Dirty clothes, spirits lifted and houses built: mission accomplished

Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa (MBFS SA) in collaboration with the Habitat for Humanity, sponsored R529 200 (€45 000) towards the community run programme, which has been a resounding success due to staff and community involvement. “The beneficiaries that will be awarded the houses work on other benefactors’ houses as sweat equity,” said Mercedes-Benz Financial Services South Africa’s (MBFS SA) CEO, Mr. Kerry Eldson. On the day however, Mr. Eldson was another member of the community, clad in shorts, a hat and wearing sunblock, he was eager to get his hands dirty and finish building a much needed home for Suzan Selela.

“Everyday I work towards meeting targets, building a home for Susan is the most touching and rewarding target I’ve had to meet,” said Mr. Elsdon

Life for Susan Selela will never be the same again. Not only is she one of the proud beneficiaries but she can look forward to dreaming about other things instead of a home. “I saw the foundations around my shack and I could not believe I was finally going to get a proper house. I still feel like jumping and screaming. I am so grateful,” said Suzan, a single mother of four who works as a cleaner.

At MBFS SA, employee engagement in community projects is a part our company culture. We all want to be the change we want to see and getting employees involved in almost each of the company’s CSR projects will help them make a difference. The employees, including top management, receive direct, hands on interaction with the project beneficiaries and it creates awareness about the less fortunate members of society.

“The day was absolutely awesome as it provided a great opportunity for team building! We got to work closer with the community, understand the hardships our fellow citizens face daily in their communities and even got to learn a new skill,” said Marius Grobler, Head of Insurance. “We even had some fun while providing much needed support to the less fortunate!” added Marius, “Many thanks to MBFS SA for facilitating this and I would certainly like to encourage others to join in next time as it not only provides much needed help, but one also leaves with a warm feeling in the heart that you helped contribute where it is most needed.”

“It was hard work, yet so fulfilling. The tiredness didn’t seem to matter. It was wonderful to see the joy of giving on the faces of my colleagues and of receiving on the faces of the recipients of those houses. It was an unforgettable experience,” said Peter Minshall, Chief Financial Officer – MBFS SA.

Helping people help themselves is the company philosophy and MBFS believes companies should support people’s efforts to sustainability shape their own future.

It was an exhausting yet rewarding day… we can’t wait to do it again!