UPS Supports Khayalethu Youth Centre

Johannesburg, July 20, 2010

The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE:UPS), donated R90 422 .74 ($12 200) to the Khayalethu Youth Centre in Port Elizabeth to fund the Phakamisa Upliftment Programme. The objective of the initiative is to educate children in impoverished communities, who do not have access to any basic aid. The grant provided by UPS will fund Phakamisa's driver's license project, which will assist 17 boys in getting their learner's and driver's licenses over the next three years.

As the boys approach the end of their school career, the centre is helping them to find a job so that they can provide for themselves in the future. The centre's mission is to provide intervention programmes and alternative care to destitute youths living on the streets. There are about 10 000 street children between the ages of 3 and 22 living in South Africa currently. This phenomenon is being fuelled by factors such as poverty, neglect, abuse and disease.

Paul Horsfall, managing director, UPS South Africa says, "We take the development of South African youths seriously and are committed to providing assistance to give these boys a chance at building a successful future."

Dr. Marietjie van der Merwe, who heads up a team of nine staff members from the Khayalethu Youth Centre says, "The donation from The UPS Foundation comes at an opportune time. It helps us fulfill the basic requirements like people getting their driver's licenses. We are extremely grateful for the assistance, as it moves us closer to our goal of integrating youths back into society and reuniting them with their families."

The centre has the capacity to house 35 boys and strives to get as many children off the streets as possible with limited resources. Before arriving at the centre most children are exposed to drugs, alcohol and sexual abuse and require a personalised approach to their rehabilitation and care.

"A driver's license is not only a prerequisite for most jobs but it also provides a sense of achievement and promotes social responsibility as the boys are encouraged to follow the legal route to acquiring their driver's licenses, adhere to the rules of the road and respect other South African road users. We are very happy to play a part in their personal and social development and commend all the employees and volunteers for their hard work and positive attitudes", concludes Horsfall.

To find out more about the Khayalethu Youth Centre visit: www.khayalethu.org.za.