- FMCSA hosts Christmas functions for its dedicated charities
- FMCSA celebrated the festive season with the MEDICOS Special School
- FMCSA employees host Christmas party for the students of the SOS Children’s Village
SOUTH AFRICA Johannesburg, 14 December 2011 – Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) is proud to be able to assist its surrounding communities and with Christmas just around the corner FMCSA and its employees got into the festive spirit by hosting Christmas parties for two of its designated charities; the MEDICOS Special School and the SOS Children’s Village house 6.
The MEDICOS school, situated in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, is a special day school for mentally handicapped children. Most of the children come from the surrounding areas of Soshanguve, Mabopane and Garankuwa.
Many of the children who attend the school come from low income homes where their parents cannot afford school fees. This means that they have to rely on volunteers and the goodwill of others to keep the school going.
“We were delighted to be able to bring a little joy to the children at the MEDICOS school,” explains Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. “The school is an important part of the community and through the hard work of the dedicated teachers and volunteers they have been able to better the lives of many young children.”
FMCSA supports the school throughout the year with ongoing donations and throws an annual Christmas bash for the learners in celebration of the upcoming festive season.
“We are so delighted to have Ford support us with funds and vehicles for the past decade. The passion and dedication they have shown the children has not gone unseen. We are very grateful for all Ford has done and continues to do at this school. They have helped us move from strength to strength. Thank you Ford,” commented Mrs Shabangu the delighted Principal of the MEDICOS Special School.
FMCSA also has a long standing association with the SOS Children’s Village in Mamelodi. The SOS Children’s Village is a private, charitable, social development organisation that aims to build families for orphaned and abandoned children. Nine children between the ages of three and 18 are cared for in small family-type homes, where they are raised like brothers and sisters. The head of the family is the SOS or house Mother. She provides the children with the affection and security they need for their sound development.
In light of Ford’s ongoing involvement with the SOS Children’s Village it seemed a fitting way to celebrate the upcoming Christmas holidays by hosting a party for them. FMCSA President and CEO Jeff Nemeth and his wife Nancy also attended the festivities along with other FMCSA employees.
“It was a fantastic day and fun was had by all,” continued Nemeth. “While it may be a small gesture on our part it is a day the children won’t soon forget and one that proved touching for all the FMCSA staff in attendance too.”
