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During Summer Break, Florida Teachers Trekked to the Rocky Mountains for Unique, Hands-On Professional Development

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SOURCE:Duke Energy

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Since 1976, Keystone Science School (KSS), nestled in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, has taught scientific principles and leadership skills to young people, teachers, and community members through engaging hands-on field experiences.  Because today's youth are our future leaders, KSS developed interactive science education programs that help students become familiar with scientific and critical thinking skills and encourage them to be engaged citizens.

The Duke Energy Foundation has invested in KSS for 20 years totaling more than $520,000. Thanks to the partnership and support of the Duke Energy Foundation, KSS has been able to bring environmental issues and a passion for learning into classrooms across our service territories. In the last 20 years, Duke Energy Foundation has sponsored 116 teachers to attend Key Issues, and in turn those teachers have reached more than 15,000 students. In 2017, 14 Florida teachers attended the training.

During the week-long professional development program, teachers explore local environmental issues both outside and inside the classroom. Key Issues provides teachers with best practices on how to engage students in interactive, hands-on activities that make science come to life through meaningful learning experiences. This program inspires scientific inquiry, leadership development, and civic engagement, thereby motivating students to be active members of the community. The Key Issues framework, an interdisciplinary curriculum set that brings the process of inquiry to the study of environmental issues, is designed to promote a collaborative approach to scientific investigation and problem solving. One of the most important outcomes of Key Issues Institute is to increase teachers’ confidence in teaching science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, concepts and to introduce environmental issues in the classroom.

Tweet me:.@KScienceSchool teachers explore #environmental issues hands-on in the #RockyMountains http://bit.ly/2em4Rcl supported by @DukeEnergy

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Education, Keystone Science School, rocky mountains, colorado, Duke Energy, professional development

   


Hurricane Harvey: Unique Ways Companies Are Stepping Up

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SOURCE:Cone Communications

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Hurricane Harvey made landfall a week ago but the damage it leaves behind will not dissipate so quickly. The storm is a one-in-1,000 year rain event, dumping 24.5 trillion gallons of rain and displacing countless individuals in its wake. As relief workers begin to grapple with the scale of the disaster, the cry for help is urgent and widespread. This call extends to companies who are stepping up by providing money, in-kind donations and solutions. Although the list of companies providing support is extensive, with major companies like Walmart, Verizon and Amazon pledging large cash donations, here, we have highlighted a few unique activations:

  • Halting Business As Usual to Help: This week, beer giant Anheuser-Busch stopped beer production at its Georgia plant to instead produce 50,000 cans of water to send to Red Cross shelters in Louisiana. In total the beer giant has donated 155,000 cans of water to areas affected by Harvey as part of a longstanding program to provide emergency drinking water during disasters. Since 1988, the company has donated more than 76 million cans of emergency drinking water to natural disaster relief efforts.
  • Taking to Social to Amplify Impact: National grocery chain Kroger is taking to social media to drive donations and aid. The Kroger Foundation has already committed $100,000 to the Houston Food Bank and the company is encouraging consumer engagement by donating $5 for every retweet of the #KrogerCares hashtag, up to $100,000. The company is also live-tweeting updates on store openings and closures in the Houston area.
  • Creating Solutions Using Core Competencies: In addition to a $2 million pledge, Google is leveraging what it does best to provide urgent information to those in impacted areas. The tech goliath has created a real-time crisis map to help those on the ground – showing shelters that are open, closed or at capacity, plus traffic alerts including accidents and closed roads. Users can also overlay precipitation and storm information.

To read more, please click here.

Tweet me:How are companies stepping up to help with #HurricaneHarveyRelief? Here's @Cone's roundup of unique efforts: http://bit.ly/2wXYx6e #csr

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Corporate Contributions, Cone Communications

Volunteers Clean up, Have Fun at the Great Bud Light River Run

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Keep America Beautiful Teams Up with Bud Light on Volunteer Events in Seattle, Portland

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

The Great Bud Light River Run came to the Seattle and Portland areas in late August with local volunteers removing litter and, after their respective cleanup events, enjoying the outdoors of the Great Northwest.

Portland-area volunteers, in partnership with SOLVE, Keep America Beautiful and Bud Light, were joined by retired Seattle Seahawks great Marcus Trufant for the cleanup and post-event river float.

In Seattle, former NBA star Brent Barry joined volunteers in picking up litter in the downtown area and for a post-cleanup river float down the Wenatchee River.

Read more about the Portland event here and the Seattle event here.

