Delivering More Than Cargo: How Business Can Move Hope Forward

Corporate social responsibility in South Africa becomes truly meaningful when businesses use more than money to support their communities. A company’s people, skills, equipment, influence, time and relationships can all become practical tools for creating lasting change.

At Shipping & General, we move freight across South Africa every day. However, some journeys carry a purpose that reaches far beyond cargo. Through our partnership with Angels Baby Sanctuary, we are using the resources and experience available within our business to help support vulnerable babies and the people who care for them.

Delivering More Than Cargo is our commitment to moving hope forward. It is also an invitation to other businesses to consider what they can contribute through their products, services, expertise, networks or time.

This is not a once-off publicity exercise. It is a call for practical corporate involvement, built around real needs and sustainable relationships. Instead of asking what one company can solve alone, we are asking what could happen if one organisation after another chose to help.

Every business has something valuable to offer. The challenge is to identify that value and put it to work where it can make a genuine difference.

What Is Delivering More Than Cargo?

Delivering More Than Cargo is a corporate social responsibility initiative led by Shipping & General in partnership with Angels Baby Sanctuary.

The campaign recognises that businesses can contribute to society through far more than financial donations. A transport company may assist with logistics. A technology provider may improve systems. A building supplier may contribute materials. A professional-services firm may offer legal, financial, marketing or administrative expertise.

The possibilities differ from one company to the next, which is precisely the point. Corporate giving becomes more sustainable when it reflects what an organisation already knows how to do well.

Shipping & General’s core strength lies in moving goods, coordinating resources and solving logistical challenges. Delivering More Than Cargo extends that operational mindset into a social partnership where dependable support can help a community organisation focus on its essential work.

The initiative also aims to create a chain of corporate participation. Shipping & General is taking a step, sharing the story and challenging other organisations to consider the next contribution.

A Campaign Built Around Practical Action

The campaign is based on a straightforward principle: meaningful support should respond to genuine needs.

That support may include:

• Providing products or essential supplies
• Offering specialist services or professional expertise
• Assisting with transport, collection or delivery
• Contributing equipment, repairs or maintenance
• Supporting fundraising campaigns
• Sharing the organisation’s story with a wider audience
• Creating staff-volunteering opportunities
• Building longer-term corporate partnerships
• Introducing the sanctuary to customers, suppliers and industry contacts

A contribution does not need to be large to matter. It needs to be useful, dependable and aligned with the sanctuary’s priorities.

About Angels Baby Sanctuary

Angels Baby Sanctuary is a home for abandoned babies in the south of Johannesburg. Its purpose is to provide vulnerable children with love, compassion and support for their physical, emotional and psychological needs until they are adopted or reunited with their families.

The sanctuary opened its doors in 2014 and has since nurtured more than 50 babies. Its team provides a safe home environment, medical care, daily attention and age-appropriate educational stimulation to give every child in its care a stronger start in life.

Caring for babies requires consistency. Food, clothing, nappies, hygiene products, medical attention, safe facilities, trained caregivers and reliable administrative support are not occasional requirements. They form part of every day.

This creates a need for corporate partnerships that extend beyond a single donation. While once-off contributions remain valuable, ongoing relationships can give the sanctuary greater predictability and allow its team to plan more effectively.

Angels Baby Sanctuary is a registered non-profit organisation and public benefit organisation. The sanctuary also states that it has received an iZinga Assist verification, reflecting its commitment to compliance, transparency and measurable community impact.

Businesses interested in contributing can learn more through the sanctuary’s official corporate partnerships page.

Watch the Delivering More Than Cargo Story

The Delivering More Than Cargo video brings together the people behind the partnership. It introduces the sanctuary, highlights the work being done and explains why Shipping & General believes that business resources can be used to create meaningful social value.

Watch the video below, meet the team and consider what your organisation could contribute.

Why Corporate Social Responsibility Matters in South Africa

South African businesses operate within communities facing complex economic and social pressures. While companies cannot replace government, families or community organisations, they can strengthen the institutions already doing important work.

Corporate social responsibility creates a way for commercial organisations to apply their resources to challenges that affect the wider society. When approached responsibly, it can support credible non-profit organisations while giving employees and business partners a meaningful opportunity to participate.

