SOURCE:FSG

DESCRIPTION:

What do you get when you combine a quarter cup of water with table salt and a zap from a car battery? Enough chlorine to purify 200 liters of drinking water.

I was fascinated last spring when I first encountered the MSR SE200 Community Chlorine Maker at the annual PATH Community Breakfast innovation fair—fascinated not only by how something so small could pack such a punch, but also by the story of how an outdoor recreation equipment company came to partner with one of the world’s leading global development nonprofits around water purification.

I recently had an opportunity to learn more about the project when Patrick Diller from MSR (Mountain Safety Research) Global Health and Jesse Schubert from PATH joined me in a community conversation about innovative corporate-nonprofit partnerships.   

Interestingly, I learned that the Chlorine Maker originated from a 1999 MSR-DARPA partnership, which yielded a pen-sized device that provided troops with the ability to create enough chlorine to purify up to 4 liters of water in 30 seconds. MSR quickly realized that many of their products had the potential for broader global health applications, and wanted to think about how to leverage their technology for global good.

Read Just Add Water—Cooking up Successful Corporate-NGO Partnerships on FSG.org >

Tweet me:Just Add Water—Cooking up Successful Corporate-NGO Partnerships http://ow.ly/ZPqh303i8ZV via @FSGtweets #globaldev #socinn

KEYWORDS: Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Business & Trade, Global Health, Partnerships, public-private partnerships, FSG

Awards program to honor environmental volunteers, donate $20,000 to local nonprofits

SOURCE:Cox Enterprises

DESCRIPTION:

ATLANTA, August 18, 2016 /3BL Media/ Channel 2 WSB-TV, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land, is honoring environmental volunteers through the 2016 Cox Conserves Heroes program. Nominations are being accepted through August 26 at wsbtv.com/coxconservesheroes for volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing outdoor spaces. Nominee activities must be performed on a volunteer basis and may not be part of one’s paid job.

A total of $20,000 will be donated to local environmental nonprofits on behalf of the winner and finalists. A judging panel of civic and environmental leaders will select three finalists who will compete to be named Atlanta’s 2016 Cox Conserves Hero. The winner will be chosen through an online public vote, which will take place in October.

Types of volunteer activities considered include:

• Advocating for or educating others on the importance of parks and open space 
• Beautifying a public place
• Creating a community garden
• Connecting people with nature
• Helping to  protect  land for public use
• Helping provide public access to a previously inaccessible place
• Volunteering at a local park
• Water conservation/protection-related projects

Previous recipients of Atlanta’s Cox Conserves Heroes award are Tom Branch, Bob Scott, John Gordon, Donna Shearer, Na'Taki Osborne-Jelks, Angel Poventud and Don Wells.

Financial support from Cox Conserves Heroes has helped create community gardens, build trails, plant trees, provide environmental education and maintain parks, as well as create outdoor classrooms and certified wildlife habitats at area schools throughout Metro Atlanta.

The national Cox Conserves Heroes program was created in 2008 through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV. The partnership stems from Cox Enterprises’ national Cox Conserves sustainability program that focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, conserving water and inspiring eco-friendly behavior.

For more information, visit CoxConservesHeroes.com or Facebook.

Social Media: #CoxConservesHeroes and #CoxConservesHero

# # #

Media Contacts:

• Kristen Anderson, The Trust for Public Land, 415-800-5178, kristen.anderson@tpl.org 
• Elizabeth Olmstead, Cox Enterprises, 678-645-0762, elizabeth.olmstead@coxinc.com

About Channel 2 WSB-TV:

The ABC Affiliate is part of Cox Media Group and ranks as Atlanta’s number one local television station. The station also operates its website, wsbtv.com, its mobile site, wap.wsbtv.com, and airs MeTV on its digital channel 2.2.

About The Trust for Public Land:

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.  Millions of people live within a one-half mile walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.  To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit http://www.tpl.org.

About Cox Conserves:

Launched in 2007 by Chairman Jim Kennedy, Cox Conserves is Cox Enterprises' national sustainability program. Cox Conserves focuses on reducing waste and energy consumption, as well as conserving water. The program engages each of the company's major subsidiaries (Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group) and encourages Cox Enterprises' 60,000 employees and their families to engage in eco-friendly practices.

