Orchid managers volunteer in South African Townships

6th October 2010, 7:46am

Operations Director Paul Cutsforth and eight managers from Orchid's pubs have returned from a volunteering trip to Cape Town, South Africa.

As part of Orchid's ongoing 'Project Fair Play' campaign, the 8 managers were able to see firsthand the initiative their pubs and customers have supported.

Project Fair Play ran throughout the summer with 200 Orchid pubs taking part raising money and donating football shirts to help children in South Africa enjoy the beautiful game.

The initiative is just one of dozens of community projects Orchid is involved in around the world, giving employees the chance to do something to help others.

The managers were selected for being the most active in the campaign, either by raising the most money or collecting the greatest number of football shirts. They headed to two townships just outside Cape Town to see how the 20,000 shirts and £15,000 donated by staff and customers were being used by young sports fans.

They had been proudly wearing the shirts during the World Cup this summer and will soon be playing football in the new sports ground at the Ukhanyo School in Mashiphumelele, currently being built with the funds raised.

During their visit, Paul and the managers were able to gain some hands-on, and feet-on, experience of what their generosity meant to the children of Masiphumelele and nearby township Red Hill. They ran football clinics, helped out with painting and gardening as well as enjoying craft and story sessions with the kids.

Paul Cutsforth explains, "Everyone was really touched and delighted that by giving a few pounds or passing on an old football shirt we could help out the children here. Their daily lives are very different from those of our own children, but the values of education and having fun remain the same. Seeing the conditions they live in and the joy that such a simple act can give made us realise how something so little can go such a long way and bring huge benefits."

For Tony McCaul, Manager at The Station in Guiseley, the trip was a real eye-opener. "It was extremely humbling to meet the youngsters; they have so little but are truly appreciative of it all," he commented. "I've seen a lot of things I will go back and tell my customers and staff about and I hope it will make them appreciate life a little better as sometimes we don't realise how lucky we are. You go to a place like Masiphumelele and see how people survive - they just get on with it. They were a real inspiration and I have memories I will treasure for long time to come."

Orchid staff are active in communities far and wide through various initiatives. This dedication to helping and supporting others epitomises Orchid's Company ethos.

"People like to work for a business that cares," added Paul Cutsforth. "It's important that it's not just about sales and profits but that the business gives something back as well and this is something Orchid is proud to do."

Related Articles:

• 05 Nov 2010 - Orchid pub group launches website to promote 3D TV screens
• 19 Oct 2010 - Orchid wins National Training Award
• 29 Sep 2010 - Pub company The Orchid Group invests in internal communications programme
• 16 Aug 2010 - Pub chain Orchid’s investment beats off the late night market blues
• 02 Aug 2010 - New chairman for the Orchid pub group
• 16 Jul 2010 - The Orchid pub group appoints new head of operations
• 12 Jul 2010 - Orchid invests £100k in exceptional service
• 09 Jul 2010 - Orchid staff vote to support namesake cancer charity
• 08 Jun 2010 - Orchid announces expansion drive after pubs see strong sales growth

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