Meadows, the Director of Jordan House.

CBS Elves, crowned with reindeer hats presented a love gift to every resident and every staff member. Johan van Greunen, the director of VGA Attorneys, partnered with the Business Unit and kindly provided every person with a much needed, supreme quality pillow. As they rest their heads, they will be assured of a peaceful sleep. The expressive appreciation warmed everyone’s heart. The forty three ailing individuals in frail care were visited by the very emotional CBS Elves and received the same gifts. Carefully decorated refreshments were served by CBS, during which time a whole lot of networking took place. It was evident that there was a yearning to engage in conversation and for someone to actively listen to what was being said.

We take so much for granted but this was a life-changing experience to witness the expressions of outward joy, a glance of hope in their eyes and a sense of peace on their countenance.

“To be happy in this world, especially when youth is past, it is necessary to feel oneself not merely an isolated individual whose day will soon be over, but part of the stream of life.” - Bertrand Russell (1872-1970).

Corporate Responsibility Update 2010

Making a difference

It takes caring and special people to undertake charity work, as it is a long, hard and sometimes laborious task – however, highly rewarding for the individuals doing it and the recipient of the benefits.

The staff of Cummins and Van Greunen & Associates Inc. Attorneys joined forces in order to provide as many smiles on as many faces as they could manage. I should also mention here that they have done a tremendous job to date, and their charity work has made a remarkable difference.

On Friday, 9 July 2010, the team had the extreme privilege of visiting Jordan House, a home for the aged, in Westdene who only receives a partial subsidiary each year and which by far does not support the eighty-five residents and forty magnanimous staff members. Cummins was generous enough to provide the team with paints, brushes and rollers and the team jumped in to wash, scrape and repaint the rooms that desperately needed attention.

Van Greunen & Associates Inc. later provided every resident with a pack of sugary indulgence, which was accepted with such heartbreaking enthusiasm which reflects clearly that these extraordinary people, most of whom are unwanted by their own folks, intensely need affection so greatly sought after.

It was an utter pleasure, though painfully moving as it was, to provide the home with the much-needed maintenance and knowing that it will go a long way for Jordan House. Pearlene Meadows, the Director of Jordan House deserves an award for her endurance, immense affection, time and effort that she puts into taking care for these fragile people. The work of the staff members do not go by unnoticed, as it must be extremely hard work to mind these delicate residents. It is with the utmost respect that we applaud them all.

Although we have only been touched by mere smiles, our hearts will remain changed forever.

"Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat." - Mother Teresa