Tweet me:Final days to nominate #green volunteers for ATL's #CoxConservesHero program; $20K going to nonprofits http://bit.ly/2bl8dJz

KEYWORDS: Awards & Recognition, Environment & Climate Change, Cox Conserves, Jim Kennedy, WSB-TV, Conservation

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

Since its inception in 2004, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser has grown to be the largest single fundraiser event in Monroe County, giving back more than $2 million to the community.  More than 480 community enthusiasts attended this year’s event, titled “Keeping It Close to Home.” Event founder, Diamond Sponsor and host Sanofi Pasteur once again covered all event costs. As a result, 100 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships directly benefitted the non-profit recipients.

To learn more about one of this year’s recipients, The Garden of Giving, click the following link to view media coverage from WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV/Eyewitness News: http://www.pahomepage.com/news/fundraiser-helps-grow-a-garden-of-giving

To learm more about the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, click here: http://3blmedia.com/News/2016-Pocono-Mountains-Community-Fundraiser

Through the funds provided, The Garden of Giving will supply high-quality organic produce and eggs to local food banks and soup kitchens in Monroe County, while also providing nutritional programs and materials to local residents.

The Garden of Giving website is: http://thegardenofgiving.org/

Tweet me:Meet 2016 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser Winner - Garden of Giving http://bit.ly/2aJweiB

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Philanthropy, csr, Corporate Social Responsibility, Garden of Giving, Food Bank, garden, Sanofi, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, fundraiser, Poconos, Sanofi Pasteur

SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

It’s the country music capital of the world. You can buy cowboy boots on sale and you might even see Blake Shelton take to The Stage on any given day. But this weekend, Nashville was just the next stop on Ed Anderson’s cross-country bike ride to raise $1 million to help find forever families for the children in the U.S. foster care system.

Ed Anderson is a Wendy’s franchisee from Newport News, VA and he is riding 4,000 miles across the country to raise awareness and critical funds for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

In 1992, Dave Thomas started the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. An international nonprofit dedicated solely to increasing the number of adoptions from foster care. The Foundation furnishes grants to private and public adoption agencies through its signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. The agencies use the grants to hire specially-trained adoption recruiters, called Wendy’s Wonderful Kids recruiters, who use a child-focused recruitment model. It is the sole mission of these recruiters to find permanent, loving homes for the children who have been in foster care the longest.

Dave Thomas himself was adopted and Ed felt there was no better way to honor the memory of Dave Thomas than to help raise funds for his Foundation.

Ed started his journey on July 27 and will ride until October 4 when he completes his trip in San Diego, CA.  

To learn more about Ed’s Tour de Adoption and to make a donation, visit bit.ly/edsadoptiontour.

Tweet me:.@Wendys Ed Anderson stops in Nashville on his 4,000 mile #bikeride for #adoption Learn more: bit.ly/edsadoptiontour #DTFA #edsadoptiontour

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Dave Thomas, foster care, adoption, Recruiter, forever family, Wendy's, Ed Anderson, Nashville, Blake Shelton, Newport News, virginia

A total of $1.5 million in donations and needed supplies to assist organizations leading the flood relief efforts.

SOURCE:Walmart

DESCRIPTION:

BENTONVILLE, Ark., August 22, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Today, Walmart Foundation President Kathleen McLaughlin announced via Twitter that Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committing an additional $1 million to Team Rubicon, Convoy of Hope, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and other organizations making a difference on the ground in Baton Rouge and across the state of Louisiana.

Earlier this week Walmart and the Walmart Foundation made a $500,000 commitment to provide support through cash and in-kind donation to organizations helping with flood relief efforts. The total commitment of $1.5 million will be used to provide additional food, water, cleaning supplies and other essential items to those in critical need. Funds will also be used towards longer term recovery efforts.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, President of the Walmart Foundation. “We have been working closely with non-profit partners, first responders, elected officials and governmental organizations to learn how we can use our strengths to help. We will continue to be there for our friends, family, fellow associates, customers and neighbors in Louisiana.”

Walmart has a long history of providing aid in times of disaster in Louisiana, working hand in hand with the people of the Gulf Region during and after Hurricane Katrina. Walmart continues to help communities prepare and recover by donating emergency supplies, such as food and water, home and personal products, and by creating ways for associates and community members to locate and help one another. In the last 10 years, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than $56 million in cash and in-kind donations in response to disaster events.

