This is the 14th year the event is taking place in Ottawa

SOURCE:Scotiabank

DESCRIPTION:

OTTAWA, Dec. 15, 2017 /3BL Media/ - On December 13 and 14, 300 female hockey players aged 7-14 hit the ice with Canadian hockey legend Cassie Campbell-Pascall for the 14th annual Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest in Ottawa, on the outdoor rink located on Parliament Hill.

Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest on the Hill is a free on and off-ice training series designed to empower young girls across Canada, with a passion for hockey, to dream big and reach their infinite potential. The event has provided aspiring female minor hockey players in Ottawa with positive experiences through the game of hockey since 2008. This year Scotiabank reached the important milestone of supporting one million kids and counting, through its commitment to kids' community hockey across Canada.

"Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest is a fantastic opportunity for young female hockey players to celebrate our nation's favourite game," said Cassie Campbell-Pascall. "Through this event, these young athletes will improve their skills, build their confidence, and learn how to work together as a team. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of this event because I know from my own experience how valuable it is to receive support from the hockey community. It's my pleasure to give back through the Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest to these young girls who share my passion for the game."

This season, Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest on The Hill is available to young female hockey players at no cost in four communities across Canada – Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Toronto. Along with providing young girls with access to some of Canada's most influential female hockey stars, the program includes on and off-ice training. This event in Ottawa is especially momentous, as it is taking place at the newly built rink on Parliament Hill.                                                                                                                               

"It is an honour to present Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest, especially on the historically significant Parliament Hill. The event helps encourage the young female athletes in our community to reach their infinite potential through skill development, teamwork, and the impact of working with their hockey heroes," said Carole Chapdelaine, Senior Vice-President Quebec,Eastern Ontario Region at Scotiabank. "This event allows Scotiabank to share our love for the game, and to inspire a new generation of athletes to go forward with their dreams. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success."

Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting Canadian hockey at all levels – from community teams and minor hockey associations, to professional players and leagues. At Scotiabank, investing in our communities has been a focus for 185 years. We believe investing in young people is the pathway to community prosperity.                                         

To learn more about the event and Scotiabank's commitment to kids' community hockey, visit www.scotiabankgirlshockeyfest.com.

About Scotiabank Hockey

Scotiabank is the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHL Alumni™, CWHL, Vancouver Canucks®, Winnipeg Jets®, Toronto Maple Leafs®, Ottawa Senators®, Edmonton Oilers® and the Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Bank also supports the Montreal Canadiens®. Scotiabank's Community Hockey Sponsorship Program has supported over million kids through its involvement with minor hockey teams in communities across Canada. To find out more about Scotiabank's hockey programs, please visit www.scotiabank.com/the5thseason.

Score big with Scotiabank Hockey Club! You could win amazing prizes like VIP hockey experiences, Shop.NHL.com gift codes, NHL® game tickets, and more! Register today at www.ScotiabankHockeyClub.com.

SOURCE Scotiabank

For Media Enquiries Only: Erin Truax, Global Communications, Scotiabank, erin.truax@scotiabank.com, (416) 578-9659

Tweet me:300 female hockey players aged 7-14 hit the ice with Canadian hockey legend Cassie Campbell-Pascall for the 14th annual @ScotiabankViews Girls HockeyFest in Ottawa #infinitepotential http://bit.ly/2CvhEEd

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest, Scotiabank, Canada, Infinite Potential, csr

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

For the 23^rd year, hundreds of Head Start employees collected and hand delivered truckloads of gifts and basic essentials to Pocono Services for Families and Children (PSFC), which oversees Monroe County’s Head Start program. Learn more by clicking on coverage from Eyewitness News/WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV.

Tweet me:Sanofi Provides Love and Joy this Holiday Season for Area Families http://bit.ly/2oknSUG

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur, Head start, Corporate Social Responsibility, Donation, Pocono Services for Families and Children

SOURCE:SiMPACT Strategy Group

DESCRIPTION:

TORONTO, December 15, 2017 /3BL Media/- Canada's leading corporations widely recognize the business opportunity in putting their brands and resources behind worthy causes, and many plan to increase their community investments, according to a new study issued by Imagine Canada and LBG (London Benchmarking Group) Canada.

The 2017 Corporate Community Investment Leadership study expects corporate giving will advance in 2018, driven by economic growth, heightened appreciation of community investment, customer expectations and high rates of employee interest.

The 56 companies in the study invested $468 million in communities in 2016. Forty-four per cent indicated their community investments would increase in the coming year with only 26 per cent predicting a decrease.

Community investment trends:

• Many corporations linked community investment with innovation. Almost six-in-ten participating companies (59 per cent) reported community investment activities in at least one key area of the Federal Government Innovation Plan. Education-related community projects were the most common innovation focus.
• In 2016, companies in the study reported 1.8 million hours of employee time volunteered with an average of 31 hours per employee. Of reported hours, 13 per cent occurred during working hours at an estimated value of $8.24 million.
• Long-term partnerships with charities and community organizations are being leveraged, with 87% of companies in the study reporting multi-year projects within their giving strategy.
• Community footprints are being deepened by regularly engaging stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers and government partners) in community investment activities. Most companies (86%) reported leveraging employee contributions as a part of their strategy.

"This report profiles Canada's leaders in corporate community investment," says Bruce MacDonald, President and CEO of Imagine Canada. "It's a snapshot of approaches businesses of all sizes and levels of charitable giving can leverage for their community investment. Our hope is that the study is widely used by companies as they pursue their community aspirations."