Tweet me:#FF @kabtweet Affiliate Stories: @MarcusTrufant, @BudLight volunteers clean up Great Northwest! #DoBeautifulThings http://bit.ly/2xDpHMI

Contact Info:

Mike Rosen
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3008
mrosen@kab.org
http://www.twitter.com/kabtweet
http://www.facebook.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.instagram.com/keepamericabeautiful
http://www.youtube.com/kabnetwork

Larry Kaufman
Keep America Beautiful
+1 (203) 659-3014
lkaufman@kab.org

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Environment, Keep America Beautiful, Bud Light, The Great Bud Light River Run, Brent Barry, Marcus Trufant

   

Major Leaguers Go to Bat for Hurricane Harvey Relief

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Baseball players are stepping to the plate to help disaster victims and encourage others to do the same

SOURCE:Major League Baseball Players Trust

DESCRIPTION:

For perhaps as long as the game has been played, Major League baseball players have cared deeply about the places where they play and live, and that passion and compassion came to the forefront this week when baseball took a backseat to many players’ concerns for the people in communities devastated by Tropical Storm Harvey.

Whether it was Astros players who make Houston their home town for much of the year, players who live or have friends and family in Southeast Texas or those who just want to help, the sick feeling of helplessness and futility when the storm hit quickly gave way to action plans to support people in need and help rebuild for years to come.

Jay Bruce of the Cleveland Indians, who lives in especially hard-hit Beaumont, Texas, worked out an arrangement with his new club in which he will match peoples’ donations to Cleveland Indians Charities up to $100,000 through Sept. 10 for flood victims. Among Bruce’s concerns was that smaller locales like Beaumont wouldn’t get the attention they need.

“It’s my hometown,” Bruce said. “It’s where I was born and raised and it’s affecting so many more people than I could’ve ever imagined that I know personally. “As someone from there, with the platform to raise awareness and do my part, since I can’t be there helping, I felt like this was a no-brainer for me,” Bruce said, noting his family is safe but other families he knows have lost all of their physical possessions. “It’s going to be a long road, but I’m confident and very hopeful that the community of southeast Texas and the community of Beaumont overall will band together and do a great job of rebuilding this whole deal,” he said on Wednesday.

Yankees reliever David Robertson is from Alabama, not Texas, but disaster relief has been a driving force in his life since 2011 when tornadoes struck Tuscaloosa and Birmingham and he and his wife, Erin, began High Socks for Hope to help families rebuild their lives.

Robertson’s charity was already in high gear before Harvey hit land as a hurricane, providing helpful information and support on various social media platforms.

Click here for more and for a listing of some of the organizations providing assistance in Texas that are being supported by the Players.

 

Tweet me:#MLBPlayers #GoingToBat - @MLB_Players encouraging others to join them in supporting #Harvey recovery efforts http://bit.ly/2evGFbf

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Environment, Major League Baseball Players Trust, Hurricane Harvey

   

PHOTOS/VIDEO: Habitat for Humanity Begins Harvey Clean-up

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SOURCE:Habitat for Humanity

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Habitat for Humanity has begun the post-flooding clean-up as part of its “Habitat Hammers Back” response to Hurricane Harvey. Led by Houston Habitat for Humanity, volunteers joined homeowners in the Harrell Park neighborhood in Northeast Houston to remove debris from flooded homes in preparation for repairs.

Photos of the clean-up are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4g5akd0w7t26p2d/AADM9B0Uv1eraTH3GFGlMvTna?dl=0

Additional photos and video will be made available at the same link throughout the day. Photo and video credit may be attributed to Habitat for Humanity International.

Habitat is deploying Mobile Response Units and Disaster Corps volunteers to the region to begin rapid assessments as flood waters recede. There are about 30 local Habitat for Humanity offices throughout the parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana affected by the storms. With their help, Habitat for Humanity International is assessing the shelter and housing needs in areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey and developing response options.

In addition to long-term housing repair and construction, Habitat’s response will include organizing volunteers and resources to help with the cleanup of homes damaged by wind and flood waters. Construction plans will be determined after evaluations and will depend on the level of support received from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.

Habitat for Humanity has been responding to disasters since 1997 and to date has helped more than 230,000 families in 52 countries through its disaster response work. Following Hurricane Katrina, Habitat organizations along the Gulf Coast built more than 6,000 homes and removed debris and cleaned more than 2,500 homes in preparation for rehabilitation. Habitat also mounted responses to Hurricane Sandy, tornadoes through the South and Midwest, and earthquakes and typhoons overseas.

