DWR Distribution establishes new charity for freelancers
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: In lieu of sending out Christmas presents to its clients this year, DWR Distribution has instead opted to set up a new charitable organisation aimed at helping freelancers and their families, should they fall on hard times through illness or injury. The distribution company will kick-start the charity by injecting R150,000 into the fund.
The charity is designed to offer help and support, such as funds to cover the rent or a child’s school fees, or grocery hampers to those that need it on a merit basis. Each case will be submitted to the charity’s board, which will then decide on whether assistance can be provided and in what form.
DWR Distribution is planning an array of fundraising events in the new year to support its new charity, which as yet is unnamed. The company states that meetings are currently in progress to build an independent board for the charitable organisation to ensure that it operates fairly. It is expected that this board will comprise representatives from various South African rental companies.
‘When DiGiCo’s Ian Staddon recently visited South Africa, he made us aware of a similar charity that runs in England and which DiGiCo supports,’ explained DWR director, Duncan Riley. ‘The people of South Africa are very generous and I believe we can do something as successful here. For technicians working for a company, there is often medical aid or some form of support. It’s so sad to hear when something tragic or unexpected happens to a freelancer and there’s no one else to help.’