Companies participating in the study are Imagine Canada Caring Companies and the LBG Canada network of companies. 

"Companies within the LBG Canada network have invested more than $3 billion in community since 2007, more than $4 billion if employee and other stakeholder contributions are considered," says Stephanie Robertson, President and CEO of SiMPACT Strategy Group and Founder of LBG Canada. "The purpose of the LBG Canada program is to support community investment professionals in demonstrating the value of their work - for the community and for the business. We offer a snapshot of the information readily available to corporate Canada, in support of the goal of creating value through community investment."

The full study is available online at: https://www.lbg-canada.ca/a-canadian-opportunity-2017-report/

About LBG Canada

LBG Canada is a network of corporate community investment professionals from many of Canada's leading companies, who work together to apply, develop and enhance the use of the LBG Model and measurement framework in Canada. Participation in LBG Canada encourages companies to focus on strategy, measurement and reporting to demonstrate the business value achieved through investment in community. LBG Canada is facilitated by SiMPACT Strategy Group.

For more information, visit: www.lbg-canada.ca

About Imagine Canada

Imagine Canada is a national charitable organization whose cause is Canada's charities. Our three broad goals are to amplify the sector's collective voice, create opportunities to connect and learn from each other, and build the sector's capacity to succeed. Corporate community investments are an integral part of Imagine Canada's vision for a vibrant and strong charitable sector. Imagine Canada's Caring Company designation encourages companies to adopt a leadership role as investors of 1% of pre-tax profit into stronger communities. 

For more information, visit: www.imaginecanada.ca

-30-

For further information, contact:
Arundel Gibson
AVP Community Investment and Social Impact
LBG Canada
(416) 642-5461
arundel@simpactsg.com

Nicole Mitchell
Imagine Canada
(416) 597-2293, ext. 305
nmitchell@imaginecanada.ca

Tweet me:A Canadian Opportunity: Companies Predict Community Investment Budgets Will Increase in 2018, new study from @ImagineCanada and @SiMPACTStrat finds #CIMatters #LBGCanada #CaringCompanies http://bit.ly/2BupmRu

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, LBG Canada, Imagine Canada, Caring Companies, Community Investment, employee volunteering, employee giving, Corporate Social Responsibility

Supporting Engineers Without Borders UK to develop an innovative biochar filter to provide clean drinking water

SOURCE:Tetra Tech

DESCRIPTION:

The Engineers Without Borders UK team received a grant for their ongoing Clean Water Biochar Filtration System project in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This project includes the collaborative development of a biochar water filtration system with a local non-governmental organization, Caminos De Agua, to provide safe drinking water for the community.

The community of San Miguel de Allende faces severe water shortages and rising rates of naturally occurring arsenic and fluoride in their groundwater due to low levels of rainfall and increased groundwater extraction. In more than 80 percent of the region’s 70 communities, mineral levels far exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limits, with fluoride levels more than 15 times and arsenic levels more than 9 times WHO recommended limits. These contaminants lead to extreme and widespread dental and crippling skeletal fluorosis, as well as cognitive issues.

The Engineers Without Borders UK team collaborated with Caminos De Agua to develop a water filter with an active biochar component capable of removing fluoride in water. Tetra Tech supported Engineers Without Borders UK volunteer engineers to work in Mexico with the local organization to design and test the filter prototype. The team completed bone char examination, designed and built a system to better dry the bones, and designed a filtration system. Tetra Tech’s grant also supported filter testing to ensure safety and effectiveness of the prototype during pilot testing.

The Engineers Without Borders UK team also focused on water monitoring activities and awareness raising to ensure community members understood the dangers of groundwater contamination and the importance of filtering out harmful biological and chemical contaminants.

Project engineers carried out tests on biochar, a charcoal produced by firing biomass in a kiln at high temperatures, to find the optimal concentration for the char. The team used robust scientific testing techniques and the fabrication of a fit-for-testing laboratory in the filter design, demonstrating that effective laboratory testing could take place in peri-urban Mexico at a relatively low cost. The filter is being piloted across three communities, with approximately 10 households benefitting from the pilot. In the second year, the goal is to provide 1,500 filters to homes, reaching an estimated 7,500 people.

To ensure project sustainability, Caminos De Agua is providing project oversight. The goal for the biochar filters is to have an open source design so micro-entrepreneurs can set up small, local businesses selling filter and cartridge replacements. This model creates positive project sustainability because the local people manage it and can generate small business income.

This project provided the catalyst for research that has wider significance for the filtration properties of biochar globally. If the technology proves scalable, the open source design could provide access to clean, affordable, and uncontaminated water for large numbers of people with similar groundwater contamination issues in North Africa, India, and China.

Learn more about Tetra Tech's 50th Anniversary Global Clean Water Fund at tetratech.com/ewb.

Tweet me:Through their #Tt50 Global #CleanWater Fund, @TetraTech helped @ewbuk bring safe drinking #water to San Miguel de Allende, #Mexico: http://bit.ly/2ACYizW

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Environment, Tetra Tech

Computer literacy is essential to success for today’s students. Learn how this eBay seller is providing schools in need with technology and support.

SOURCE:eBay

DESCRIPTION:

Millions of people from all around the world connect on eBay. Each time that happens, something positive happens in the world. These are the stories of everyday people on eBay making an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.

