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Irish firms prove charity begins in the workplace
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Christmas Irish firms have donated thousands of euro to charities across
Ireland through staff incentives.
Linda O’Sullivan of Business in the Community Ireland (BCI) said
that throughout the year BCI’s member companies do fantastic work
in the communities within which they operate.
She said: “By engaging in strategic relationships with community
partners these companies are helping to tackle a diverse range of social
issues from homelessness to healthy lifestyles and many more besides.
“By combining core business expertise, professional skills and time
of staff, along with other resources, Irish business is having a significant
impact on major societal issues.
“And the business gains too — sometimes from enhanced reputation
through positive profiling.”
Here we take a look at some Irish companies and what they have been doing
to play their part.
Diageo:
Sixty staff at Diageo took part in a triathlon which took place in Dublin’s
Phoenix Park in November.
The event which was sponsored by Guinness raised a record-breaking ?45,000
for Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin.
In the 10 years the event has taken place, Guinness has raised over ?200,000
for charitable causes.
Also at a recent Diageo conference, employees wanted to give something
back on the night so, quite spontaneously, senior managers were told to
go around to the tables selling tickets for a raffle which was organised
there and then.
They raised ?9,000 and Diageo matched the amount.
A cheque for ?18,000 was then presented to the Irish Cancer Society.
Diageo employees were also encouraged to buy an extra toy last Christmas
and all toys were then put under a tree in head office.
On December 23 volunteering staff then collected the toys and brought
them to Temple Street and Tallaght hospital to hand out to the kids.
Last year 19 sacks of toys were handed out.
Oracle:
Technology firm Oracle threw a Christmas party for 70 children in the
Oracle canteen.
These children were from the three community groups with which Oracle
are engaged with — Hillstreet (multi-denominational group for young
kids), Lourdes Youth Community and CASPR (after schools project).
Oracle staff donated presents for the kids which were given out at the
Christmas party.
Oracle staff were also invited to donate part of their December salary
to the three groups should they wish.
O2 Ireland:
O2 are aligned with Irish Autism Action and a number of activities around
Christmas were organised in support of the charity’s work.
O2 staff can buy Christmas cards through O2 offices and all monies raised
go to Irish Autism Action.
As well as this O2 staff offer to wrap gifts for customers for free and
customers can then make a donation for the service if they wish.
O2 have also asked all their suppliers to donate gifts or monies to Irish
Autism Action instead of sending gifts to O2 directly.
At the O2 staff party employees were asked to make a donation of ?10,
which was passed onto the charity.
Vodafone :
Vodafone held a party in association with the National Council for the
Blind in their head offices in Leopardstown.
Over 150 visually impaired people were invited to a four-course Christmas
dinner and Vodafone staff sang Christmas carols while staff also volunteered
to assist with the evening.
This is the fifth year they have held the event and this was the biggest
yet. |
