This year's RICS Awards took place at The Dorchester, London, on Friday 19 October.

With 298 entries from around the globe, the full spectrum of organisations and projects worldwide were represented - from small schemes, to extensively funded, globally recognised developments.

The event saw regional finalists competing against each other to be crowned winner of one of the categories. The accolade of RICS Project of the Year was also up for grabs.

RICS is pleased to announce that The Alexandra Toy Library, Johannesburg, won a commendation in the Community Benefit category of the RICS Awards 2007.  This is the first commendation in the RICS Awards to ever go to South Africa.

The Toy Library in Johannesburg’s Alexandra district provides a facility for local children with HIV/Aids to borrow toys, games, puzzles and educational equipment.
  
Turner & Townsend financed and managed the construction of the facility for Friends for Life, a non-governmental organisation which provides life skills and support to people with HIV/Aids. The firm also provided over 300 toys and pays the manager’s salary.
 
The area of Alexandra has a population of approximately 350,000 people and around 60% unemployment. There is a very high incidence of HIV/Aids infection and all of the children that use the library are infected. Many are also orphans of aids or have parents with HIV/Aids.
 
The library provides a valuable learning tool for over 100 children, helping them to develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally through play. It also offers a safe and stable environment, giving both the children and their carers a chance to relax and have fun.

This programme has had a massive impact in Alexandra and Turner & Townsend have planned a second toy library in Kwazulu Natal.

“Turner & Townsend have made a significant contribution to the valuable work of Friends for Life. The situation of most of these children is one of hardship, and this library not only provides an opportunity to learn and develop, but a much needed escape. It is a heart-touching project and a good example of a property firm giving something back to the local community.”

Simon Pott, Chairman of Judges, on this specific project