Toronto, May 15, 2012 –energi PR was one of 45 members of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) that gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, last week to celebrate the Network’s 20th anniversary and build a house for an impoverished family.
In partnership with the Niall Mellon Township Trust, a charity established by Irish philanthropist Niall Mellon, PRGN members from around the world met on April 18 to complete and present “The PRGN House” to a needy family. The build occurred the day before the opening of the Network’s semi-annual business meeting. The Network’s 45 member agencies not only provided financial support but also volunteered their labour to present a single mother living in the Witsand Township with a new home.
“When we considered how to mark PRGN’s 20th anniversary, our members were unanimous in wanting to create something of lasting value,” said Carol Levine co-founder with Esther Buchsbaum, of energi PR. “What better way to give back to the community than to donate our time and talent to the city of Cape Town who so graciously hosted us in celebration of PRGN’s 20th Anniversary.”
The day after completing the house, Network members opened their three-day business meeting in Cape Town. The Network was addressed by Premier Helen Zille, leader of the opposition party; Chris Bishop, editor of Forbes Africa; and Tim Hughes, managing director of ReadDillon International.
About PRGN
Founded in 1992, PRGN has 45 member firms around the globe. The invitation-only network is made up of independently owned and operated public relations firms in 80 markets. Collectively, PRGN has revenues of more than $110 million (USD) and employs more than 900. (www.twitter.com/PRGN).
The Network meets every six months in cities where members are headquartered. The April meeting was hosted by HWB Communications in Cape Town.
About the Niall Mellon Township Trust
The Trust was founded in 2002 by Niall J. Mellon, an Irish entrepreneur and philanthropist, to provide homes to impoverished communities in South Africa’s townships. The Trust has built more than 20,000 houses, providing homes for more than 100,000 South Africans.
About energi PR, Communications, Digital
energi PR is a full service, privately-owned firm specializing in public relations, social media/digital and corporate communications. The bilingual agency with offices in Toronto and Montreal works with a diverse clientele of national and multi-national clients including Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc., P&G Beauty, Triton Pharma, Hotels.com and Krown Rustproofing.
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