Changemakers bring holiday cheer
The festive season is a time for giving.Earlier this month, Capricorn Group employees embraced their roles as Changemakers by spreading joy to vulnerable communities through its annual regional Christmas Drive.
This initiative focused on supporting orphans and the elderly across Namibia, delivering gifts, singing Christmas carols and spending quality time with those in need.
Changemakers from branches and departments nationwide participated by donating age and gender-appropriate gifts, including toys, clothing, toiletries, books and blankets. These thoughtful contributions aimed to bring the recipients not only joy but also practical support.
The regional Christmas Drive benefitted the following organisations:
• Hope Village, Windhoek: This home to 77 orphans and vulnerable children aged between 5 weeks to 22 years received toys, clothing, and blankets from Changemakers.
• Hailonga Old Age Home Centre, Oshikango: This centre cares for 74 elderly individuals and 11 orphans. Donations included books, cosmetics for seniors, and toys and clothing for the children.
• URC Mariental Soup Kitchen, Mariental: Serving 35 orphans and 65 elderly individuals in the Empelheim settlement. Contributions included blankets, books, cosmetics, toys, and clothing.
• HappyLand Safe Haven, Henties Bay: This facility provides care for 35 children. Donations include toys, toiletries, and clothing.
• Wee-Akhoe Organisation, Rundu: Supporting 20 children, mostly orphans from the San community. Changemakers provided toys, toiletries, stationery, and clothes.
Purpose
The Changemaker programme reflects Capricorn Group’s purpose of being Connectors of Positive Change and its commitment to corporate social responsibility. By focusing on creating sustainable opportunities, the initiative improves the social and economic conditions of the communities where Capricorn Group operates.
A group of 20 Changemakers kicked off the drive last week, spreading the Christmas cheer at the Hope Village in Windhoek. The Changemakers spent time with the children, handing out gifts and clothes donated by employees, playing fun games and serving a delicious braai platter.
Florence Kamuhuju, from Bank Windhoek Credit Department, shared her experience: “What we think and see is not always the reality. Hope Village is such a well-organised home that has changed the lives of so many children. We should be grateful and realise that what we have means so much to the next person. The Changemaker programme does make an impact, and as an individual, you really feel that you contribute to making that difference.”