In 2012, 100% of Holcim Ecuador staff engaged in its volunteer programme, ‘Programa de Voluntariado Únete’. The programme focused on sustainable development and included initiatives such as reforestation, community cleaning work, entrepreneur schemes, as well as environment and safety planning meetings.
The volunteer work was carried out in Esmeraldas, Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Santo Domingo, Guayas, Manabí, Azuay, El Oro and Loja. Holcim’s CSR team, plant managers and around 1150 volunteers worked together alongside local communities to achieve their goals. The initiative directly impacted 8500 people and 380 000 indirectly. Approximately 7000 trees were planted, 22 schools were involved and 7000 children, teenagers and teachers were provided with safer spaces.
In line with Holcim Ecuador’s ‘Zero Harm’ policy, a risk analysis was carried out for the volunteer activities and the necessary personal protection equipment was provided for those taking part, so that the 2012 programme was completed without any accidents.
Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/04032013/cement_holcim_ecuador_volunteering_sustainable_development_183/
