There is little awareness of the valuable work many NPOs are doing to enhance life in our city. We are Durban Managing Director, Linda Morrison, says people are often surprised that there are over 3500 registered non-profit organisations (NPO) in eThekwini. “A lack of awareness is preventing people from accessing the services these organisations provide, and also preventing volunteers from connecting with causes they’re passionate about.”
That is about to change.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping has partnered with We are Durban and the Hollywood Foundation to provide 20 Durban NPOs with marketing material and a platform to showcase their important work.
Gateway will be hosting the Change in Action Expo in the Expo Explore Court (opposite Sportsman’s Warehouse) from 24 to 26 March. Marketing Manager, Michelle Shelley, says: “We hope the platform and exposure will give the NPOs the boost they need to work sustainably and successfully to continue to make a true difference in our City.”
Gateway has close ties with several NPOs and Michelle says they have seen over the years that many of the organisations find marketing challenging. “This is why we are so thrilled to be a part of the Change in Action Expo as it will leave NPOs with tools they can use to raise awareness for their organisations and continue their great work.”
“We are so excited to be working alongside We Are Durban Social Upliftment NPC and Gateway Theatre of Shopping, to launch the Change in Action NPO Fair this year. We are very passionate about community upliftment, and implementing initiatives and events that will assist people who aim to change lives, on a daily basis. We hope that the Change in Action NPO Fair succeeds in its goal of bringing change in Durban, and allowing organisations to gain vital marketing skills that will enable them to grow and prosper,” said Rasigan Naidoo, CSI Manager for the Hollywood Foundation.
The Hollywood Foundation will work with the 20 selected NPOs, getting each one ready to pitch their cause at the expo. The Hollywood Foundation and We are Durban will provide training at a marketing workshop and each organisation will receive a customised marketing pack.
Providing NPOs with marketing support is only one leg of the campaign. Michelle explains that the second objective is to grow public support and awareness of the good work the organisations do. “We hope that the public will come out and support the organisations at the weekend expo at Gateway and find out where they too can get involved to make our province a better place for all.”
“People often assume that funding is the only challenge that NPOs face – but sometimes volunteering of time, offering expertise or helping with logistics can be more helpful than funding. We would love to see these types of connections made at this expo and encourage the greater community to raise their hand to help a cause within their means,” Michelle says.
How to get involved
Visit the Change in Action NPO Fair any time during mall trading hours: from 9 am on Friday 24 March until 6 pm on Sunday 26 March. All 20 organisations will have a stand and someone to talk to about assisting them with their work or accessing their services.
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