By Ashin Daya

At Fairtree, we believe that business is ultimately about people — the relationships we build, the lives we touch, and the positive difference we can make together. Our mission has always been clear: to enrich the lives of all our stakeholders — clients, service providers, employees, partners, and the communities in which we operate.

That last part — the communities in which we operate — holds special meaning. Through the Fairtree Foundation, we’ve partnered with organisations that are doing remarkable work on the ground, such as Life Child, which supports and nurtures orphan and vulnerable children in South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Their mission to rescue, nurture, and grow children into their full potential resonates deeply with our value of Real Relationships— relationships built on empathy, understanding, and care.

From Giving to Growing

At Fairtree, we encourage employees not just to give through donations, but to grow through involvement. That’s where our Impact Committeecomes in — a passionate group that coordinates volunteer opportunities between our Foundation partners and our people.

This year alone, the Committee has organised eight different volunteer experiences — each one an opportunity to multiply the impact of the Foundation by contributing time, energy, and skills. Whether it’s helping at a children’s centre, financial literacy workshops, or assisting with community events, every act of service brings us closer to the heart of what empathy truly means: stepping into someone else’s world.

Walk for Little Feet — Small Steps, Big Impact

One of the highlights of the year was the Walk for Little Feet— an annual event in support of Life Child’s early childhood development programmes, primary schools, and other child and family strengthening programmes. Hosted along Cape Town’s Sea Point Promenade, the event raises funds and awareness for children’s homes and education initiatives that give little ones a safe and nurturing start in life.

This year, more than ten Fairtree employees and their families volunteered at the event, helping with setup, registrations, guiding walkers, and cheering on the participants. What stood out wasn’t just the energy of the day — it was the joy on the children’s faces.

I will never forget watching a group of kids stand completely mesmerised by the ocean, many seeing it for the very first time. In that moment, the simple act of showing up — of giving time and presence — felt profound. It reminded all of us why empathy isn’t just a value to talk about, but something to live.

Real Relationships in Action

Volunteering creates shared moments that strengthen the bonds between colleagues and deepen our connection to the communities around us. It transforms how we see the world — and each other. When we engage with empathy, we stop viewing our roles as purely professional and start recognising our shared humanity.

For us at Fairtree, that’s what Real Relationships are about. They’re not built in boardrooms — they’re built in the small, real moments of connection: walking side by side at an event, sharing laughter with children, or simply offering a helping hand.

Enriching Lives, Together

We’re proud to stand alongside Life Child and support the extraordinary work they do in giving children a brighter, safer future. And we’re equally proud of the many Fairtree staff members who continue to show up — not just for the Foundation’s partners, but for the communities we serve.

As we look ahead, our hope is that more employees continue to get involved — not only to make a difference out there, but to nurture empathy within. Because when we give of ourselves, we discover that the act of serving others enriches our own lives in ways we never expect.

For more information or to get your company involved in partnering with Life Child, please contact us at [email protected]