1 reviews | Active since Mar 2012
Disappointing lack of social responsibility - Cresta charges Blood Service
<p>When I went to donate blood at Cresta shopping centre last weekend (1/10/2016), I was very disappointed to learn that the centre charges the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) a significant rental to allow them to perform collection of donated blood within the centre's premises.</p> <p>Very poor show Cresta - this is a shocking lack of commitment to social responsibility on your part, and in fact this action seems frankly exploitative. The SANBS is a non-profit organisation and blood donors do not get paid either. The SANBS provides a vital service to save lives, and for you to charge them for doing so from your premises is callous and deeply disappointing. Cresta should be proud to support the SANBS in their endeavours by offering them the use of the space for free - that would considerably promote the image of the centre. All of the donors present during this discussion were very unimpressed to hear about this and were ready to spread the news through various social media channels.</p> <p>Step up, Cresta and make a commitment to social responsibility.</p>
Hello Nicky
Thank you for your feedback.
Cresta has supported the SANBS for just over two decades through free exhibition space for periodic blood drives all year round. These blood drives were usually set up just outside entrance 3, close to Woolworths on the lower level, and supported the cause that the SANBS champion so well.
The SANBS strategy for 2016 included moving their setup into one of the centre courts. For this reason, there is a fee charged, but it is discounted substantially and is not always applicable. For all specific / themed events there is no fee, for example the blood drive on Mandela Day this year.
Note that the outdoor area in which the SANBS marquee was frequently set up, is still available to the NPO free of charge and the location of the booking is at the discretion of their management.
Cresta prides itself on being socially responsible and supports various NPO's including Afrika Tikkun, Educare, The Society for Animals in Distress, The Social Project, The Salvation Army, CANSA Shavathon, Cupcakes of Hope and of course, the SANBS. From time to time free court space is also offered to specific initiatives like in the case of the blood drives.
We are avid supporters of the SANBS and appreciate the essential service this organisation provides.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Regards
Cresta Shopping Centre
Hello Nicky
Thank you for your feedback.
Cresta has supported the SANBS for just over two decades through free exhibition space for periodic blood drives all year round. These blood drives were usually set up just outside entrance 3, close to Woolworths on the lower level, and supported the cause that the SANBS champion so well.
The SANBS strategy for 2016 included moving their setup into one of the centre courts. For this reason, there is a fee charged, but it is discounted substantially and is not always applicable. For all specific / themed events there is no fee, for example the blood drive on Mandela Day this year.
Note that the outdoor area in which the SANBS marquee was frequently set up, is still available to the NPO free of charge and the location of the booking is at the discretion of their management.
Cresta prides itself on being socially responsible and supports various NPO's including Afrika Tikkun, Educare, The Society for Animals in Distress, The Social Project, The Salvation Army, CANSA Shavathon, Cupcakes of Hope and of course, the SANBS. From time to time free court space is also offered to specific initiatives like in the case of the blood drives.
We are avid supporters of the SANBS and appreciate the essential service this organisation provides.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Regards
Cresta Shopping Centre
Dear Cresta
Thank you for responding - however, I've only upgraded you to 2 stars.
I still think that any kind of fee, sunstantially discounted or not, to any NPO is uncalled for on your part.
The outside courtyard you offered to the SANBS is isolated from traffic, on quite a slope, subjected to the full effect of the elements (freezing in winter, wet in rain, terribly hot in summer) and not a great place for either the staff or the donors to work in.
The odd free day out of the year doesn't impress me, neither does your list of other NPOs supported, who may also be charged for their presence. I am at Cresta frequently and these other NPOs are hardly there on a daily or even weekly basis or widely promoted. Cansa Shavathon for example only happens once a year!
We all do little enough socially and I feel your response is just lip service and does not indicate genuine commitment. It's not as if SANBS is at Cresta every weekend either - you really could just waive their fee and allow the staff and the donors to enjoy the airconditioning and other protection from the elements, and allow the SANBS to promote their services to a wider range of your customers.
Regards,
Nicky
Dear Cresta
Thank you for responding - however, I've only upgraded you to 2 stars.
I still think that any kind of fee, sunstantially discounted or not, to any NPO is uncalled for on your part.
The outside courtyard you offered to the SANBS is isolated from traffic, on quite a slope, subjected to the full effect of the elements (freezing in winter, wet in rain, terribly hot in summer) and not a great place for either the staff or the donors to work in.
The odd free day out of the year doesn't impress me, neither does your list of other NPOs supported, who may also be charged for their presence. I am at Cresta frequently and these other NPOs are hardly there on a daily or even weekly basis or widely promoted. Cansa Shavathon for example only happens once a year!
We all do little enough socially and I feel your response is just lip service and does not indicate genuine commitment. It's not as if SANBS is at Cresta every weekend either - you really could just waive their fee and allow the staff and the donors to enjoy the airconditioning and other protection from the elements, and allow the SANBS to promote their services to a wider range of your customers.
Regards,
Nicky