It Connects Business Success with Social Progress

Businesses depend on functioning communities, capable people, reliable infrastructure and public trust. Supporting community organisations recognises that commercial success does not happen in isolation.

A responsible business asks not only how it can grow, but also how its growth can contribute to the society around it.

It Creates Opportunities for Employees to Participate

Corporate responsibility can bring employees together around a shared purpose. Team members may contribute through volunteering, fundraising, skills sharing, collections or project support.

Participation should always be coordinated with the beneficiary organisation. This ensures that support remains useful and does not create additional administrative pressure for the people it is meant to assist.

It Encourages Long-Term Thinking

A once-off campaign may respond to an immediate need, but a lasting relationship can create ongoing value. Long-term partnerships help companies understand an organisation more deeply and contribute in increasingly relevant ways.

They can also reduce uncertainty for non-profit organisations that must meet daily operating costs throughout the year.

It Strengthens Trust Through Visible Action

Customers and employees increasingly pay attention to how companies behave, not only to what they sell. Social responsibility gives businesses an opportunity to demonstrate their values through action.

However, the community impact must remain the priority. Responsible corporate partnerships should never reduce a beneficiary organisation or vulnerable people to marketing material.

From Corporate Donation to Corporate Partnership

A donation transfers a product, service or amount of money. A partnership goes further by creating a continuing relationship between the business and the beneficiary organisation.

Strong corporate partnerships begin with listening. Before deciding what to give, a company should understand what the organisation actually requires, when it is needed and how it should be delivered.

A practical partnership may involve:

• A regular contribution of essential products
• Ongoing professional support
• Maintenance of buildings, equipment or systems
• Employee fundraising and volunteering
• Transport and delivery assistance
• Campaign exposure through corporate networks
• Joint planning around specific projects
• Introductions to other potential partners

The best arrangement is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the partnership that consistently helps the organisation meet a genuine need.

Why Shipping & General Chose to Get Involved

Shipping & General was established in 1984 from a small container office in Germiston. The company grew from modest beginnings into an integrated landside logistics provider serving South African transport, shipping, manufacturing, mining, energy, import and export markets.

That history has created an appreciation for perseverance, opportunity and the value of dependable support. The business continues to operate according to the founding principles of trustworthiness, reliability and perseverance.

Delivering More Than Cargo reflects those same principles beyond the company’s commercial operations. It recognises that responsibility extends beyond the freight being transported and managed.

Through its partnership with Angels Baby Sanctuary, Shipping & General is contributing its people, resources and expertise to help support brighter futures for vulnerable children.

The company is also using its platform to make the sanctuary’s work more visible and invite customers, suppliers, professional partners and other businesses to participate.

Moving Hope Forward, One Company at a Time

The scale of social need can sometimes make businesses feel that their contribution will be too small to matter. Delivering More Than Cargo offers a different perspective.

One company does not need to provide everything. It can provide one useful piece of a much larger support network.

A logistics provider can assist with transport. A food manufacturer may support nutritional needs. A retailer may coordinate customer donations. A technology company could assist with equipment or digital systems. A professional firm may contribute specialised knowledge.

When each organisation contributes according to its ability, the combined effect can be significant.

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What Can Your Business Deliver?

Watch the Delivering More Than Cargo video, learn more about Angels Baby Sanctuary and consider how your organisation can help move hope forward.

How Different Businesses Can Support Angels Baby Sanctuary

Corporate social responsibility does not follow a single formula. Every organisation has different capabilities, resources and networks. The most effective contribution is often the one that connects a company’s everyday strengths with a practical need at the sanctuary.

A meaningful partnership may involve financial support, but it could also include products, professional services, repairs, transport, technology, training, maintenance, awareness or volunteer time.

Businesses should begin by speaking to the Angels Baby Sanctuary team. The sanctuary can explain its current priorities and help the company identify a form of support that is useful, manageable and appropriate.

Transport and Logistics Companies

Transport and logistics businesses can assist with the collection and delivery of donated goods, equipment, furniture or essential supplies. They may also help the sanctuary coordinate larger deliveries that would otherwise be difficult or expensive to arrange.

