Responding to the call to action for individuals, communities, and organisations to take time to reflect on Nelson Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in their own communities, local coatings brand Plascon is taking meaningful steps to enhance and support communities throughout South Africa.
This year, for Mandela Day – the annual international celebration which takes place on 18 July, his birthday – Plascon is engaging in two exciting community service initiatives which will see colour brought to a community centre in Gauteng, and the Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town.
Turning to its own employees to make a difference, Plascon is leading an initiative at the Bakone Community Home Based Care Centre as a local employee involvement project. Plascon will be repairing and repainting an area of Bakone Community Centre and donating much needed items to the facility, giving employees the option to either volunteer their time or donate items.
Bakone Community Home Based Care in Kagiso, Krugersdorp, is a home for orphans, vulnerable children and people affected by and infected with HIV/Aids. Founded by Rose Motloba in 2007, the organisation began when Motloba saw a need to feed the less fortunate community members in the area. Today, the expanded organisation provides a myriad of services. With 50 staff members and hundreds of beneficiaries, Bakone is on a mission to alleviate poverty in its community, create awareness of HIV/Aids and care for the less fortunate.
Donation boxes calling for items such as stationery, blankets, toys, and non-perishable food items have been placed at Plascon’s offices, and a number of employees have volunteered and will be joining the company on 18 July 2024 to deliver the donations, engage with the community and assist with the finishing touches of the painting project.
Also focusing its attention on communities of Cape Town, Plascon made a donation to the Tygerberg Hospital to uplift the theatre recovery room for children. This donation enabled Funky Murals to transform the theatre recovery room from a white clinical space into a lively environment.
‘We felt we needed to change their experience and to transform the childrens’ section of the recovery room into a colourful wonderland with soft , whimsical images on the walls and ceiling,’ noted Shenaaz Essa, anesthesiologist and founder of the Sleep Fairy project. ‘This would fascinate them, distract them and reduce their anxiety and pain.’
‘We chose vibrant, bright shades of yellow, oranges and reds to uplift the mood and create warmth and a playful atmosphere in the recovery room,’ said Janlene Lamour, owner and muralist of Funky Murals. ‘The designs were selected by the doctors who wanted animals with friendly faces. We also painted the ceiling with the sky, clouds, rainbows and the sun so that when the children open their eyes after surgery, they see this awesome colourful setting above their heads,’
By donating paint, Plascon contributed to transforming the Tygerberg Hospital into a space of happiness and healing, particularly for the children undergoing surgery.
‘Mandela Day is a significant reminder of the impact we can have when we come together as a community. At Plascon, we believe in the power of colour to transform spaces and lives and it’s an honour to contribute to Madiba’s legacy and see our efforts bring about real, positive change,’ said Kristel Dreyer, Brand Marketing Manager: Decorative at Plascon.
Plascon is a pioneer in the paint and coatings industry in South Africa, known for its innovative products and commitment to quality. Beyond business, Plascon is dedicated to environmental and community sustainability, encouraging a culture that is dedicated to positive global solutions.
In continuation of creating happy spaces for communities, Plascon embarks on year-round community initiatives beyond Mandela Day. The brand is also embarking on a mural project with Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital in Johannesburg.
