Seychelles Breweries Ltd Foundation donates to six organisations/individuals |27 October 2022
A souvenir photograph to mark the occasion (Photo: Joena Meme)
Six organizations/individuals have received donations from the Seychelles Breweries Ltd Foundation amounting to close to R1 million.
This took place in a ceremony held yesterday morning at the O’Brien House, Le Rocher.
The managing director of Seychelles Breweries Ltd (SBL), Conor Neiland, noted that this event was a proud moment for the company.
“Throughout the 50 years of Seybrew, the business has given back to the community in different ways including corporate social responsibility. When we hit our 50th year, it was appropriate for our company to look at the way we make donations. In July this year we then announced the formation of our foundation and here we are already with the first recipients. We wanted to create something that was not a one off contribution but we wanted to have sustained projects. We invited people to apply for these funding and we received 27 applications.”
Mr Neiland also noted that they were very specific about the areas chosen – sustainability, environment protection and climate change, inclusion of diversity, upscaling of local workers, youth and sport and responsible lifestyle.
“As a leading business in Seychelles, I feel passionately about these areas and I believe as a business we need to lead the community through these actions. Seybrew will have R2 million every year for such projects.”
SBL Foundation will divide the two millions in two and the next call for funding will be launched in January.
Mary Anne Ernesta, the corporate relations manager, explained that each project was based on five criteria. “We have chosen six projects for the first batch and from now on every sponsorship should be applied through the foundation and the organisation should have a certificate of charitable institution from the Ministry of Finance and a certificate of corporation. Also on another note all projects about sports will be funded through the National Sports Council.”
The event was graced by the presence of First Lady Linda Ramkalawan.
The projects of the recipients
ARSU LADIES' VOLLEYBALL CLUB: For their after school and holiday volleyball programme for youths. The funding will be used to purchase equipment required for the implementation of the programme. The objective of the programme is to engage youths during after school hours and during holidays. This will keep them away from negative influences and also hopefully improve their academic performance.
BAIE LAZARE WATERSHED COMMITTEE: The Committee endeavours to create an ecotourism model approach towards the management of the Dan Sours watershed at Baie Lazare to allow for the long-term sustainability of the management and maintenance of the area. The funding will be used for the desilting of the watershed and also for new benches and tables for use by visitors who come to enjoy the tranquillity and serenity of Dan Sours.
DAMIEN PAYET - A young and promising national team swimmer who is following training and studies at the Tuks Sports High School and Swimming Academy in Pretoria. The foundation will be funding the cost of his training and studies. We believe that Damien will fly the Seychelles’ flag a lot higher and through this funding, we are also helping the country in its endeavour to win an Olympic medal.
SEYCHELLES COMMUNITY TRAINING INSTITUTE (SECTI) - For funding of a project to mitigate the impact of climate change that impacts the Home for the Elderly at Plaisance. They will use the funds to purchase and install a water tank and shade house for them to grow their own vegetables and for the Home for the Elderly at Plaisance to become self-sufficient in regard to their fruits and vegetables.
SURVIVAL ARK FOUNDATION - They are working in close collaboration with the community dental services towards promoting healthy behavioural habits for the prevention of oral diseases. The funding will be used to purchase one portable dental unit for use in schools across the country.
WHITE FEATHER FUND - Their mission is to support the sisters at Foyer de Nazareth, by providing every child at the orphanage an opportunity to live a rewarding and successful life. The funding will be used for the implementation of a computer literacy programme which entails the purchase of 10 computers, a printer and consumables to be used by the 18 children living at the orphanage.
Vidya Gappy