More information on Habitat’s response to Hurricane Harvey can be found at www.habitat.org/hurricane-harvey.

About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

Tweet me:.@Habitat_org begins #Harvey clean-up with help from @HoustonHabitat volunteers http://bit.ly/2x1s6UI #HabitatHammersBack

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Hurricane Harvey, Habitat for Humanity

  

Hunger Is Spotlight Island Innovation: School Breakfast Participation in Hawaii

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SOURCE:Albertsons Companies

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Originally posted on WhyHunger

“You pay a price for living in paradise,” says Gavin Thornton, co-executive director of the Hawai'i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice. The fiftieth state has both the lowest wages in the nation after adjusting for cost of living and the second highest tax burden. 

Appleseed's mission is to promote policies that create a Hawai'i where everyone has the opportunity to build “economic security and fulfill their potential.” They conduct research, write reports, make policy recommendations, and build coalitions to advocate for change. Their anti-poverty work is responsive to the needs of the community as they evolve. It is through understanding those evolving needs that led to a focus on school breakfast, with the support of Hunger Is, a joint charitable program of the Albertsons Companies Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Through a grant from Hunger Is, Appleseed was able to provide funding and technical support to get these breakfast programs “up and running quickly” at both schools after months of building relationships in the public school system.

Read more about Hunger Is and its efforts to tackle childhood hunger.

Tweet me:.@HungerIs, @HIAppleseed, @WhyHunger focus on school breakfast to tackle childhood #hunger in Hawaii http://bit.ly/2vleWkM #HungerRelief

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Hunger Relief, Hunger Is, Albertsons Companies Foundation, Why Hunger

  

Northern Trust Supports Harvey Victims

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SOURCE:Northern Trust

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CHICAGO, September 5, 2017 /3BL Media/- Northern Trust announced today it will make $125,000 in contributions, primarily to the American Red Cross, to support Hurricane / Tropical Storm Harvey relief efforts in the Houston area.

"As evidence of Harvey’s devastation continues to mount, our hearts go out to residents along the Gulf Coast,” Northern Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frederick H. Waddell said. "We are fortunate that all our Houston-area staff members and locations remain safe, and recognize the process of recovery will be arduous. Northern Trust is committed to supporting the region during these trying times.”

Northern Trust has been in Houston for more than 25 years, employing approximately 100 people in two locations -- Houston’s River Oaks and Tanglewood neighborhoods. After being closed for three days, both offices opened on Thursday with full bank lobby services.

In recent years, Northern Trust has supported disaster relief efforts for the Philippines typhoon (2013), Superstorm Sandy on the U.S. East Coast (2012), Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami (2011), floods in eastern Australia (2011) and the earthquake in Haiti (2010).

Northern Trust gave more than $16 million in cash contributions to charitable organizations worldwide in 2016, and more than $84 million during the last five years.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals. Founded in Chicago in 1889, Northern Trust has offices in the United States in 19 states and Washington, D.C., and 22 international locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of June 30, 2017, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US$7.4 trillion, and assets under management of US$1.03 trillion. For more than 125 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader for exceptional service, financial expertise, integrity and innovation. Visit northerntrust.com or follow us on Twitter @NorthernTrust.

Northern Trust Corporation, Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 U.S.A., incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Global legal and regulatory information can be found at https://www.northerntrust.com/disclosures.

 

Contacts

Northern Trust
Doug Holt
(312) 557-1574
Doug.Holt@ntrs.com
http://www.northerntrust.com

Tweet me:“We are fortunate that all our Houston-area staff members and locations remain safe." -@NTCSR http://bit.ly/2x7gyPR

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Hurricane Harvey, csr, Donations, houston, American Red Cross

After Seven Years in Foster Care, Teen Boy is Adopted

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SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

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When Phoenix Creech was adopted on July 14th, it ended seven years of uncertainty. Phoenix had been in foster care for 2,598 days before finally being adopted by his forever family. His Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiter never gave up hope and we are so thankful she didn’t.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is committed to dramatically increasing the number of adoptions from foster care. The Wendy’s Wonderful kids adoption program is our signature program. Through that program we train adoption recruiters and fund their positions with adoption agencies across the country. Our recruiters work with the children who are most at risk of not being adopted: older children, sibling groups and children with special needs.

We are so happy for Phoenix and all children like him who tonight are home with their families and no longer lingering in foster care.