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better - anytime and anywhere - in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 260 million customers and members visit our 11,528 stores under 72 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2016 revenue of $482.1 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
By using our strengths to help others, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation create opportunities for people to live better every day. We have stores in 28 countries, employing more than 2.3 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. We are helping people live better by accelerating upward job mobility and economic development for the retail workforce; addressing hunger and making healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality; and building strong communities where we operate and inspiring our associates to give back. Whether it is helping to lead the fight against hunger in the United States with $2 billion in cash and in-kind donations or supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment through a series of grants totaling $10 million to the Women in Factories training program in Bangladesh, China, India and Central America, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are not only working to tackle key social issues, we are also collaborating with others to inspire solutions for long-lasting systemic change. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.  

Tweet me:.@Walmart Foundation donations reach $1.5 million for Louisiana flood relief effortshttp://bit.ly/2b9BPPg

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Walmart, walmart foundation, Louisiana Flood Relief Efforts

SustainabilityHQ Highlights (08.17.2016)

SOURCE:Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

The Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers Business School Newark and Governance & Accountability Institute are joining forces again on a two-day Certificate program in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The theme is "Building a Best-in-Class CSR Department."  The program will be on September 28 and 29, 2016 at the Rutgers Business School campus in downtown Newark, New Jersey.  Participants will have a choice of two tracks -- one for corporate responsibility topics and the other for not-for-profit / social sector organization topics, with plenary sessions to share knowledge and experience with all participants.

Early Bird Registration is open! 
Registrants save 15% through August 31st. 
Click here to register & save now!

Two Tracks:

• Corporate CSR Executive Track 
• Nonprofit and Philanthropy CSR Track

Topics include:

• The Ethics of Corporate Responsibility
• Industry Specific Metrics and Measurements
• Sustainable Development Goals
• CSR Trends – Locally, Nationally and Internationally
• CSR Through the Investor Lens
• Materiality - Identify & Focus on Strategic ESG Issues

An outstanding group of keynoters, panel moderators and speakers is lining up for the program.  To date, among those confirmed as faculty are outstanding corporate sector responsibility leaders Mary O'Malley, Vice President of Corporate Governance, Prudential Financial, Inc; Ellen Lambert, President of PESG Foundation and Chief Diversity Officer one of the nation's leading energy providers. 

In the not-for-profit sector, Wanda Lopuch, Chair of the Board at The Global Sourcing Council (GSC); and Georg Kell, Founding Director and long-time leader of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and now Vice Chairman, Arabesque Partners, are confirmed presenters.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

For more information contact Louis D. Coppola, EVP of G&A Institute, at lcoppola@ga-institute.com

This is just a sample of some of the articles from this weeks SustainabilityHQ Highlights. You can view the full Highlights by using the following links. Sustainability | ESG, Highlights for the Week of August 17, 2016

Tweet me:SustainabilityHQ Highlights (08.17.2016) http://bit.ly/2b8Nxdd

KEYWORDS: Events, Conferences & Webinars, Awards & Recognition, G&A Institute, GRI, Governance & Accountability Institute, SWF, Sovereign Wealth Funds, SustainabilityHQ, environmental, governance, social, sustainability

By: Domenica Bayas, a tenth grader from Ecuador

SOURCE:AT&T

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:.@ConnectToGood "Across India: A National Geographic Student Expedition’s Journey" http://soc.att.com/2bDjNBH #ATTimpact

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Awards & Recognition, AT&T, India, DIRECTV, National Geographic, FOX Networks, Ecuador, new delhi, taj mahal, Geo Mundo Explorer

SOURCE:21st Century Fox

DESCRIPTION:

Louisiana has been an important production hub for 21st Century Fox and the film and television industry as a whole, which is why the company saw an urgent need to respond to the damage and casualties caused by the unprecedented rains there last week. Today, 21CF is donating $100,000 to help the disaster relief efforts in the affected communities, where our production teams have lived and worked.

The donation will be directed to the Louisiana Association of United Ways’ (LAUW) Flood Fund, which has been set up to distribute flood relief donations to six local United Way member organizations operating across the region. The LAUW determines which local chapters have the greatest need and is particularly focused on the post-emergency recovery work to come.

Two of Ryan Murphy’s shows, FX Networks’ “American Horror Story” and FOX’s “Scream Queens,” have filmed in Louisiana, as will the upcoming “Katrina: American Crime Story.”

“After shooting two series in New Orleans, I feel particularly connected to the state of Louisiana and the wonderful and talented people I’ve met there,” Ryan said. “We want everyone affected by these devastating floods to know that we see you and that help is on the way.”