Support may include:

• Collecting donated products from corporate partners
• Delivering furniture, appliances or building materials
• Coordinating multi-location collection campaigns
• Providing short-term storage for donated items
• Assisting with event logistics
• Connecting the sanctuary with industry suppliers

Food and Consumer-Goods Companies

Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers may be able to contribute baby-care products, household essentials, cleaning materials or other items requested by the sanctuary.

Rather than sending products without confirmation, companies should ask the sanctuary which brands, pack sizes, quantities or product types are currently suitable. Babies have different health and nutritional requirements, so not every item will be appropriate for every child.

Healthcare and Wellness Providers

Healthcare organisations may be able to support medical needs, wellness initiatives, first-aid training or access to professional guidance, subject to the sanctuary’s requirements and the appropriate clinical safeguards.

Potential areas of support may include:

• Medical consumables requested by the sanctuary
• Caregiver wellness programmes
• First-aid or emergency-response training
• Professional referrals
• Approved health-education resources

Construction, Maintenance and Property Companies

A safe home requires regular maintenance. Builders, electricians, plumbers, painters, landscapers and property-service providers may be able to assist with repairs, inspections, upgrades or maintenance projects.

These contributions should be planned with the sanctuary so that all work is safe, properly supervised and completed with minimal disruption to the babies and caregivers.

Technology and Telecommunications Companies

Technology companies may contribute through equipment, connectivity, software, data management, security solutions or technical support.

A suitable technology partnership could help the sanctuary improve administration, communication, fundraising, donor management or operational efficiency. Any system involving personal information must be implemented with appropriate privacy and security controls.

Professional-Service Firms

Law firms, accountants, auditors, insurers, marketing agencies, human-resources specialists and business consultants may be able to contribute professional services.

Professional support may assist with:

• Governance and compliance
• Financial planning and reporting
• Human-resources processes
• Insurance reviews
• Marketing and communication
• Website or digital support
• Fundraising strategy
• Skills development for staff

Hospitality and Events Businesses

Hotels, restaurants, catering companies, event venues and event-service providers may support fundraising functions, awareness events or staff-appreciation initiatives.

A company might donate a venue, catering, décor, printing, photography or event-management support. The objective should remain to reduce the cost of the event so that a greater portion of the funds raised can support the sanctuary’s work.

Why Skills-Based Volunteering Can Create Lasting Value

Skills-based volunteering allows employees to contribute professional knowledge rather than only general labour. It can give a non-profit organisation access to expertise that may otherwise be difficult to afford.

For example, a finance team could help improve budgeting tools. A marketing team could assist with a campaign. An information-technology specialist could help strengthen systems. A human-resources professional could review policies or staff-development processes.

This form of volunteering works best when the company and sanctuary agree on a specific project, clear responsibilities and a realistic timeline.

Match the Skill to a Real Need

A company should not assume that every professional service is currently required. The sanctuary may already have a provider or may be focused on a different priority.

A short needs-assessment discussion helps ensure that employee time is directed towards a project with practical value.

Define the Scope Before Work Begins

Volunteer projects should have a clear objective, agreed deliverables and a named contact on both sides. This protects the sanctuary from incomplete work and helps employees understand what is expected.

Provide Handover and Follow-Up Support

A new system, process or strategy may require training and follow-up. Businesses should avoid implementing a solution that the sanctuary cannot maintain after the project ends.

Sustainable support includes documentation, knowledge transfer and a realistic plan for ongoing use.

How Employees Can Participate in the Partnership

Employees often want to support community initiatives but need a clear and well-organised way to participate. A corporate partnership can create structured opportunities that respect the sanctuary’s routines and requirements.

Employee involvement may include:

• Workplace collection campaigns
• Fundraising events
• Payroll-giving programmes
• Skills-based volunteering
• Approved maintenance or improvement projects
• Sharing verified sanctuary campaigns
• Supporting annual events
• Introducing potential business partners

Coordinate Visits in Advance

Angels Baby Sanctuary is a home for vulnerable children, not a public attraction. Any visit should be arranged in advance and conducted according to the sanctuary’s rules.

The health, safety, dignity and privacy of the babies must always come before the visitor experience.

Prepare Employees Before Volunteering

Employees should understand the purpose of the activity, the expected conduct and any health, safety or confidentiality requirements before participating.

This protects the children, caregivers, volunteers and the company’s employees.