To learn more about our mission to make a donation, visit davethomasfoundaiton.org.

Tweet me:After 2,598 days in #fostercare, Phoenix found his #foreverhome http://bit.ly/2wxZstS #FosterCareAdoption #ItsWorthIt

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Dave Thomas, foster care, adoption, Recruiter, forever family, Wendy’s


Global Social Impact at Tupperware Brands

Merck’s Response to Hurricane Harvey

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SOURCE:Merck & Co., Inc.

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Our thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey, which recently struck Texas and has impacted other areas along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Merck provides disaster-relief assistance through cash and product donations during major disasters and supports efforts in disaster preparedness and recovery; we are committed to helping those helping in Harvey's wake.

To read more, please click here

About Merck
For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world - including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer's disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola. For more information, visit www.merck.com.

Tweet me:.@Merck’s Response to #HurricaneHarvey http://bit.ly/2gybxVD #DisasterRelief

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Health & Healthcare, Hurricane Harvey, houston, Merck

HanesBrands Donates More Than 1 Million Items of Underwear and Activewear to Assist Hurricane Harvey Victims

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More Than Five Trailer Loads of Underwear, Socks, T-Shirts, and Fleece Valued at More Than $2 Million are Being Donated Through Nonprofit Relief Charity Delivering Good

SOURCE:HanesBrands Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., September 5, 2017 /3BL Media/ -- HanesBrands announced today that it is donating more than five trailer loads of underwear and activewear to assist victims of flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Texas and the Gulf Coast.

Hanes is partnering with nonprofit charity Delivering Good and North Carolina-based transportation company Glen Raven Logistics to get the more than 1 million items of underwear, socks, intimate apparel, T-shirts and activewear fleece valued at more than $2 million to flooding victims. The company also is donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross.

The Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, Maidenform apparel products will be shipped from the company’s distribution centers in Rural Hall, Kings Mountain, and Laurel Hill, North Carolina; Martinsville, Virginia; and Perris, California. Glen Raven is donating the transportation of the goods to Delivering Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit relief charity that will arrange for the goods to get to appropriate relief efforts in Texas and anywhere else needed in the Gulf Coast path of Harvey.

“Hanes and its employees share the nation’s great concerns for the victims of Hurricane Harvey and want to help,” said Chris Fox, HanesBrands vice president of corporate social responsibility. “We know that victims of natural disasters have a tremendous need for the basics in life, including shelter, food, water and clothing. We are happy that we can assist in the long road to recovery.”

Delivering Good (formerly K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers) serves the clothing, home and children’s industries, in distributing donated products to those in need. Delivering Good will work with Children’s Hunger Fund, Operation Compassion, and Caring for Others, among other relief agencies in Texas, in getting the donated apparel to flooding victims.

“One of the biggest hurdles to helping victims of natural disasters is the logistics of getting aid and donations to those in need,” Fox said. “Delivering Good specializes in working with relief agencies to get donated products to where they are most needed in an orderly and effective way. We would like to thank Delivering Good for its assistance in this project and thank Glen Raven Logistics for donating the transportation of our donated products.”

Hanes has a long history of assisting communities around the world affected by natural disasters. Last year, Hanes partnered with Delivering Good to assist those affected by Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina, Louisiana flooding, and California wildfires. Past efforts with Delivering Good have included aiding victims of Super Storm Sandy on the East Coast in 2012, victims of tornados in the Midwest and Southeast in 2011, victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, and victims of the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

For those who want to help Delivering Good in its relief efforts, they may go to www.delivering-good.org/disaster-relief/ to donate new apparel or cash. For every $10 donated allows Delivering Good to distribute more than $100 of new, useful product.

Media Contact:   
Matt Hall
HanesBrands
(336) 519-3386
matt.hall@hanes.com

HanesBrands
HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) is a socially responsible leading marketer of everyday basic innerwear and activewear apparel in the Americas, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific. The company markets T-shirts, bras, panties, shapewear, underwear, socks, hosiery, and activewear under some of the world’s strongest apparel brands, including Hanes, Champion, Maidenform, DIM, Bali, Playtex, Bonds, JMS/Just My Size, Nur Die/Nur Der, L’eggs, Lovable, Wonderbra, Berlei, and Gear for Sports. More information about the company and its award-winning corporate social responsibility initiatives may be found at www.Hanes.com/corporate. Connect with HanesBrands via social media on Twitter (@hanesbrands) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/hanesbrandsinc).

