The FESPA Foundation aims to positively impact lives in sub-Saharan Africa by providing printed materials for early childhood development. Exhibitors at the Sign Africa and FESPA Africa Johannesburg Expo, which took place from 9–11 September heeded the call to ‘Print For Good’ by making various donations to the organisation.
The FESPA Foundation is dedicated to transforming the specialty print and visual communications industry through sustainable practices, community supply and educational outreach. The Foundation exists to combine waste reduction efforts with meaningful impact for young people living in challenging circumstances. The initiative was founded in October last year by FESPA CEO, Neil Felton.
Exhibitors could maximise the impact of their print output during the show by participating in the ‘Print for Good’ initiative by producing items such as maps, T-shirts, backpacks etc. to enrich educational opportunities. Artwork files were available from the expo organisers.
Recognising the environmental challenges associated with large-scale events, the Foundation led an innovative project to repurpose print samples produced during the event. Instead of contributing to waste, these samples will serve meaningful purposes, such as:
– Educational posters: high-quality print samples will be delivered to schools in need, providing visual aids and resources for classrooms.
– Student clothing: T-shirts and other wearable items will be produced for underserved schools, offering practical benefits while demonstrating the versatility of print technology.
– Community resources: additional printed materials, such as banners or instructional guides, will be distributed to support local initiatives and community programmes.
Thank you to these companies for their contributions:
Gawk sponsored the FESPA Foundation’s expo fabric stand with its TRIGA® system. Gawk will also manufacture pencil bags for school children from the FESPA Foundation stand’s fabric prints. The up-cycling from Gawk is an initiative they promote to all customers.
NUtec Digital Ink supported the FESPA Foundation’s initiative by donating stationery essentials along with re-purposed prints. For example, the company upcycled its textile samples into colourful pencil cases, further supporting learners in under-resourced schools while reducing waste.
Midcomp printed 280sqm of wallpaper and fabrics during the expo, which will be contributed to one of the FESPA Foundation’s school projects.
Graphix Supply World contributed printed samples during the show, which varied from PVC banner material to sublimation fabrics and flat sheet substrates.
The organisers of Sign Africa and FESPA Africa provided infrastructure support during the expo.
‘On behalf of the FESPA Foundation, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the companies and individuals who contributed to our exhibition, helped in spreading our vision, and generously donated or pledged support in the form of printed materials, other items, and cash,’ said Steve Thobela, FESPA Foundation’s Africa Coordinator. ‘Your generosity has been instrumental in supporting the initiatives of the Foundation and transforming the lives of many innocent souls. We are truly thankful for your invaluable assistance.’
Those who still wish to support the organisation can help by:
– Donating, books, notebooks, pens, art kits, reading glasses or school supplies, which will be delivered to schools in need.
– Donating funds towards additional printed materials, such as banners or instructional guides to support local initiatives and community programmes.
– Cash donations are most welcome to help the Foundation purchase items such as a bakkie that is required to transport items to the schools, items for renovations and to support the work of the Foundation.
For more details and how to donate, please visit the Foundation’s website.
FESPA FOUNDATION
https://www.fespa.com/en/about/fespa-foundation/