Computer literacy is essential to succeed in today’s tech-enabled workforce, but not everyone has access to a computer. 44 percent of Americans who make less than $30,000 do not own a desktop or laptop computer, meaning many of those who are in most need of computer skills have the fewest resources to develop them. This digital divide has the potential to hinder the success of students everywhere.

Chris Ko, co-founder and CEO of Revive IT, has made bridging this divide his company’s mission. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Revive IT refurbishes high-quality computers discarded by large businesses and sells them on eBay. With a focus on making a positive impact on their local community, Revive IT is able to sell computers and other devices to schools and small business that might not otherwise be able to afford such large-scale access to technology.

At New World Educational Center, a Phoenix-based charter school, about 80% of students are on free or reduced lunch. Revive IT helped the school to provide students with laptops and wireless internet, which has opened new doors.

“Because of Revive IT, we were able to create a STEM program that helped students see that a laptop can be a tool for things other than playing video games or word processing, but also for programming robotics kits and creating web pages,” said Jesus Armenta, principal of New World Educational Center. “We would hope that some of them fall in love with using technology.”

Revive IT’s work helps students access the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their school’s financial resources. “It would be really hard for me to imagine what it would be like if my kids, grandkids or friends went to school without technology,” Chris said. “Bridging that gap is creating a level playing field.”

Chris sees eBay as an integral partner in Revive IT’s growth. “eBay gave us an opportunity that no other platform would have,” he said.

Click here for more stories of Everyday Heroes, who are using eBay to make a difference in other's lives.

Tweet me:Learn how this @eBay seller is providing #schools in need with #technology and support http://bit.ly/2Aegawu @NWEC_Az @ReviveIT_io #STEM @eBayNewsroom #Phoenix

KEYWORDS: Education, Digital Literacy, New World Educational Center, Phoenix, ReviveIt, eBay

Funds will improve the lives of children, families and seniors in communities across the United States.

SOURCE:Caterpillar

DESCRIPTION:

community needs and finds efficient programs that deliver measurable outcomes through hundreds of United Way-funded agencies,” said Caterpillar Foundation President Michele Sullivan. “Most importantly, the United Way works to eliminate those needs in the future by identifying the causes and creating long-term and sustainable solutions.”

In addition to the more than $5.6 million pledged by employees and retirees through the campaign, employees raised more than $110,000 through special events, provided directly to local United Way agencies across the United States.  

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Caterpillar employees for continuously going above and beyond in providing generous contributions and volunteer leadership to United Ways and our member agencies,” said Michael Stephan, who serves as president of the Heart of Illinois United Way and coordinates Caterpillar’s donations across the United States. “In addition, United Ways and the communities we serve, tremendously benefit from the Caterpillar Foundation's ongoing commitment and support. In my thirty years working for United Ways across the country, I have never experienced a more caring and compassionate company that is committed to partnering with us to ensure vital health and human care programs are available that positively impact the education, income and health of our communities.”

For the last six years, Caterpillar has had two international United Way campaigns in Panama and Mexico that have continued to grow each year, supporting programs that provide access to basic human needs, education and beyond, and furthering the Caterpillar Foundation’s mission to lift people from the spiral of poverty.

About Caterpillar Foundation

Founded in 1952, Caterpillar's philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation has contributed more than $685 million to help make sustainable progress possible around the world by providing program support in the areas of environmental sustainability, access to education and basic human needs. To learn more about the global impact of the Caterpillar Foundation, visit www.togetherstronger.com.

About Caterpillar

For more than 90 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. Customers turn to Caterpillar to help them develop infrastructure, energy and natural resource assets. With 2016 sales and revenues of $38.537 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. The company principally operates through its three primary segments - Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation - and also provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect with us on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

Caterpillar Contact:
Bridget M. Young
Global Government & Corporate Affairs
Office: 309-675-8463
Mobile: 309-648-7254
young_bridget_m@cat.com

Tweet me:.@CaterpillarInc Foundation, employees and retirees help strengthen communities across US with $11.2M investment in #UnitedWay http://bit.ly/2BqpGAP #LiveUnited @CatFoundationTS

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Caterpillar Foundation, United Way

SOURCE:America's Charities

DESCRIPTION:

Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is a nonprofit, interdenominational organization in Appalachia committed to serving people in need through self-help human service programs. They are creating a community of care through a network of programs and services.

Much of the work accomplished by CAP is made possible by the generosity, support, and service of community and corporate partners like Louisville-based Texas Roadhouse. A valued corporate partner for the past seven years, Texas Roadhouse enjoys giving back and working in the community, and has sent volunteer teams annually to complete an array of projects.

CAP and the local Texas Roadhouse leadership realized they share the same passion for making an impact in the lives of children and their families in Appalachia. For five years, CAP has provided a list of potential projects and Texas Roadhouse personnel have scheduled, provided funding, and taken on the manual labor required to complete these projects.

“A rep with CAP reached out to meet me. I had always had an interest in reaching beyond our local community and had an interest in the Appalachian region. I explained to him that we don’t just write checks but strive to involve our employees in as many of our philanthropy initiatives as possible,” says Diania Ciresi, Sr. Manager of Community Relations for Texas Roadhouse

Each year Texas Roadhouse sends volunteer groups of employees to serve others in Appalachia. The first year they worked to enhance the Eagle Community Center in McCreary County. “We painted, cleaned and organized, and installed a huge sand volleyball pit. We also hosted a party for the community with food, line dancing, and games.” shares Diania Ciresi. The next two years they worked at Camp Shawnee, and the following two they worked with Elderly Housing. “We spent time with families, making improvements to their homes by building ramps, replacing windows, and providing general property enhancements. We then returned to Camp Shawnee for the past two years.”

