Stepping through our doors, you immediately feel warmth and care. As Africa’s oldest hospice, we’ve provided a haven for those facing life’s toughest challenges for over four decades, supporting more than 3,000 individuals with serious illnesses and their families each year. Beyond our core mission, we recognise the growing impact of corporate volunteering in South Africa. It offers companies a meaningful way to give back while fostering employee engagement and teamwork. Corporate volunteers have played a critical role in improving the lives of our patients and their families. In this Q&A, Mandisa Sindana, our HR Specialist, answers key questions for businesses looking to get involved.
Getting Started with Corporate Volunteering at Greendale House
Q: What are the first steps for a company looking to establish a volunteer partnership with Greendale House?
A: The first step is to reach out to our Fundraising and Events team. They’ll discuss your company’s goals, the skills your employees can bring, and the level of commitment you’re looking for, like whether it’s a once-off activity or an ongoing partnership. From there, we’ll match your team with the most suitable opportunities.
Q: How can we tell if Greendale House is the right fit for our company’s volunteer efforts?
A: Understanding the nature of our work is key. Greendale House provides care to patients with life-limiting illnesses either at our IPU or at their homes. Many people hesitate at first because they assume the care we provide is only about end-of-life situations. But it’s also about improving quality of life, and many of our patients receive support over many years. So volunteering here isn’t about generic CSI activities, it’s about thoughtful engagement. Volunteering at Greendale House allows employees to see firsthand the support we bring to patients and families. We provide orientation sessions to ensure all volunteers feel comfortable and prepared for their experience.
Getting Employees Involved in Volunteering at Greendale House
Q: What types of volunteering opportunities are available for corporate teams?
A: Hands-on activities like baking or cooking comforting meals in our Houghton kitchens, assisting in our Soweto community garden, and room makeovers tend to be popular because they offer an immediate sense of accomplishment. We also encourage companies to organise donation drives for clothing, household items, or food, host fundraising initiatives like workplace dress-up days or to use their social media platforms to raise awareness for our mission. These often give staff a chance to show off their leadership and coordination abilities. Some companies prefer skills-based volunteering, such as marketing assistance, or financial planning. Other meaningful activities include hosting celebrations for patients and staff, and support our thrift shops by sorting donations and managing sales. In the community, teams can organise sports events, sponsored walks, or bike rides to raise awareness and funds, take on personal challenges to support our work, and volunteer at special events like the Tree of Light celebration.
Q: What impact have corporate volunteers had at Greendale House?
A: Their impact is profound. One of the most memorable initiatives was when a team from Sasfin Wealth created a community garden at our Diepkloof facility. Not only does this garden provide fresh fruit and veg for our patients, but it also upskilled community members with gardening skills.
Making Volunteering Work for Business
Q: How can companies balance volunteering with employee work schedules?
A: Many companies allow employees to volunteer during work hours as part of their CSI initiatives. Others integrate volunteering into team-building days. For companies with tight schedules, hosting internal donation drives or fundraising initiatives can be a flexible alternative.
Q: Are there long-term ways for businesses to support Greendale House?
A: Absolutely. Companies can sponsor specific programs such as medical equipment, food initiatives, or facility upgrades. We also offer branding opportunities at our annual fundraising events. Small, steady contributions can leave a major impact over time.
Get Involved
As we look to the future, we’re reminded of Nelson Mandela’s words: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others”. Your efforts with us embody this principle, creating a legacy of kindness that extends far beyond our walls. Your efforts touch lives in ways you might never see, but that make a real difference.
Plus, there are benefits for your business too:
- Enhance your company’s image through meaningful community engagement
- Boost staff satisfaction and attract new talent
- Develop your team’s leadership and problem-solving skills
- Network within the community
- Gain B-BBEE points and tax benefits through your contributions
We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can bring more light into dark days, make heavy burdens a little lighter, and wrap our community in care and compassion.
For activities at our site, we suggest a small donation per volunteer or an in-kind contribution.
To start this heartwarming journey, please contact our wonderful team member, Amina Majam, at 011 483 9170 or amina.majam@greendalehouse.co.za. She’ll help find the perfect way for your team to get involved.
Let’s write the next chapter of Greendale House’s story together – one filled with hope, healing, and the incredible power of human kindness.
P.S. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can change a life. Your support doesn’t just change lives – it saves them, comforts them, and gives people dignity when they need it most. Join us in keeping this tradition of care going strong. Together, we can make Johannesburg a little brighter, one kind act at a time.
