*Pictured is the First Group staff during a visit to HACT (from left to right) Patrick Klaff; Sanelisiwe Ngcobo; Annestashia Kistensamy; Pashnie Govender; Musa Mbele, Sbu Mthethwa; Pam Mtshali; Mark Ridl

First Group believes strongly in supporting charitable organisations that care for people and the community, and one such organisation is the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT). First Group has supported HACT since 2010, with a total donation of R886 800 for the organisation that has helped them to provide around-the-clock care to AIDS patients in their Respite Unit.

However, the support hasn’t just been financial – the First Group staff have gone a step further and volunteered at the centre. This has taken the form of visits to HACT to lend a helping hand in the nursery and by cooking and reading to patients battling the advanced stages of AIDS. The staff have also delivered much-needed donations of linen, toys and other goods no longer needed at First Group’s large portfolio of properties.

“Embracing hospitality is about more than running a top-notch resort or hotel. For us it also means being a good neighbour by integrating volunteerism into our charitable projects, so that we create goodwill that goes beyond corporate donations. We applaud the outstanding work carried out by the staff of HACT and feel honoured to be able to play a small part in the fight against HIV/AIDS through such a caring organisation,” said Shaun Lamont, First Group Managing Director.