Through this partnership, Texas Roadhouse is helping to transform the region, directly impacting the lives of Appalachian children and their families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

“We are able to have a positive impact on a community that is in great need. Appalachia is practically in our backyard, yet we never realized the scale of the need until we were approached by CAP. We return every year because we feel the personal impact of what we are doing for the children and families of the region. CAP came to us with a real need – not just a need for our money, but the need for our people to make a difference directly,” says Diania Ciresi, Sr. Manager of Community Relations for Texas Roadhouse

With the support from organizations like Texas Roadhouse, 1,158 children were served at summer camp this year. At just camp alone Texas Roadhouse has now provided every bunk bed and mattress in the camp, screened-in the gazebo by the lake, built picnic tables, painted and furnished the Counselors’ Lounge, and replaced and stained wood for the Theater (Chapel). They also laid the framework and stained all the wood for siding installation on several buildings and added a roof to the outdoor dining area.

When asked if they would recommend other companies come volunteer at CAP, Diania says, “Absolutely. I challenge companies to tour the area with a CAP representative and really grasp the need and realize they can have a positive impact.”

Support Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) through your employee giving program:

As a donor, you can support CAP by donating to them through your employer’s workplace giving program (CFC# 11102 if you're a military or federal employee participating in the Combined Federal Campaign). Payroll pledges made through employer-sponsored charitable giving programs represent a cost effective and near effortless way to support your favorite charities.

As CAP’s workplace giving partner, America’s Charities can help your company design and implement a program centered on supporting their work - through workplace giving campaigns, employee fundraising, cause-focused signature programs, volunteerism, donation drives, matching gifts, Dollars-for-Doers, In-Kind Giving and other employee engagement and philanthropic initiatives. Click here to request a demo and learn how we can help you do this.

Tweet me:.@AmerCharities: Louisville-based @texasroadhouse Teams-up with @ChrisAppProj to Impact Lives of Children & Families in Appalachia http://impact.ac/2zRek5w #Volunteer #SocialResponsibility #CSR

KEYWORDS: Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, America’s Charities, workplace giving, employee giving, Corporate Social Responsibility, csr, charity vetting, payroll deduction giving, Fundraising, Christian Appalachian Project, Texas Roadhouse, Poverty

SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

Emily was adopted from foster care when she was just a year old. Today, she is 6 and thriving as a member of her forever family.

Often times, children linger in foster care for years before their forever family is found. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption works each and every day to dramatically increase the number of adoptions from foster care. Our work is changing the attitudes of Americans who are now considering foster care adoption more and more, who believe that every child is worth of a family and love and who believe that children are in foster care through no fault of their own.

The Foundation takes great joy in sharing the adoption stories of these amazing families like the Yarbrough Family. However, we know that our work is far from done.

To learn more about how you can support our mission visit http://davethomasfoundation.org

Tweet me:Often times, children linger in #fostercare for years before their #foreverfamily is found http://bit.ly/2jD22pL @DTFA #adoption

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Dave Thomas, foster care, adoption, Recruiter, forever family, Wendy’s, Support Foster Care Adoption, Give Now

SOURCE:Northern Trust

DESCRIPTION:

Thank you Valley of the Sun United Way and The Salvation Army for allowing us to volunteer for your Christmas Angel program by distributing toys to children and families in need!

Connect with Northern Trust on LinkedIN

Click here to learn more about CSR at Northern Trust

Tweet me:.@NTCSR employees volunteer with Sun United Way and The Salvation Army http://bit.ly/2AnGcO8 for the Christmas Angel program by distributing toys to children and families in need

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, holiday volunteering, Employee Engagement, csr, Northern Trust, employees

Campaign Has Helped More Than 5,700 Junior-Enlisted Service and Family Members Travel From Their Bases to Homes Across the Country

SOURCE:Brown-Forman Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

LYNCHBURG, Tenn., December 18, 2018 /3BL Media/ – For the seventh year, the Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) have kicked off their “Operation Ride Home” campaign that provides financial assistance to active duty junior-enlisted military and their families to travel from their place of military service to “home” for the holidays.

Since Operation Ride Home began, 2,669 junior enlisted single service members and those with families – for a total of 5,767 people – have travelled from their bases to homes around the country for the holidays.  Men and women from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been assisted with travel to 47 of the 50 states.

The ASYMCA works with the various military commands in specific areas co-located with ASYMCA branches to identify and prioritize junior-enlisted service members and families most in financial need.  Plane tickets and pre-paid debit cards are given to assist those traveling.

Jack Daniel’s has once again donated $100,000 to kick off the campaign that this year will exceed more than one million dollars in total donations over the life of ORH. The famed distillery is asking friends to visit www.jdoperationridehome.com to make a contribution to help more service members spend the holidays at home. All donations are 100 percent tax deductible.

“Words can’t describe what it means for us to be able to give back and help these heroes and their families make it home for the holidays,” said Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller.  “We can’t thank our friends enough for their support of Operation Ride Home over the years, and hope they will once again do what they can as we try to get as many families home as possible.  The sacrifice shown daily by our men and women in uniform and their families is simply incredible.  They are there for us, and we need to be there for them.”