Delivering Good
Delivering Good, Inc. (formerly K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the charity of choice for new product donations made by hundreds of companies in the fashion, home and children’s industries. Donating new merchandise provides these companies with a simple and effective way to help millions of kids, adults and families facing poverty and disaster each year. Since 1985, over $1.6 billion of donated product has been distributed through our network of community partners. Learn more at www.Delivering-Good.org

Tweet me:.@HanesBrands Donates Over 1M Items of Underwear/Activewear to #HurricaneHarvey Victims http://bit.ly/2eviNEy @DeliveringGood

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives

Gilead Implements Emergency Disaster Response Procedures to Ensure Medicine Access

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SOURCE:Gilead Sciences

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FOSTER CITY, Calif., September 5, 2017 /3BL Media/ — Gilead has implemented emergency disaster response procedures as part of its Patient Support Programs, effective immediately. These procedures will enable continued access to Gilead’s medications for patients affected by Hurricane Harvey, who may otherwise be at risk for a lapse in therapy. 

Gilead Patient Support Programs have been prepared to work with local healthcare practitioners to provide free medicine for individuals in affected areas who meet eligibility requirements. Patients or their providers can request assistance by contacting the applicable Gilead Patient Support Program, where their eligibility for assistance will be assessed. Once approved, patients will be sent up to a 30-day supply of their medication. Patients can find information on Gilead Patient Support Programs by visiting http://www.gilead.com/responsibility/us-patient-access.

“We’ve seen in the past that extreme, severe weather events can threaten health systems and interrupt access to care,” says Jim Meyers, Executive Vice President, Commercial Operations. “We’ve prepared our programs to work with healthcare providers and people at risk of a lapse in therapy to ensure continued access to Gilead medicines.”

In addition to enacting the disaster response procedures, Gilead Sciences has also made a contribution to the Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Hurricane Relief Fund. This fund will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, and will be used to help flood victims.

About Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercializes innovative therapeutics in areas of unmet medical need. The company’s mission is to advance the care of patients suffering from life-threatening diseases worldwide.  Gilead has operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

Tweet me:.@Gileadsciences implements #disasterresponse procedures, allowing #HurricaneHarvey victims to continue care http://bit.ly/2x7dini

KEYWORDS: Health & Healthcare, Improving Healthcare Access, Gilead, Hurricane Harvey, access to medicine, Patient Support

Introducing the Rural Spark Project: A Chance for Rural Students to Have Bright Futures in STEM

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SOURCE:Astellas

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For students growing up in rural communities, access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs can be limited. Poor retention of teachers and lack of technology are just two factors that often times leave rural schools unable to provide the same type of STEM education that students in urban or suburban districts receive.

To address this issue, Astellas USA Foundation launched the Rural Spark Project through a multi-year grant with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) over the next three years. The Rural Spark Project provides turnkey programming to these rural audiences to help ensure their success, including teacher training and execution tools such as technology and new curriculum.

The Rural Spark Project is piloting funding support to 26 rural schools in four Illinois school districts, with a plan to expand nationally. The grant to PLTW will provide rural Illinois students the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning programs, while fueling their imaginations to pursue successful careers in STEM.

“We recognized rural schools lacked the tools they need to advance STEM education with our next generation. We launched the Rural Spark Project to give future scientists, mathematicians and coders the chance to explore the endless possibilities of STEM,” said Moyra Knight, Astellas USA Foundation president. “Through our pilot program, students in 26 Illinois schools will have the same opportunity as their urban and suburban peers to grow and advance their future careers.”

Encouraging students to pursue career options in STEM is more important now than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80 percent of all jobs for the future generation will require skills gained in science and mathematics courses, and average STEM wages are 71 percent higher than the national average for all wages. However, findings from the ACT’s annual STEM report show few students are actually prepared to earn these degrees. According to “The Condition of STEM 2016,” only 26 percent of high school graduates who took the test and expressed interested in STEM careers received passing scores. The findings indicate students are not receiving the background they need to continue following their passion.

“Project Lead The Way is proud to partner with the Astellas USA Foundation to help ensure that students and teachers in Illinois’ rural communities have the same access to high-quality STEM education as their urban and suburban peers,” said PLTW President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vince Bertram. “All students, regardless of race, gender, geography and socio-economic status, need a strong foundation in science and technology. With Astellas USA Foundation’s support, we will help ensure that all students have the in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive in our rapidly evolving world.” 

This also makes our specific focus on rural communities crucial, as the Rural School and Community Trust Policy Program reports that in 2010-2011, over 20% of U.S. public school students attended rural schools. 