Keep Participation Voluntary

Community participation should be encouraged without placing pressure on employees to donate money or personal time. Staff members should be free to choose whether and how they participate.

How Corporate Networks Can Multiply the Impact

A company’s greatest contribution may sometimes be its network. Businesses have relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, industry associations and professional partners.

Introducing Angels Baby Sanctuary to the right organisation may unlock a product, service or relationship that the original company cannot provide itself.

Shipping & General’s Delivering More Than Cargo campaign is designed around this multiplier effect. The company is not only contributing directly. It is also inviting others to continue the chain.

Challenge One Business at a Time

A simple challenge can make participation feel practical. A business can commit to one contribution and invite another organisation to identify its own way of helping.

This approach allows the support network to grow organically without expecting one sponsor to carry every need.

Share Verified Needs, Not Assumptions

Businesses should share information supplied or approved by the sanctuary. Outdated collection lists or unofficial fundraising messages may result in unsuitable donations or create confusion.

Companies can direct potential partners to the official Angels Baby Sanctuary website or corporate-partner page for current information.

Responsible Storytelling and the Dignity of Vulnerable Children

Corporate partnerships often include photographs, videos and social-media content. These tools can increase awareness, but they must be used responsibly.

Children living in places of safety have a right to privacy and dignity. Their personal circumstances should never become promotional content simply because a company has provided support.

Obtain Permission Before Creating Content

Companies should obtain approval from the sanctuary before taking or publishing any photographs, videos or identifying information.

Employees and visitors should also understand that personal social-media posting may be restricted.

Focus on the Organisation and the Partnership

Responsible communication can highlight the sanctuary’s purpose, caregivers, facilities, programmes and corporate needs without exposing a child’s personal history.

The story should centre on collective action and sustainable support rather than portraying the business as a rescuer.

Protect Sensitive Information

Names, health details, legal circumstances and family histories should remain confidential unless disclosure has been explicitly authorised by the appropriate responsible parties.

How to Build a Sustainable Corporate Partnership

A sustainable partnership develops through communication, trust and consistency. It does not need to begin with a complex agreement or a large financial commitment.

The following process can help a company move from interest to action.

Step 1: Learn About the Sanctuary

Begin by visiting the official website, watching the Delivering More Than Cargo video and understanding the sanctuary’s purpose.

This gives the company a better foundation for discussing meaningful support.

Step 2: Contact the Angels Baby Sanctuary Team

Ask about current needs, operational priorities and partnership opportunities. The conversation should focus on what will assist the sanctuary rather than what is most convenient for the company to promote.

Step 3: Review What Your Business Can Offer

Consider the company’s available:

• Products
• Services
• Professional skills
• Equipment
• Facilities
• Transport capacity
• Employee time
• Supplier relationships
• Marketing platforms
• Financial resources

Step 4: Agree on a Practical Contribution

Choose an initiative that the business can deliver reliably. A smaller recurring contribution may offer more long-term value than an ambitious project that cannot be sustained.

Step 5: Assign Internal Responsibility

Nominate a team member to coordinate communication, approvals, collections, volunteer activities and reporting. This provides the sanctuary with one dependable corporate contact.

Step 6: Deliver What Was Promised

Reliability is central to a strong partnership. The company should meet agreed timelines and communicate promptly if circumstances change.

Step 7: Review and Strengthen the Relationship

After completing the first initiative, the company and sanctuary can discuss what worked, what could improve and whether there is an opportunity for ongoing collaboration.

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Take the First Step Towards a Meaningful Partnership

Visit Angels Baby Sanctuary’s official corporate-partner page, speak to the team and identify one practical contribution your organisation can deliver consistently.

How Businesses Can Measure Social Impact Responsibly

Companies often need to report on their corporate social responsibility activities. Measurement can improve accountability, but it should remain proportionate and should not create unnecessary administrative work for the sanctuary.

The objective is not to reduce every act of care to a marketing statistic. It is to understand whether the partnership delivered what was promised and supported a genuine organisational need.

Measure Relevant Inputs

Depending on the partnership, a business may record:

• Products or supplies contributed
• Professional hours donated
• Transport movements completed
• Maintenance projects delivered
• Funds raised
• Employees who participated voluntarily
• New corporate introductions made
• Campaign reach or enquiries generated

Ask Whether the Support Was Useful

The most important review question is whether the contribution helped the sanctuary address the agreed need. Feedback from the sanctuary should guide future projects.