“Our junior-enlisted service members are often young, new to the military and struggle to get home during the holidays,” said William French, ASYMCA President and CEO. “We are proud to work alongside Jack Daniel’s for Operation Ride Home and hope others will join us in sending these service members home to their loved ones this holiday season.”

Operation Ride Home is open to active duty E-4 and below, both single and married, who might not otherwise financially be able to travel home for the holidays.  The option to drive or fly is an individual decision.  Plane ticket vouchers are limited to $400 per person flying and for those choosing to drive, the pre-paid debit cards are $100 per family member for gas, lodging and food.  For additional information on eligibility and to view participating installations that qualify for travel assistance, please visit https://www.asymca.org/operation-ride-home.

Celebrate Joyfully.  Drink Responsibly.

###

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

About Armed Services YMCA

Each year, the Armed Services YMCA serves more than half a million junior enlisted active duty Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen along with their family members from 200 service centers in 18 states. Whether providing respite child care for parents in need, summer camps for kids, or assisting with emergency needs, the Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit with a mission: Make Military Life Easier. To learn more about the Armed Services YMCA visit asymca.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. 

Tweet me:For 7 yrs, "Operation Ride Home" led by @JackDaniels_US and @asymca has provided assistance to get military members home for the holidays. http://bit.ly/2BEYazu

KEYWORDS: Media & Communications, Diversity & Inclusion, Brown-Forman Corporation, Jack Daniel Distillery, Armed Services YMCA

By Craig Shoup

SOURCE:Whirlpool Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

Eddie Hatfield, a father of six, said he always wanted to give back to children, and two years ago started collecting money from his fellow tool makers at Whirlpool Corp. in Clyde to donate bikes to children for the Toys for Tots program.

Click here to read the full story.

Tweet me:Whirlpool Corporation employees donate dozens of bikes to kids through Toys for Tots program @WhirlpoolCorp http://bit.ly/2AXt8PX

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Fighting Poverty, whirlpool corporation, Eddie Hatfield, Bike Donation, Toys for Tots, Wal-Mart, Christmas, Tool Makers, Clyde, Jeff Gates, Matt Carr, Jason Gibson, Jim Andrews, Sandusky County, Terra State Community College, U.S. Marines, Gary Pollock

Daryl Brewster, CEO, CECP

SOURCE:CECP: The CEO Force for Good

DESCRIPTION:

As the wild ride of 2017 comes to an end, we reflect on a year that was replete with loss and pain, but also a year when leading corporations have stepped up on major social issues.

Through CECP’s collaboration with 200+ companies, hundreds of monthly inquiries and discussions, proprietary surveys, and conversations with leading experts and on-the-ground practitioners, we see six trends as companies lead during these uncertain times.

COMMITMENT DESPITE DISRUPTION: The best corporate social commitments and investments are increasingly strategic and have not wavered in an uncertain environment.

PURPOSE IS THE NEW PERK: Companies are building programs that move employees from disengaged to purpose-driven.

WHOLE-COMPANY APPROACH: Social strategy is going deeper into the company and crossing multiple functions, business units, and assets, building off a strong business case.

See all six trends and read the complete blog at CECP's website: http://cecp.me/2jcNrS8

Tweet me:From corporate commitment despite disruption to the whole company approach, these are the trends @CECPTweets saw in 2017: http://cecp.me/2jcNrS8

KEYWORDS: Events, Media & Communications, Diversity & Inclusion, CECP

SOURCE:21st Century Fox

DESCRIPTION:

The National Geographic Society recently approved more than $4 million for 111 grants, further strengthening the 21CF partner’s commitment to investing in science, exploration, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology. These awards complete the annual grants cycle, with over 600 grants totaling nearly $12 million awarded in 2017 to help address the planet’s most critical issues in fighting for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

“This week’s decision by the National Geographic Society leadership demonstrates a historic and continued commitment to understanding the world and all that’s in it. The significance of Society funding cannot be overstated. We’re making substantial investments to support all those striving to achieve a planet in balance,” said Gary E. Knell, president and CEO, National Geographic Society.

Applicants came from the widest range of disciplines and backgrounds yet, including technologists, educators, and storytellers, in addition to scientists, conservationists, and explorers. Over half of the grant awardees are from outside the United States and represent 34 countries, from Argentina to Italy to Rwanda to Indonesia. Grant recipients will employ citizen science to collect data about widespread mangrove die-off in the Caribbean; test innovations to combat illegal sea turtle egg trafficking, coastline degradation and poaching; and build and test long-range, private wireless networks to strengthen the capacity of rangers and managers in protected areas from Malaysia, Burkina Faso, Niger and Benin.

“Our grant recipients are — and have always been — the heart and soul of what we do. When we award a grant, we’re not just funding a project. We are also inviting bold individuals from a variety of fields to join a passionate community of like-minded global leaders,” said Jonathan Baillie, chief scientist and senior vice president, Science and Exploration, National Geographic Society.

For nearly 130 years, the National Geographic Society has been pushing boundaries to explore and document the world, supporting over 13,000 grant projects along the way. In September 2015, 21st Century Fox expanded its partnership with the Society to create National Geographic Partners, a new for-profit venture bringing together all of National Geographic's media assets, including the channels, the globally circulated magazine, and the popular social media presences. At the new company, 27% of all proceeds return to the non-profit National Geographic Society, supporting their commitment to science, research, conservation and exploration.

