Janus staff has been organizing charity fairs for five years in a row, open to everyone.

The fairs are held three times a year, and the items on sale are brought along by the company’s employees themselves.
For this reason, letters are sent out to all staff prior to the fair, inviting them to bring along ‘lots’.

All members of staff are able to bring something along to the fair, as long as it is something in good condition that can actually be used. Traditionally we tend to get a lot of DVDs, souvenirs from various countries, perfumes and fragrances, occasionally clothes and shoes, accessories and small electronic devices.

The lots are put on sale at the fair anonymously, and are not given price-tags. Everything that is brought along is put on display, and a box is placed nearby for contributions. Everyone is welcome to come along, have a look at what’s on offer, take something if they so desire, and make whatever contribution they feel is appropriate. Contributions can be made without taking an item, or items can be taken without making a contribution: staff members are completely free to do as their conscience dictates!

The fairs held within the company serve the following purposes:

• freeing up space in people’s apartments, by getting rid of things that are nice but which they have got tired of;
• adding a bit of colour to the working day, with a heart-warming and useful activity;
• giving staff members the chance to pick up something nice, or something which could come in handy, without having to leave the office – at whatever price they feel comfortable with;
• and most importantly, helping children who are suffering from oncological diseases.

All the money collected is given to the charity ‘Podari Zhizn’ (‘Give the gift of life’): www.podari-zhizn.ru.
This charity was chosen because we are sure of its reputation and its efficacy. Usually, a scan of the receipt showing the total amount transferred to the charity is sent round the office after the fair.

After the fair has taken place, the owners of the items on sale can collect anything that has not been sold. All the remaining lots are at the disposal of the organisers, and may be used in similar fairs in other locations, sent to children’s orphanages or used for any other charitable purpose, depending on their particular characteristics.