“Scream Queens” cast members, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Roberts, joined the cause by calling on viewers to help the relief efforts.

The severe flooding in Louisiana has caused at least 13 deaths and damaged approximately 60,000 homes, and the state reports that about 102,000 survivors have registered to receive federal aid from FEMA. The American Red Cross estimates that the response will cost $30 million or more.

“More than 100,000 families throughout south Louisiana are working through the shock of the unnamed storm that flooded our state, while they clean up and come to terms with their devastating losses,” said Sarah Berthelot, president and CEO of the LAUW. “Louisiana United Ways are coordinating efforts to help meet the unmet needs of families and their communities, now and in the future. The Louisiana Association of United Ways is grateful for the generosity and partnership of 21st Century Fox during our tremendous time of need in Louisiana.”

Over the years, 21CF’s film and television studios have had a number of productions in Louisiana, most recently 20th Century Fox Film’s “Fantastic Four” and upcoming “X-Men” movie featuring Wolverine.

To donate, go to the LAUW’s website or text “HELPLA” to 313131.

Learn more at impact.21CF.com. 

Tweet me:21CF donated $100K to flood relief efforts in #Louisiana. Here's how you can help: http://bit.ly/2b9Mjye @21CF_Impact @ScreamQueens

KEYWORDS: Health, Corporate Social Responsibility, 21st century fox, Louisiana Flood Relief, ryan murphy, scream queens, american horror story, american crime story, Katrina, emma roberts, jamie lee curtis, disaster relief, louisiana association of united ways, x-men

By Tracy Haver, Technology Development Program (TDP) Manager, AT&T.

SOURCE:AT&T

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:.@Connect To Good "Interns Code for a Cause" http://soc.att.com/2bAVmWU #ATTimpact

KEYWORDS: Technology, Diversity & Human Resources, AT&T, Intern, summer, HOW, Heroes on the Water, coding, Challenge, employee, Veterans, navy

KRCS announces partnership

SOURCE:Novartis

DESCRIPTION:

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has announced a partnership with Novartis to improve access to prevention, treatment, and care of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Kenya. As part of the new partnership with Novartis, KRCS will train health workers, community volunteers and scale up screening at community and facility level for NCDs over the next three years.

KRCS will also purchase the Novartis Access portfolio to improve access to NCD prevention, treatment, care and support. KRCS will also focus on thousands of refugees living in the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps, as they are facing significant cases of diabetes, hypertension, cancer and asthma.

Tweet me:Kenya Red Cross Society and Novartis Join Forces http://bit.ly/2bcbss9

KEYWORDS: Health, Ethical Production & Consumption, Novartis Access, Kenya, NCD, Red Cross Society

SOURCE:ReportAlert

DESCRIPTION:

Ball Corporation’s fifth biennial sustainability report details the company’s progress toward its updated priorities – product stewardship, operational excellence, talent management and community ambassadors – and sets a clear path for the future with 10 new ambitious goals to be achieved by 2020.

“Sustainability has always been a part of who we are, and our team has worked hard to maintain a careful balance of our economic, environmental and social impacts over the years,” said John A. Hayes, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “As a larger, more global company, being sustainable is more important than ever, and we must continue to set a high bar for ourselves and our partners.”

Highlights from the reporting period include:

• Collaborated with its customers to develop and launch game-changing, lighter weight metal beverage and aerosol packaging innovations.
   
• Cut the product carbon footprint of its most common beverage can formats throughout their life cycle by 10 percent since 2010, putting Ball on pace to meet its global Cut/4 CArboN target of 25 percent by 2020.
   
• Reduced its Total Recordable Incident Rate by 27 percent through employee commitment and the use of various safety tools.
   
• Achieved its 2015 greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target and decreased the company’s carbon intensity by more than 10 percent in 5 years (compared to a 2010 baseline).
   
• Inaugurated the first significant renewable energy project in Ball’s history by installing three 1.5 megawatt wind turbines at its Findlay, Ohio, plant.
   
• Donated more than $4 million to charitable organizations in Ball communities through The Ball Foundation, employee donations and the corporate match.

“Following the successful close of the Rexam acquisition, we now are the largest canmaker in the world. This presents a unique opportunity to apply key learnings from throughout our company, to leverage our scale to be more efficient and more cost effective, and to set new standards in sustainable growth. We also have greater opportunities to address the fundamental challenges in our business and in our value network to ensure the beverage can is the most sustainable package in the beverage supply chain,” Hayes added. “With our 18,700 employees and our partners around the world committed to our vision and 2020 goals, we look forward to building a brighter, stronger future for our organization and the industry.”