Tweet me:.@natgeo recently awarded over $4 million in grants to fuel the work of scientists, educators, and explorers around the world, resulting in nearly $12 million awarded in 2017 to help address the planet's most critical issues http://bit.ly/2BbU2HK @21CF_Impact

KEYWORDS: Sustainable Development Goals, Energy, National Geographic, sustainable development, 21st century fox

SOURCE:Albertsons Companies

DESCRIPTION:

Smithfield and Vons representatives presented the donation to Feeding San Diego at an event that raised awareness of hunger’s impact in the local community. Members from all three organizations discussed the significance of protein donations in helping the nearly 400,000 individuals in San Diego County who face hunger.

"At Vons, we have always taken our community responsibilities seriously and we’re proud to stand with Smithfield to address hunger in our neighborhoods,” said Shane Dorcheus, Southern California division president for Vons. “We are excited to continue our good neighbor policy by providing protein to those who rely on Feeding San Diego for support.”

Continue reading on Globe Newswire

Learn more about Vons philanthropic efforts towards hunger relief in their annual sustainability update.

Tweet me:.@Vons and @SmithfieldFoods donate more than 38,000 lbs. of protein to @FeedingSanDiego to fight hunger in communities across San Diego http://bit.ly/2CCPUg2

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Hunger Relief, Vons, Albertsons Companies

By Patrick Campbell

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

Earlier this week, employees from Sanofi Pasteur got the chance to be Santa Claus to more than three-dozen area families as part of their 23rd annual “Adopt-a-Family” holiday drive.

Company employees donated gifts ranging from bicycles to clothes to new car tires that will be given to 38 Monroe County Head Start families.

To read the full article click here.  

Tweet me:Sanofi continues Adopt-a-Family Tradition for 23rd Year http://bit.ly/2BuVJNC

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Responsible Business & Employee Engagement, Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur, Pocono Record, Head start, Donation

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way than helping rural families turn their lights on for the first time? This energy company has taken it upon themselves to spread a little more than joy this season, and you could help.

SOURCE:Schneider Electric

DESCRIPTION:

The Holiday season is here, so let's take the chance and contribute to a better access to energy for those who need it most.

With each share of our Season’s Greetings on social media, the Schneider Electric Foundation donates €1 to help improving access to energy around the world.

How to join it?
Access the e-card and share directly on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Discover the projects we are supporting thanks to your participation

Fuel poverty: The “Just a Change” project encourages volunteers to renovate the homes of poor individuals and families, with the aim of not only tackling several issues related to housing poverty, but also to improve the overall efficiency of each home.

Refugees: The Danish Refugee Council and United Nations High Commission for Refugees are delivering survival kits to the poorest people from Niger. With donations from Foundation, we supply solar energy to Nigerian families and bring light to their homes

Community Training: Equal delivery of energy among citizens is an issue in Indonesia. So, Schneider Indonesia provides electrical and energy-related training to young people in the community, empowering them to ensure that the future of Indonesia is, and stays ON.

Click here to learn more about Schneider Electric Foundation.

Tweet me:With each share of their e-card on social media, the @SE_Foundation donates €1 to help improving #accesstoenergy around the world. Find out more here: http://bit.ly/2BeyN89 @SchneiderElec

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Energy, Schneider Electric, schneider electric foundation, access to energy, seasons greetings e-card

SOURCE:Cisco Systems Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

Our annual Corporate Social Responsibility report reflects our efforts to inspire and connect people. We invest in opportunities that accelerate global problem solving. We seek to empower people everywhere to address critical challenges like poverty, unemployment, climate change, hunger, and more. 

Click here to learn more.

Click here to download our 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

Tweet me:See @Cisco's 2017 Year in Review #INFOGRAPHIC http://bit.ly/2AfmGDa #CSR #socialimpact #education #environment

KEYWORDS: Research, Reports & Publications, Education, cisco csr, global problem solvers

Funding from the FCA Foundation will help ensure that more children have access to Meet Up and Eat Up and School Breakfast Programs

SOURCE:FCA US LLC

DESCRIPTION:

December 19, 2017 /3BL Media/ - The FCA Foundation, the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, today announced a $500,000 grant to United Way for Southeastern Michigan. The grant will help United Way implement two primary strategies to ensure that more children have access to and participate in child nutrition programs throughout the school year and during the summer.

First, the FCA Foundation grant will enable United Way to provide partner organizations (community groups and schools) with the funds and technical assistance needed to run and expand Meet Up and Eat Up summer meals programs. Additionally, the grant will support United Way’s efforts to implement robust community engagement, marketing, and canvassing strategies to ensure that children and families, school administrators, and the public know about both the Meet Up and Eat Up summer program and the School Breakfast Program available each school day.

“FCA US cares deeply about our communities and respects United Way for the work they do. In no uncertain terms, United Way is committed to improving lives,” said Brian Harlow, Head of Manufacturing, North America and FCA US United Way Co-Chair. “By focusing on key areas including education, economic prosperity and health, United Way works to connect corporations, non-profits and government agencies to tackle problems as a team, therefore, amplifying what no singular organization could do alone.”

Raising awareness about the free food programs remains a priority to United Way. During the school year, nearly 300,000 children in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties qualify for either free or reduced price meals. Yet of those eligible children, only about 17 percent participate in the free summer meals program, Meet Up and Eat Up. In response, FCA US sponsored five United Way Block Parties this summer to increase awareness and attendance of the Meet Up and Eat Up program.  

