There was immeasurable delight in store for pre-schoolers at five of the Early Childhood Development centres partnering with The Domino Foundation when FNB Volunteers Coastal had delivered a load of pre-loved soft toys, puzzles and children’s clothes to Domino’s Adelaide Tambo Avenue offices.
Set up over 2 decades ago to foster the spirit of giving, FNB’s Volunteer programme encourages staff to be active participants in giving by supporting community development projects of their choice. FNB Volunteers Coastal have a permanent collection box at their offices’ entrance for staff to drop off pre-loved goods for Domino’s ECD programme.
Relationship Manager, Shirlinee Davenhill, commented: “We have a real heart for the little people in the crèches and, after several years of being involved with Domino, are confident that the work they are doing in the area of early childhood development is putting the little learners on a firm foundation.”
Thembelihle Mkhwanazi, who oversees the ECD programme, spoke of how special the donation was: “A soft toy often is a child’s first friend. They develop bonds with their cuddly companion and learn social skills while playing with it, being concerned about its well-being and, so, learn empathy for human beings. They can develop their language skills, imagination and creativity by chatting about everything in their small worlds to this uncritical chum and, of course, ‘plushies’ are also provide comfort and security.”
Thembelihle’s ECD team of field workers regularly visit the 51 pre-schools with which it works. “They know the needs of each centre and they chose the five because they have seen where resources are short in a particular area and where the donated items would really make an impact.”
Shirlinee added: “We know these toys will gladden the pre-schoolers’ hearts and will enrich their learning journey.”
Anyone interested in being part of Domino’s Early Childhood Development programme’s efforts to “change a life, change a community” can contact Thembelihle at ecd@domino.org.za
