40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, has the won top prize at this year’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Torch Awards, bagging a Shs20m cash prize.
The youth led initiative uses fun events to fundraise for orphans. Recently, they held a Croak and Rhyme event to raise funds to build a girl’s dormitory for an orphanage in Luweero. They also have other activities like 5 aside soccer and a Hoops 4 Grace basketball tournament.
Four other individuals or companies from the different regions of the country won Shs15m each in the awards the recognises and supports projects that have made a positive contribution to communities in Education, Health, Youth and other Disadvantaged Groups.
The Awards are the NSSF’s flagship corporate social responsibility initiative.
NSSF MD, Richard Byarugaba addresses guests at the function.
“The NSSF Torch Awards is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility initiative that was introduced by the Fund in 2012 to recognise individuals and institutions who are transforming communities,” NSSF Managing Director Richard Patrick Byarugaba said.
While presiding over the award dinner, Uganda’s First Lady and MP for Ruhama County and Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon Janet Museveni applauded NSSF for the initiative. “We appreciate the NSSF Torch Awards initiative because it complements government’s efforts in creating wealth for all and transforming society.
She noted that CSR activities enhance a company’s reputation and also ensure that businesses meet their corporate objectives. “If more Ugandans improve their income levels, it also means more business for your companies. I believe that’s why NSSF is leading the way with Torch Awards,” she added.
Mr Byarugaba said a sum of Shs80m was set aside to be given away to winning individuals and groups.
State Minister for Finance and Planning David Bahati hands over a trophy to one of the regional winners, Child Care and Rescue Programme.
The other winners included Kyamaleera Women Handicraft Association from Hoima, Rachele Comprehensive, Pearl Foundation for Children and Widows (PFCW) from Butaleja, and Child Care & Rescue Programme (CC&RP) from Gomba.