By receiving the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in STEM industries, students will be able to counteract the economic challenges that rural families face, including low wages, declining industry and shrinking populations. That’s why Astellas USA Foundation is committed to the Rural Spark Project and addressing educational challenges that these rural communities face. The curriculum provided to schools applies real-world learning opportunities to empower and inspire greater interest in these fields, showing students the important connection between classroom education and career goals.

By providing funding to PLTW to expand access to high-quality curriculum and teacher training, underserved rural community students will have the chance to pursue jobs and higher education in these fields, securing a more sustainable future for us all.

KEYWORDS: Education, Improving Education Quality, Project Lead The Way, Rural Spark Project, Astellas USA Foundation, astellas

Qualcomm Announces $1 Million Donation to Hurricane Harvey Relief

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SOURCE:Qualcomm

DESCRIPTION:

Our thoughts are with all those who have been displaced and severely impacted due to the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Harvey, and we are strongly committed to supporting relief, response, and rebuilding efforts.

To that end, Qualcomm Incorporated is committing $1 million to a range of organizations providing shelter, emergency services, food, and other needed supplies in the near-term, as well as toward long-term recovery efforts. Qualcomm is immediately donating $250,000 to be distributed among the American Red Cross, Greater Houston Community Foundation, Feeding Texas, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas. The company is also offering up to $250,000 in matching funds based on individual employee donations to selected organizations. Additionally, Qualcomm will donate $500,000 to long-term recovery efforts, with distributions to be determined in coordination with Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s office as well as state and local authorities.

Engage with us on Twitter and Facebook

Tweet me:.@Qualcomm donates $1M in support of #HurricaneHarvey #disasterrelief efforts. http://bit.ly/2xMiytQ

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Disaster Relief, Qualcomm, Hurricane Harvey, American Red Cross, Greater Houston Community Foundation, Feeding Texas, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas, Corporate Social Responsibility

Kohler Associates Experience Water Scarcity, Explore Global WaSH Issues.

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Kohler associates explore solutions to water and sanitation crisis.

SOURCE:Kohler Co.

DESCRIPTION:

Kohler associates explored solutions for UN Sustainable Development Goal #6 (access to clean water and safe sanitation) by experiencing water scarcity firsthand. With the help of nonprofit partner Water Mission, Kohler organized 10 teams to simulate a community without access to safe drinking water.

Tweet me:Kohler Associates Experience Water Scarcity, Explore Global WaSH Issues http://bit.ly/2eIbTMo

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Supply Chain & the Circular Economy, kohler, Water Mission


Artists and Entertainers’ Hurricane Harvey Relief Telethon to Support Habitat for Humanity’s Recovery Efforts

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Funds raised during “Hand In Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief Telethon” will help Habitat assist more families to repair or rebuild their homes

SOURCE:Habitat for Humanity

DESCRIPTION:

ATLANTA, September 5, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Habitat for Humanity’s response to Hurricane Harvey will get a boost as one of six beneficiaries of “Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief” telethon that will air nationally on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 8-9 p.m. EDT. The telethon will feature some of the nation’s biggest stars coming together to raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Funds raised for Habitat for Humanity will go directly to support the organization’s response to Harvey.

“As tens of thousands of Texans and Louisianans return home to salvage belongings and begin to rebuild, they need our support more than ever,” said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford. “The entertainment community is stepping up in a big way, and Habitat is proud to partner with these artists as we start down the long road to recovery.”

The telethon will include appearances by stars including George Clooney, Jamie Foxx, Karlie Kloss, Beyoncé, Matt Lauer, Rob Lowe, Matthew McConaughey, Norah O'Donnell, Dennis Quaid, Julia Roberts, Kelly Rowland, Adam Sandler, Ryan Seacrest, Michael Strahan, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Barbra Streisand, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon with more to be announced. The telethon will air nationally on ABC, CBS, CMT, FOX and NBC, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

As part of its response to Hurricane Harvey, Habitat has begun deploying Mobile Response Units and Disaster Corps volunteers to the region to begin rapid assessments. There are about 30 local Habitat for Humanity offices throughout the parts of southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana affected by the storms. With their help, Habitat for Humanity International is assessing the shelter and housing needs in areas impacted by the hurricane and developing response options.

In addition to long-term housing repair and construction, Habitat’s response includes organizing volunteers and resources to help with the cleanup of homes damaged by wind and flood waters. Construction plans will be determined after evaluations and will depend on the level of support received from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.