See video for details:FCA US-sponsored United Way Block Party

“We are grateful for strategic partners like FCA US for helping us support families throughout the tri-county,” said Tanya Heidelberg Yopp, interim CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “With partnerships that reach more than 700 sites, this significant grant will help further our efforts for greater impact so that children continue to have access to this valuable free, meals program each summer.”

According to data from the Michigan Department of Education, the total number of summer meals served in 2016 in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties was 1,210,049.

All donations to United Way this year count towards its overarching 2016-18 Annual Community Giving goal of $100 million – set by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne, who also serves as United Way Campaign Chair.

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through volunteerism, advocacy and its annual campaign. United Way is a leader in convening partners to achieve positive outcomes around Health, Education, and Economic Prosperity. For more information, visit www.UnitedWaySEM.org.

About the FCA Foundation
The FCA Foundation is the charitable arm of North American automaker FCA US LLC, a member of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA) family of companies. The FCA Foundation invests in U.S. charitable organizations and initiatives that help empower people, build strong, resilient communities and generate meaningful and measurable societal impacts. In support of these objectives, the FCA Foundation focuses on the following foundational pillars: youth development, education, support for veterans and their families, and community service. 

Tweet me:$500,000 FCA Foundation grant to @UnitedWaySEM will help ensure that no kid goes hungry. #LiveUnited http://bit.ly/2CiAtdL

Contact Info:

Kevin E. Frazier
FCA US LLC
+1 (248) 512-2678
Kevin.Frazier@fcagroup.com

Vickie J. Winn
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
+1 (313) 226-9200
Vickie.Winn@LiveUnitedSEM.org

KEYWORDS: Social Impact & Volunteering, Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, childhood hunger, food desert, Meet Up Eat Up, free or reduced lunch, United Way, FCA

by Lisa Di Venuta

SOURCE:Viacom

DESCRIPTION:

“Everyone on the left side of the room say, ‘Give back,’” shouted Viacom President and CEO Bob Bakish, addressing a constellation of nearly 200 Viacom employees and nonprofit partners, all gathered in the White Box at Viacom’s Times Square Headquarters one evening in early December.

“Give back,” the crowd roared.

“Now everybody on the right side of the room say, “Get down!’”

“Get down!’”

After this rhapsodic rallying cry, Bakish began his opening remarks for our eighth annual gala of goodwill: Give Back & Get Down.

“Every year, Give Back and Get Down reminds us to celebrate the qualities that embody the Viacom spirit: empathy and engagement for the communities in which we serve,” said Bakish, applauding our Office of Global Inclusion (OGI), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (Viacommunity) department for their concerted efforts in organizing such a festive and fruitful event.

Each year, the event focuses its attention on one or two specific causes—last year, we gave back to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, and partnered with Safe Horizon and Sanctuary for Families.

This year’s focus: transforming the lives of underserved youth.

Our partners: youth-oriented nonprofits and charitable organizations

The Harlem Educational Activities Fund is a nonprofit that provides bespoke attention to students from impoverished communities. This group allows students the chance to flourish as they reach adulthood through enriched coursework and mentorship. This cause appealed to The BEAT (our employee resource group focused on the African-American experience) as well as The Parenthood, which supports working parents at Viacom.

APEX for Youth is an educational and mentorship program for low-income Asian and immigrant teens.  Our resource group focused on the Asian Pacific American experience (AMP) chose to work with this group.

The Jericho Project helps at-risk kids and young adults (many from the LGBT community) by providing them with housing, employment and health services. This organization appealed to both SOMOS (our Hispanic heritage resource group) and EMERGE (our resource group for LGBT employees and allies).

Members of each organization attended the celebration, including LaToya Williams-Belfort, the Jericho Project’s chief development and communications officer. Williams-Belfort was thrilled to hear Bakish speak so eloquently about her organization in his opening remarks, and praised our CEO for taking the time to have genuine conversations with each nonprofit leader prior to the event.

Digital donations

For the first time in GBGD history, all donations were made online via Amazon wish lists. OGI chose to connect with employees where we’re most likely to engage—on our phones or computers.

With donation stations on each end of the White Box equipped with three laptops (displaying the Amazon wish lists for each charity), it was easy to continue giving back throughout the night.

Our digital do-gooders helped students from the Harlem Educational Activities Fund continue their rigorous academic enrichment with colorful index cards, graphing calculators and acrylic paint sets.

Some purchased shower curtain hooks, bathmats and linen sets for the Jericho Project, and other employees stocked up on paintbrushes, recyclable file folders and Polaroid camera film for APEX for Youth, so professionals who volunteer at the organization have the supplies they need to mentor and educate students.

Philanthropic partying

With performances by Empire recording artists Lyrica Anderson and Rotimi, a raffle, two open bars (one sponsored by Jay-Z’s Cognac brand, D’usse), there were plenty of opportunities to “get down.”

Strands of white-gold bulbs draped along the walls of the White Box and adorned each cocktail table, evoking the ambience of a trendy Brooklyn nightclub.

Especially when Lyrica and Rotimi took the stage…

Giving back never felt so good

I chose a few items for the Jericho Project using the donation stations, where the Amazon wish lists for each organization were conveniently accessible on three laptops, one for each charity. The Jericho project resonated with me—after hearing Bob’s remarks earlier in the evening, I was reminded of a fond memory I had when I was 19 years old and shopping to furnish my first off-campus apartment.

