Over the last decade corporate philanthropy world-wide began to give way to a more carefully considered form of corporate grant making, termed Corporate Social Investment (CSI).
In South Africa the social responsibility imperative was given additional impetus by the country’s transformation agenda, as prescribed by the South African government’s BEE Codes of Good Practice. Verso embraces CSI and we believe we can play a crucial role in supporting the social development obligations of government whilst also enabling us as a company, to fulfill our need to ‘give something back’.
The Verso Group is committed to fulfilling the role of a socially responsible corporate citizen. This commitment is rooted in a deep moral conviction and is driven by a prudent business sustainability practice. In this context we have embraced a variety of socially responsible business practices which amongst others include a commitment to pro-actively invest in the social development needs of our community.
Our approach to CSI is underpinned by the view that we must strive to make a difference to the plight of the neediest individuals in our community. We acknowledge the fact that we cannot help all, but certainly can make a difference to some.
Verso is looking forward to continuing our CSI strategy and extending staff goodwill for current initiatives. We are very proud of our staff’s commitment and enthusiasm with which CSI initiatives have been met in the past.
To date the Verso Group has supported a number of CSI-type initiatives.
People
Some of the beneficiaries of Verso’s current CSI spend includes caring for the sick, the disabled and the elderly, as well as the feeding and education of destitute children.
Pets
Sadly the number of domestic animals abandoned in South Africa increases each year. The Verso Group seeks to promote a broader social consciousness and is proud to be a sponsor of the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of neglected and abandoned domestic cats and dogs.
Planet
Verso aims to recycle all office waste – from paper to kitchen refuse. We strive for paperless communications, depending heavily on e-mail, PDF file formats and electronic document storage and archiving systems. All company media is printed on recycled paper or wood-free art paper and ‘Energy Star’ accredited information technology is preferred. Energy saving light bulbs are utilized wherever possible, reducing the carbon footprint. We are continually looking for new ways to conserve our planet.