Habitat for Humanity has been responding to disasters since 1997 and to date has helped more than 230,000 families in 52 countries through its disaster response work. Following Hurricane Katrina, Habitat organizations along the Gulf Coast built more than 6,000 homes and removed debris and cleaned more than 2,500 homes in preparation for rehabilitation. Habitat also mounted responses to Hurricane Sandy, tornadoes through the South and Midwest, and earthquakes and typhoons overseas.

More information on Habitat for Humanity’s response to Hurricane Harvey can be found here: habitat.org/hurricane-harvey.

More information on the telethon can be found at HandInHand2017.com.

About Habitat for Humanity

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.

Tweet me:#HurricaneHarveyRelief telethon to support #HabitatForHumanity’s recovery efforts http://bit.ly/2xMucVA @Habitat_org

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Habitat for Humanity, Hurricane Harvey, Hand in Hand

20,000+ Young People Are Leading the Way to Make Their Communities Healthier With Get HYPE Philly!

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SOURCE:GSK

DESCRIPTION:

Philly students go back to school – and back to Get HYPE Philly!  This is the third year of our GSK IMPACT Grant with a collective of 10 nonprofits that are engaging youth as leaders in underserved Philadelphia neighborhoods to promote health through urban agriculture, healthy eating, physical activity and entrepreneurship.  Hear what recent graduate and youth leader, Lacretia, has to say about her experience and visit www.gethypephilly.org to see the full video!

Tweet me: #getHYPEphilly goes #backtoschool today! Students like Lacretia are getting #healthy in #philly #GSKimpact http://bit.ly/2gDXJce

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Philadelphia, back to school, GSK, Urban agriculture, healthy eating, physical activity, entrepreneurship

TransCanada to Match Donations to Houston’s Relief Efforts

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SOURCE:TransCanada

DESCRIPTION:

Our heart is with Houston.

Join us in supporting the communities impacted and we will match your donation 100%.

All money raised will be divided equally between American Red Cross, Houston Food Bank, and Houston Humane Society.

Your donation will help fund emergency shelters and health care, support first responders with search and rescue efforts and provide food, water and the necessities to the people and animals of Texas.

Thank you for your generosity and be sure to share this post with your friends and family.

DONATE HERE: Bit.ly/TC-Donation-Match

Tweet me:.@TransCanada pledges to match donations to #Houston relief efforts: Bit.ly/TC-Donation-Match

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, TransCanada, Hurricane Harvey, houston

Mars CEO: Industry Must Fix ‘Broken’ Engine of Global Business to Tackle Urgent Climate & Social Threats

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SOURCE:Mars, Incorporated

SUMMARY:

  • ​CEO Grant Reid, speaking ahead of UN General Assembly and Climate Week, believes the engine of global business – its supply chain – is broken and requires transformational, cross-industry collaboration to fix it
     
  • Says that to deliver on un Sustainable Development Goals and The Paris Accord it requires widening the focus to include social and environmental impacts far beyond direct operations
     
  • Comments come as Mars launches its “Sustainable in a Generation Plan” –  in which it will invest almost $1 billion over the next few years to tackle urgent threats including climate change, poverty in the supply chains and scarcity of resources
     
  • M&M’s – one of the world’s most iconic brands – steps up to engage consumers on critical sustainability issues

DESCRIPTION:

MCLEAN, Va., September 6, 2017 /3BL Media/ - Mars CEO Grant F. Reid today said business needs to lead “transformational change” in order to tackle the most urgent threats facing the planet and its people.

Speaking ahead of this month’s UN General Assembly and Climate Week in New York, Mr. Reid said the responsibility had never been greater for industry: “If we are to help deliver on the targets agreed in Paris and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, there has to be a huge step change. While many companies have been working on being more sustainable, the current level of progress is nowhere near enough.”

“Mars has been in business for four generations and intends to be for the next four generations. The only way that will happen is if we do things differently to ensure that the planet is healthy and all people in our extended supply chains have the opportunity to thrive. We must work together, because the engine of global business – its supply chain – is broken, and requires transformational, cross-industry collaboration to fix it.”

Mr. Reid said that when tackling Greenhouse Gas emissions for example, many businesses, including Mars, have made good progress on the impact of their own direct operations, but haven’t made enough progress in their broader supply chains. He added that efforts to address poverty and human rights down the global supply chain have been well-intentioned, but have not yielded satisfactory progress.