Report Honestly

Companies should avoid overstating the scale or impact of their involvement. Transparent reporting strengthens trust and gives other organisations a realistic example to follow.

Corporate Social Responsibility Beyond Once-Off Campaigns

Corporate social responsibility is sometimes concentrated around a single event, public holiday or annual donation drive. These activities can be valuable, but community organisations operate throughout the year.

A longer-term partnership can provide more dependable support by helping the sanctuary plan around recurring needs, maintenance requirements and future projects.

Businesses can strengthen continuity by:

• Scheduling regular contributions
• Including the partnership in annual business planning
• Assigning a permanent internal coordinator
• Creating an approved employee-volunteering programme
• Reviewing needs with the sanctuary periodically
• Supporting recurring fundraising events
• Introducing new corporate partners over time

Consistency builds trust. It also enables the relationship to mature from a donation into a genuine partnership.

The Role of Leadership in Corporate Giving

Senior leadership plays an important role in turning good intentions into sustained action. When leaders participate, allocate resources and hold the business accountable, social responsibility becomes part of the organisation’s culture rather than an isolated marketing activity.

Set a Clear Purpose

Leadership should explain why the partnership matters and how it reflects the company’s values. Employees are more likely to participate meaningfully when they understand the purpose behind the initiative.

Provide Resources and Time

A successful programme requires more than an announcement. Staff may need approved time, transport, project budgets, equipment or access to company expertise.

Lead Through Participation

When leaders visit the organisation, attend activities and remain involved after the initial launch, they demonstrate that the partnership is a genuine business commitment.

Why Small Beginnings Can Produce Meaningful Change

Shipping & General’s own history began with a modest container office and a determination to build something lasting. That experience reinforces the value of small beginnings supported by perseverance and consistent effort.

The same principle applies to corporate social responsibility. A company does not need to begin with a national campaign or a large sponsorship. It can start with one conversation, one delivery, one repair, one professional project or one introduction.

What matters is that the contribution responds to a real need and that the company follows through.

A Practical Corporate Partnership Checklist

Businesses considering a partnership with Angels Baby Sanctuary can use the following checklist.

Before Committing

• Learn about the sanctuary and its purpose.
• Watch the Delivering More Than Cargo video.
• Contact the sanctuary directly.
• Ask about current and recurring needs.
• Review what the company can provide reliably.
• Confirm any safety, privacy or visitor requirements.
• Agree on the scope and timing of the contribution.

During the Partnership

• Use one nominated corporate contact.
• Deliver according to the agreed plan.
• Communicate changes promptly.
• Protect the privacy and dignity of the children.
• Obtain approval before publishing content.
• Keep employee participation voluntary.
• Avoid placing unnecessary administrative demands on the sanctuary.

After the First Initiative

• Ask the sanctuary for feedback.
• Review whether the agreed need was met.
• Document lessons for future projects.
• Explore a recurring contribution.
• Invite another company to participate.
• Continue sharing verified information responsibly.

Why Delivering More Than Cargo Is a Call to Business

Delivering More Than Cargo is not only the story of Shipping & General and Angels Baby Sanctuary. It is an invitation to the wider business community.

The campaign asks companies to look beyond traditional donations and consider the full range of resources they already possess.

A business can ask:

• What products can we provide?
• What services can we offer?
• What skills can our employees share?
• What equipment or facilities can we make available?
• Who in our network may be able to help?
• What can we contribute consistently?

The answer will be different for every organisation. That diversity can become one of the partnership network’s greatest strengths.

Key Lessons for Responsible Corporate Partnerships

• Begin by listening to the beneficiary organisation.
• Match corporate resources to verified needs.
• Choose commitments the company can fulfil consistently.
• Use professional skills as well as financial resources.
• Coordinate employee involvement carefully.
• Protect the privacy and dignity of vulnerable children.
• Measure support honestly and proportionately.
• Build relationships rather than one-off publicity opportunities.
• Use corporate networks to connect the sanctuary with new partners.
• Invite one more company to help move hope forward.

Final Answer: How Can a Business Support Angels Baby Sanctuary?

