A GROUP of public relations students at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) have been tasked to work with a local NGO in an effort to improve its brand image.
Lynx Agency, the name of the student group, decided to focus on Love Story, an NGO located in Central in Port Elizabeth, to assist with building stakeholder relationships and growing their sustainability and daily operations.
According to a group member, Akhona Zweni, they have identified a need in this NGO and will aid in conceptualising and developing an ongoing campaign.
“Love Story mainly focuses on feeding the homeless on weekdays. What stood out for us is how low-key their social presence is in Port Elizabeth.
“One of our solutions as Lynx is to host an event in the form of a soccer day where we will be inviting different clubs from the location,” Zweni said.
This event will serve as a reputational event for Love Story to connect the organisation to various stakeholders and build new stakeholder relations.
Zweni added, “Our aim is to change the youth’s perception when it comes to homeless people and to involve them in assisting NGOs through volunteering.
“We recognise this as an opportunity to humanise an otherwise marginalised group.”
“The soccer teams will be made up of a team from Love Story, which will include the homeless, and teams from local schools in Port Elizabeth who wish to participate,” Zweni explained.
Prizes are up for grabs for the winners of the tournament.
The event is open to the public and promise a family day filled with fun, sports and food.
Zweni added, “There will be food trucks and vendors available during the event, as well as emergency services to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance.”
The event will be hosted on October 26, from 11:00 to 17:00. The venue will soon be announced.
Sarah Smuts from Love Story, said thatits a privilege to work with younger students on the project.
Smuts added, “We love to work with students who are eager and keen to make a difference in our city. We are grateful that they want to partner with us.”