“Data and connectivity are helping us get smarter about our impact every year. Today, climate science is clear and we understand the environmental and social challenges in our supply chain better than ever before. With this knowledge, it is clear that the scale of intervention needs to be much bolder – now is the time for business to reassess its role and responsibility in the face of the evidence.”

As part of its response to these challenges, Mars today announced its “Sustainable in a Generation Plan.” The plan includes a set of far-reaching goals and ambitions underpinned by science and a determination to drive impact throughout the extended supply chain. To accelerate progress, Mars will invest approximately $1billion in its Sustainable in a Generation Plan. The plan focuses on areas where Mars can impact change on some of the world’s biggest problems, as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable in a Generation Plan outlines three interconnected ambitions:

  • Healthy Planet – with an ambition to reduce environmental impacts in line with what science says is necessary to keep the planet healthy – focusing on climate action, water stewardship and land management. For example, Mars has announced a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 67% by 2050 – dramatically expanding on previous goals to reduce GHGs in its operations.
     
  • Thriving People – with an ambition to meaningfully improve the working lives of one million people in its value chain to enable them to thrive– focusing on increasing income, respecting human rights and unlocking opportunities for women. For example, we have launched the Livelihoods Fund for Family Farming to foster sustainability and poverty reduction in extended supply chains and the Farmer Income Lab, a collaborative “think-do tank” focused on generating the missing insights needed to eradicate smallholder poverty.
     
  • Nourishing Wellbeing – with an ambition to advance science, innovation and marketing in ways that help billions of people and their pets lead healthier, happier lives. This continues on its current efforts around food safety and security; product and ingredient renovation; and responsible marketing.

Mr. Reid added: “This plan is about not just doing better, but doing what’s necessary. We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do but also because it’s good business. Creating mutual benefits for the people in our supply chain, and mitigating our impact on the environment are sound business choices. We also know that increasingly our consumers care about these issues as much as we do.”

During the UN General Assembly, Mars will reveal plans to engage consumers on this topic through one of the world’s biggest brands, M&M’s. The new campaign leverages Mars’ tremendous reach with consumers to champion the power of renewable energy and highlight the need for action in addressing climate change.  Mars purchases enough wind power to offset the electricity needed for all U.S. production of M&M's. Renewable energy also plays an important role in Mars’ Sustainable in a Generation Plan and key markets (U.S. & U.K.) already use it to power 100% of operations, with more markets to follow in 2018.

Mr. Reid said: “Through our much-loved M&M’s brand, we can inspire consumers on this important topic and shine the spotlight on renewable energy – one of the solutions that will help us to tackle climate change and meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

Mars has a history of working on sustainability with others including helping create a united global front to act on climate change. The business spoke out at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP22) in Marrakech last year, by signing a letter urging global leaders to commit to the Paris Climate Agreement, and last year launched its Moy wind farm in the Scottish Highlands to generate renewable electricity equivalent to the company’s entire U.K. operations.

Barry Parkin, Mars Chief Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing Officer said: “We know we cannot grow and prosper unless the planet, people and communities on which we rely are healthy and thriving.”

"Doing what’s right, not just doing better, is at the very core of our new plan. It’s about pushing the boundaries and extending our bold ambitions across our extended supply chain. When we do that, and when others join us, only then will we have the greatest impact."

To find out more about the Mars Sustainable in a Generation plan, visit: www.SustainableInAGeneration.com.

To download supporting images and video, visit: sigplanmedia.com

Contacts:        

Denise Young

Mars             

Denise.Young@effem.com              

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 85,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Tweet me:.@MarsGlobal steps up #sustainability commitments w/new Sustainable in a Generation Plan #GenerationForChange http://bit.ly/2f3gdmv

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Sustainable Development Goals, Mars, sustainability, Climate Week, M&M's

 

MetLife Foundation: Empowering Veterans Through Financial Inclusion

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MetLife Foundation is helping returning veterans get the financial guidance they need through partnerships with a network of local credit unions called The Federation.

SOURCE:MetLife Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

When it comes to empowering veterans, #financialinclusion& local credit union partnerships are fundamental. 

About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was created in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its founding through the end of 2016, MetLife Foundation has provided more than $744 million in grants and $70 million in program-related investments to organizations addressing issues that have a positive impact in their communities. Today, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, committing $200 million to help build a secure future for individuals and communities around the world. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.      

Tweet me:.@MetLife Foundation is empowering #veterans through financial inclusion http://bit.ly/2vpk2g5

KEYWORDS: Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, metlife foundation

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