SANCB Celebrates International Guide Dog Day

South African National Council for the Blind
Image: sancb.org.za

A business management and engineering graduate of Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, Laurence Grigorov served as an engineer at Unilever in Johannesburg before he began a 20-year career in leadership positions. As the director of Laurence Martin Developments, Laurence Grigorov is tasked with the management of numerous high-end luxury properties in and around Johannesburg. Beyond his professional activities, Mr. Grigorov contributes to charitable organizations such as the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB).

Established in 1929, SANCB continues to promote the rights and enhance the lives of people with visual impairments. In April 2019, SANCB partnered with the World Blind Union and a number of related organizations around the world to celebrate International Guide Dog Day. The day of observation was developed to honor and raise awareness of guide dogs.

The World Blind Union uses International Guide Dog Day to discuss topics such as the denial of access of guide dog handlers to restaurants and other public spaces. The organization has been particularly active in response to the treatment of service animals by major airlines.

International Guide Dog Day is also used to promote and praise the International Guide Dog Federation standards for guide dog training. To read more about International Guide Dog Day and the work of SANCB, visit sancb.org.za.

Ways to Support the National Sea Rescue Institute

 

Laurence Martin Developments
Image: laurencemartin.co.za

Laurence Grigorov brings over two decades of business leadership experience to his role as the director of Laurence Martin Developments in Johannesburg, South Africa. Beyond his professional pursuits, Laurence Grigorov supports organizations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

With a history dating back to 1967, NSRI performs water rescues and promotes water safety awareness in South Africa. To continue its programs and activities, the organization relies on the ongoing support of corporations and individuals.

Those looking to advance NSRI’s mission can do so by making a credit card donation at the organization’s online payment portal or by signing up for its annual membership program, which comes with a subscription to Sea Rescue magazine. NSRI has also partnered with GivenGain and SnapScan to provide other convenient payment options for its supporters.

To provide an incentive for donations, NSRI has a drawing that awards cash each month to a monthly supporter. For more information, visit http://www.nsri.org.za.

The Reopening of the Woodside Sanctuary Physiotherapy Department

 

Woodside Sanctuary
Image: Woodside.co

Since 2004, engineer Laurence Grigorov has served as the director of Laurence Martin Developments, a residential property development company in Johannesburg, South Africa. In addition to developing high-end properties, Laurence Grigorov supports a variety of nonprofits, including Woodside Sanctuary.

Founded in 1955 by Noah and Vernon Veale as a residential care facility for children with special needs, Woodside Sanctuary can accommodate as many as 120 permanent residents, thanks to gradual upgrades and improvements. This past year, the nonprofit was forced to conduct unscheduled repairs to its physiotherapy department after the roof collapsed in June.

Fortunately, staff members were aware of the problem, and the department was relocated before the collapse. However, Woodside Sanctuary had not budgeted the money needed for repairs.

Nonetheless, a successful Facebook campaign resulted in many donations from individuals and local businesses in a matter of months. On January 18, 2019, the physiotherapy department was re-opened in a ceremony attended by government officials, donors, residents, and staff.

Johannesburg Children’s Home, Refuge for Children

 

Johannesburg Children’s Home
Image: jch.org.za

Laurence Grigorov serves as the director of Laurence Martin Developments in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dedicated to philanthropy, Laurence Grigorov contributes to many charities, including the Johannesburg Children’s Home.

A nonprofit organization, the Johannesburg Children’s Home provide refuge to more than 60 children between the ages of 3 and 18 who have suffered from emotional, sexual, or physical abuse as well as neglect and abandonment. Some of the children are HIV Positive.

In addition to providing children with food and shelter, the nonprofit offers a therapy program to help improve and strengthen each child’s physical, sensory, academic, emotional, and social ability. The children receive individual therapy and participate in special activities throughout the day designed by occupational therapists to improve play and school activities.

The Johannesburg Children’s Home relies on the support of generous contributors. To learn more, visit jch.org.za.