Sage Foundation launches in Africa
Sage is introducing its innovative 2+2+2 community model across Africa Little Rose in Soweto, South Africa selected as the first major recipient for Sage Foundation on the continent
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 26, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
Sage (http://www.Sage.com) today launched the Sage Foundation (http://www.sage.com/company/sage_foundation) across Africa at the 2016 Sage Business Partner Conference, currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa.
Sage, the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, has launched the global foundation to set a new benchmark for corporate partnerships through its 2+2+2 model for working with the community. Under this unique model, Sage is committed to giving 2% of employee time (5 days paid volunteering per year), 2% of free cash flow and 2 donated software licences to eligible registered charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations. Throughout the year, the Foundation will go live in all of the 23 countries Sage operates in.
Ivan Epstein (https://twitter.com/IvanEpstein), Chairman of Sage Foundation and President for Sage International, said: “By consolidating our work to support charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations under the banner of the Foundation, we can achieve the scale to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around Africa.
“The Sage Foundation is committed to transforming lives by investing our time, money and expertise and technology to create sustainable social and economic opportunity in our local communities around the world. We are passionate about people and helping those who live along side us, it’s our privilege and honour to serve them.
Epstein and Stephen Kelly (https://twitter.com/SKellyCEO), CEO of Sage, today visited the Little Rose Children’s Centre in Kliptown, Soweto to inaugurate the Sage Foundation Library. This project is the first major initiative for the Sage Foundation in Africa and sees the Sage Foundation create a safe study facility for the Centre’s children and community members.
Epstein added: “Lots of Sage employees are already involved in volunteering and grant programmes – we’re extending and building on this. Our team is excited to be part of the Little Rose project, which strives to build a better future for children excluded from good educational opportunities. We hope that the Sage Foundation Library will give the Kliptown children a safe facility where they can study.”
“We believe in a socially-responsible world and Sage playing a positive role in communities. For us this is the right way to do business. I am proud to see our colleagues in Africa embrace the spirit of Sage Foundation so enthusiastically by supporting this important project.” said Stephen Kelly, CEO of Sage
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Sage.
Press contact:
Idea Engineers: PR agency for Sage
Del-Mari Roberts
Tel: +27 (0)11 803 0030
Mobile: +27 (0)72 5958 053
delmari@ideaengineers.co.za
Clive Moagi
Tel: +27 (0)11 803 0030
Mobile: +27 (0)73 4116 023
Clive@ideaengineers.co.za
Director Communications: Sage International
Christa Botha
Mobile: +27 (0)82 562 5264
Christa.Botha@sage.com
Sage Foundation Manager, Africa
Joanne van der Walt
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 086 0073
Joanne.VanDerWalt@sage.com
About the Sage Foundation – an introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3umTsKsxdH8
Sage Foundation Library in the making at Little Rose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUTOa_eYiBE
About The Little Rose Centre
The Little Rose Centre is a safe haven for vulnerable children from the Kliptown informal settlement community. Started over 20 years ago using a double decker bus, the centre now has five colourful containers used for classrooms, play and sleeping areas as well as for administration and cooking.
Sage is providing two more converted shipping containers – fully outfitted with electricity, fittings, flooring, windows, doors, furniture, desks, chairs, books, and more – to serve as the Library. Sage employees are helping to prepare the converted containers for use, rolling up their sleeves to help with the painting and building.
The children will have access to desks, library books, and a quiet environment for learning at the library which operates from 8am – 8pm weekdays, and on Saturday mornings. Sage colleagues will use their volunteer days to coach and spend time with children that need assistance with their studies.
About Sage
Sage (http://www.Sage.com) is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world’s entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the UK 30 years ago and over 13000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across 23 countries as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation.
Sage – the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world’s entrepreneurs.
For more information, please visit: http://www.sage.com/company/sage_foundation
Connect with Sage
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Twitter