To download the 2016 sustainability report, please visit www.ball.com/sustainability-reports. For more information on Ball’s sustainability performance, including environmental and safety performance data, case studies and stakeholder perspectives, visit www.ball.com/sustainability.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for beverage, food and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 18,700 people worldwide and pro forma 2015 net sales were $11 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Media Contact:
Renee Robinson
303-460-2476

Tweet me:.@BallCorpHQ sets path for future with 10 new goals to achieve by 2020 in #sustainability report http://bit.ly/2bdgrZJ via @ReportAlert

KEYWORDS: Reports, Energy, Ball Corporation, ReportAlert, sustainability, safety

Program honors environmental volunteers, makes contributions to local nonprofits

SOURCE:Cox Enterprises

DESCRIPTION:

ATLANTA, August 24, 2016 /3BL Media/ - The Cox Conserves Heroes program, presented by Cox Enterprises and The Trust for Public Land, achieved a milestone with its 50^th winner. The program was created in 2008 to honor volunteers who are creating and preserving shared outdoor spaces.

Shawn Redfield was named Arizona’s 2016 Cox Conserves Hero and became the program’s 50^th overall winner. The program takes place across the nation in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Washington and Virginia.

“We started this program with the notion that one person can make a difference,” said Cox Enterprises Chairman Jim Kennedy. “Through Cox Conserves Heroes, we’re recognizing volunteers who are often unsung heroes. They are rolling up their sleeves, improving our environment and inspiring thousands of others to do something. These 50 individuals prove that one person really can change the world. I am personally inspired by each and every one of them.”

The winners come from eclectic backgrounds, including engineers, entrepreneurs, retirees, students, teachers and veterans. Their volunteer projects are also diverse and range from recycling to urban gardens to shoreline restoration and trail creation, among others.

Combined, the 50 Cox Conserves Heroes have made a significant impact on the environment. Here’s a snapshot of their contributions:

• Planting 3,500 new trees,
• Removing 1,400 tons of litter,
• Facilitating 70 public cleanups,
• Saving 500 burrowing owls,
• Protecting 30 beaches,
• Protecting 107,000 acres of land,
• Creating and maintaining 850 miles of trails,
• Volunteering more than 6,000 hours,
• Inspiring 1000s of children, and
• Eliminating pesticides at 120 acres of playing fields.

“The volume of inspirational stories that have come through the Cox Conserves Heroes program is a testament to our nation’s fantastic volunteers,” said Will Rogers, President and CEO of The Trust for Public Land (TPL). “TPL believes it’s important to connect land and people, and the Cox Conserves Heroes program does that. We’re proud of our partnership with Cox, who understands that we all share the environment and need to protect it together. These 50 winners are truly inspiring change and leading by example.”

The Cox Conserves Heroes program has four stages: nominations, finalists, voting and the winner announcement. The public nominates volunteers, a judging panel of civic and environmental leaders selects three finalists who compete to be named their market’s Cox Conserves Hero. The winner is chosen through an online public vote, and financial contributions are made on behalf of the winner and finalists to their environmental nonprofits of choice. Overall, more than $700,000 has been donated to nonprofits on behalf of the volunteers through the James M. Cox Foundation.

Cox Conserves Heroes is a component of Cox Enterprises’ national sustainability program, which seeks to make positive environmental change by operating in ways that reduce the company’s impact and inspiring employees, customers, suppliers and partners.

Learn more about the program’s 50 winners.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms).

The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.

About The Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come.  Millions of people live within a one-half mile walk of a Trust for Public Land park, garden, or natural area, and millions more visit these sites every year.  To support The Trust for Public Land and share why nature matters to you, visit http://www.tpl.org.

Tweet me:#CoxConservesHeroes: 50 winners showing that one person really can change the world http://bit.ly/2bla4hA

KEYWORDS: Awards & Recognition, Environment & Climate Change, Trails, owls, cleanups, beaches, litter, playgrounds, Cox Conserves, Jim Kennedy, Trust for Public Land

Heather Stowe is the person to thank for the creation and growth of the Domtar EarthChoice Ambassadors Program. She currently serves as the Corporate Social Responsibility manager at Domtar.

