The lives of children from the Morning Sunshine 4 Kids in Ferndale as well as the Abraham Kriel Home for Boys in Fontainebleau were changed as they received a reason to smile through the Citrix’s Global Day of Impact Initiative. On Friday, 21 April 2017, Citrix South Africa, in collaboration with its partners Axiz Workgroup, Drive Control Corporation, Troye Computer Systems, Three6Five and DataCentrix, made an imprint and played their part in a step towards a global movement for good. This, as they volunteered 4 hours at the Morning Sunshine 4 Kids, painting the children’s play area and starting a vegetable garden for the home.

Additionally, Citrix South Africa and its partners volunteered another 4 hours at the Abraham Kriel Home for Boys and donated school shoes, clothing, non-perishable foods, blankets and more at both homes. The initiative is an expression of Citrix’s commitment to invest in children’s lives by enabling them to build a healthy, positive regard for themselves, leading to the development of confident individuals who can do far more than they ever thought possible.  

“This is a first iteration of these kind of initiatives for us at Drive Control. We’re hugely privileged and excited to be here. It’s just sad that it’s so irregular. It would be so much more beneficial if we could come and show love to people more regularly.” Said Bruce Askham, business development manager for Citrix at Drive Control Corporation.

To add to the sentiments, Jesse James Machill, Business Development Manager for Citrix at Axiz Workgroup said “I’d like to thank Citrix for affording us this opportunity and organising this event.. More hands on deck means more lives, more smiles and that’s the bottom line - to put smiles on the faces of children that are less fortunate than us.”

This initiative formed part of the Citrix’s Global Day of Impact 2017, which encourages and supports volunteer efforts by Citrix team members around the world. During 2016 alone, more than 3 700 Citrix employees worldwide participated in corporate social responsibility activities, including 2 700 who volunteered a total of 25 425 hours, and 1 400 who made financial donations totalling $543 803. In all, Citrix helped 1 295 charities in 26 countries and invested $1 427 464 in communities.

“Citrix, you guys are angels sent from above. Thank you so much. This really means a lot to us. No words can express how grateful we are for your support.” Said Bianca Kock, founder and foster mother at the Morning Sunshine 4 Kids.

As South Africa celebrates 23 years of freedom and democracy, this initiative is a welcomed contribution to opening doors of endless opportunities for the future generation. In the words of Brendan McAravey, country manager at Citrix South Africa: “It’s great to bond together, serve and do some good in the community.”