A business can support Angels Baby Sanctuary by first contacting the organisation and understanding its current needs. It can then contribute suitable products, services, professional skills, transport, equipment, employee time, fundraising support or access to its corporate network.

The most effective partnership is practical, reliable and respectful. It protects the privacy of the babies, follows the sanctuary’s procedures and focuses on what the organisation genuinely requires.

Shipping & General’s Delivering More Than Cargo initiative demonstrates how a company can extend its purpose beyond its commercial services. By contributing its resources, experience and platform, the business is helping support the sanctuary while inviting others to join the journey.

One company does not need to solve every challenge. It simply needs to identify what it can deliver and take the first step.

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Help Us Move Hope Forward

Watch the Delivering More Than Cargo video, visit Angels Baby Sanctuary and challenge your organisation to contribute one practical product, service, skill or resource.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Social Responsibility in South Africa

What is corporate social responsibility?

Corporate social responsibility is a company’s commitment to operating responsibly and contributing positively to employees, communities, society and the environment. It may include financial donations, products, services, volunteering, professional expertise or long-term partnerships with non-profit organisations.

Why is corporate social responsibility important in South Africa?

Corporate social responsibility is important because businesses can use their resources, knowledge and networks to strengthen credible organisations addressing community needs. Responsible partnerships can create practical support while encouraging employees, suppliers and customers to participate.

What is Delivering More Than Cargo?

Delivering More Than Cargo is a Shipping & General corporate social responsibility initiative created in partnership with Angels Baby Sanctuary. It reflects the company’s commitment to using its people, resources, expertise and business network to support vulnerable children and encourage other businesses to get involved.

Who is Angels Baby Sanctuary?

Angels Baby Sanctuary is a non-profit home in the south of Johannesburg that cares for abandoned and vulnerable babies. It provides love, daily care, medical support and educational stimulation until children are adopted or reunited with their families.

How can a company support Angels Baby Sanctuary?

A company can support Angels Baby Sanctuary through suitable products, financial contributions, professional expertise, transport, maintenance, technology, equipment, fundraising, employee volunteering or introductions to other corporate partners. Businesses should first contact the sanctuary to confirm its current priorities.

Does corporate support have to involve money?

No. Financial support is valuable, but businesses can also contribute products, services, facilities, equipment, employee time, professional expertise and access to their networks. The most useful contribution is one that responds to a verified need and can be delivered reliably.

What is skills-based volunteering?

Skills-based volunteering allows employees to contribute their professional knowledge to a non-profit organisation. Examples may include accounting, information technology, marketing, legal support, maintenance, project management, training or human-resources assistance.

Can employees volunteer at Angels Baby Sanctuary?

Volunteer opportunities should be discussed and arranged directly with Angels Baby Sanctuary. Visits and activities must follow the sanctuary’s procedures, protect the babies’ privacy and safety, and avoid disrupting the work of caregivers.

Can businesses take photographs during a sanctuary visit?

Businesses should obtain permission from Angels Baby Sanctuary before taking or publishing photographs, videos or identifying information. The dignity, privacy and safety of every child must always take priority over corporate marketing or social-media content.

What makes a corporate partnership sustainable?

A sustainable partnership is based on verified needs, clear responsibilities, realistic commitments, dependable delivery and regular communication. A smaller recurring contribution may create more lasting value than a large once-off promise that cannot be maintained.

How can small businesses participate?

Small businesses can participate by offering one product, service, skill, collection, fundraising initiative or business introduction. A contribution does not need to be large to matter. It should be useful, appropriate and delivered according to the agreed plan.

How can a company become a corporate partner?

A company can begin by visiting the Angels Baby Sanctuary corporate-partnership page and contacting the sanctuary directly. The team can explain current needs and help the business identify a practical way to contribute.

How can businesses help grow the Delivering More Than Cargo campaign?

Businesses can watch and share the campaign video, make a practical contribution, introduce Angels Baby Sanctuary to suitable suppliers or professional partners, and challenge another company to identify how it can help move hope forward.

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Your Business Can Help Move Hope Forward

Watch the Delivering More Than Cargo story, learn more about Angels Baby Sanctuary and speak to the team about a product, service, skill or resource your organisation can contribute.