My mother and I went to IKEA to buy furniture, pots and pans, towels and wonky Scandinavian lamps. I remember the joy of picking out my first grown-up essentials (and silly wall decor), but more importantly, the blissful afternoon I shared with my mother.

“If you spend a year on the streets, you may be thrilled to have a place to stay—but of course you don’t have all those other things,” said Bakish, referring to those staples (home furnishings) that I was fortunate enough to own at an early age. It struck me how different my life could be if I had not been so fortunate.

Every young adult should have can-openers, light bulbs, soap dispensers and a toothbrush. These are literally the tools to adulthood, to self-sufficiency. I ruminated these thoughts while eating delicious vegetarian dumplings and sipping white wine with my coworkers, overlooking Times Square, and felt a deep gratitude towards Viacom for providing us with a way to genuinely give back to our community.

And it’s not too late to donate!

Click through to donate to the Jericho Project

Click through to donate to Harlem Educational Activities Fund

Click through to donate to APEX for Youth

Tweet me:Learn how @Viacom's 8th annual "Give Back & Get Down" event rallied employees to #donate to a good cause http://bit.ly/2BrjSHh @viacommunity #CSR

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Employee Resource Group, Viacom, Give Back and Get Down, Safe Horizon, Sanctuary for Families

Purina and LVCART offer tips for pet owners to be prepared for winter emergencies

SOURCE:Nestlé

DESCRIPTION:

ALLENTOWN, Pa., December 19, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Natural disasters and severe storms have impacted countless people and pets in 2017. Animals are especially vulnerable when the unthinkable happens, and thanks to Pennsylvania State Animal Response Teams in place across the state, volunteers are available 24/7 to facilitate a rapid, coordinated and effective response for any emergency affecting animals. The Lehigh Valley County Animal Response Team (LVCART) recently received monetary support for its life-saving efforts from Purina, which has been making high-quality dog and cat food at its Allentown manufacturing facility for 81 years.  

LVCART handles any 911 call involving animals, including technical rescue or for temporary emergency sheltering. Each county-based team keeps a variety of equipment on hand to aid in their response, such as large crates, leashes, cleaning supplies, pet oxygen masks, trailers and pet emergency kits, but LVCART has never had a permanent, efficient place to store them – until now. Purina recently donated $7,000 to LVCART to fund the purchase of a permanent storage unit.

“Since CART is 100 percent volunteer-run, we do not have our own facility, and as you can imagine, we need a lot of equipment to do what we do,” said Chuck Thomas, LVCART Safety Office and Training Coordinator, who has been a volunteer since 2010. “We’re grateful to have had the support of Purina for several years and are especially thankful for this most recent contribution. We’re happy to have a permanent home for the equipment that is critical in our response to save the lives of animals in need.”

“Pets enrich our lives in so many ways, and Purina and LVCART have a shared commitment to keep people and pets together, especially in times of crisis,” said Winston Silva, Plant Manager at Purina’s Allentown facility. “With pets contributing to our families in so many ways, we’re thankful for the LVCART volunteers and all they do to help pets in emergencies.”

The new 280-square foot storage unit is located on the property of the Tri-Clover Fire Department. LVCART maintains close relationships with area fire departments, providing training on animal emergencies and equipment such as pet emergency kits and pet oxygen masks, which Purina has also supported through monetary and in-kind donations.

“LVCART has filled a very necessary niche assisting with emergency responses involving animals,” said the Tri-Clover Fire Department. “The team’s volunteers, trained in animal handling, rescue and sheltering, provide a service to our community, which local fire, police and EMS responders were unable to render. The Tri-Clover Fire Department is more than pleased to offer a site for the LVCART equipment storage shed.”

If you have a domestic animal emergency, please call 911 to ask for the CART to be deployed.

LVCART is always looking to welcome new members who are interested in helping animals in emergencies. Please visit www.lvcart.com for information on how to join the team.

PREPARE YOUR PET FOR WINTER EMERGENCIES

With the arrival of winter weather, LVCART and Purina remind pet owners of the following tips to keep dogs and cats safe this winter.

• Never leave your dog inside a parked car, which can quickly amplify the effects of extreme weather. During the winter cars can act as an icebox and trap cold air inside.
• Keep an eye out for hypothermia. If you notice shivering, lethargy, low heart rate and unresponsiveness, bring your pet into a warm area, place a light blanket over him, and call your veterinarian.
• Watch out for antifreeze. Be extra vigilant about keeping your pet away from antifreeze. It tastes sweet, but is extremely toxic. Look out for blue or green-colored substances on driveways, sidewalks and car surfaces. 
• Be alert for signs of frostbite and injury. Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible, and if you suspect frostbite, contact your veterinarian. Always wipe your dog’s feet after a walk in the snow to remove ice balls and salt deposits from the road. Salt can irritate a dog’s paws and can be toxic if ingested. Use only pet-safe ice melt.
• When outdoors, keep your dog on a leash. Dogs rely heavily on a strong sense of smell to figure out where they are and can easily get lost during winter storms. Snow covering the ground will make their surroundings less familiar. 

Tweet me:Lehigh Valley County Animal Response Team receives #donation from @Purina to boost animal emergency life-saving efforts http://bit.ly/2AWYWnX @LVCART

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy & Cause Initiatives, Corporate Contributions, Nestlé Purina, Lehigh Valley County Animal Response Team, LVCART, pets