SOURCE:Domtar

DESCRIPTION:

Domtar’s EarthChoice Ambassadors program is an employee engagement program that began in 2011 to promote sustainable principles throughout the company. Now going into its seventh year, this very successful program is on track to have chapters in place at all Domtar facilities by 2020. And, with more than 500 ambassadors, Domtar’s EarthChoice Ambassadors put in more than 2,000 hours of volunteer work last year.

Stowe’s story with Domtar’s EarthChoice Ambassadors started in 2010 when Domtar sponsored her to participate in a six-month class in New York City for women in business. The class focused on creating case studies for how businesses can improve employee engagement through sustainability. While enrolled, Stowe conducted a survey among her colleagues to see if there was interest in a program like this at Domtar. To her delight, there was.

Following the class, Stowe presented a business case to her team and was given the opportunity to implement the plan at Domtar. Now, just a few years later, the EarthChoice Ambassador program has taken off at 22 of the company’s sites and is a vital employee engagement program.

Stowe’s favorite part of her job is the social aspect of sustainability. When she introduces the Ambassador program to new locations, she finds that it turns into much more than recycling bottles and cans; it leads to serving and making a difference in local communities. In her experience, Domtar employees have an interest in volunteering, which is why the EarthChoice Ambassador program has seen such success.

A deeper belief in giving back and doing great things in local communities is something Stowe finds very important, and is something that she is working to instill in her son as well. Stowe said that 5-year-old Liam is “the center of [her] world, but not the center of THE world.” She brings Liam along to volunteer days as often as she can. “He needs to understand that to give much is to receive much,” she added.

What advice would Stowe give to others who are interested in organizing a program like EarthChoice Ambassadors? “It’s important to take small steps,” she said. “It takes time and patience to introduce new ideas and for a movement to catch on, but the results are definitely worth the effort.”

Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS) designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of fiber-based products, including communication papers, specialty and packaging papers, and absorbent hygiene products. The foundation of our business is a network of world-class wood fiber-converting assets that produce papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp. The majority of our pulp production is consumed internally to manufacture paper and consumer products. Domtar is the largest integrated marketer and manufacturer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America with recognized brands such as Cougar®, Lynx® Opaque Ultra, Husky® Opaque Offset, First Choice®, EarthChoice® and Xerox® Paper and Specialty Media. Domtar is also a marketer and producer of a broad line of absorbent hygiene products marketed primarily under the Attends®, IncoPack® and Indasec® brand names. In 2014, Domtar had sales of $5.6 billion from some 50 countries. The Company employs approximately 9,800 people. To receive bite-size updates on Domtar’s sustainability efforts, along with practical eco-tips you can actually use, subscribe to the EarthChoice Monthly Minute newsletter.

Tweet me:Read about how @DomtarEveryday #employee Heather Stowe makes a difference in her #community http://bit.ly/2aRwETV

Contact Info:

Dan Persica, Sustainability Communications Manager
+1 (803) 802-8067
daniel.persica@domtar.com

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Business & Trade, Domtar, Sustainable Forestry, Employee Engagement

SOURCE:MicroEdge + Blackbaud

DESCRIPTION:

You’ve set up an employee volunteer program. Now you need volunteers. After all, the program won’t run itself. Luckily you’ve got a large pool of employees ripe for the picking and all you have to do is get them interested in participating. But how? Have you set clear goals and shared them with your staff? Have you considered your employee's interests and skills in the volunteer activity? Will your staff gain new knowledge from this volunteer acitity? Do the volunteers need training before the activity? 

These are all critical questions to consider while coordinating a volunteer program, and we've laid them all out in an educational article to help you succeed. Learn best practices for getting your employees more involved in the planning and execution of employee volunteer events in order to increase participation in your programs. Click here to see the full article. 

To learn more about this and other topics, visit MicroEdge + Blackbaud resource hub. 

Tweet me:Coordinating staff volunteering can be hard. See @MicroEdgeLLC best practices to learn how to boost participation http://bit.ly/2aSEr3L

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Corporate Social Responsibility, Microedge + Blackbaud

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

Since its inception in 2004, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser has grown to be the largest single fundraiser event in Monroe County, giving back more than $2 million to the community.  More than 480 community enthusiasts attended this year’s event, titled “Keeping It Close to Home.” Event founder, Diamond Sponsor and host Sanofi Pasteur once again covered all event costs. As a result, 100 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships directly benefitted the non-profit recipients.

To learn more about one of this year’s recipients, Pocono Area Transitional Housing, click the following link to view media coverage from WBRE-TV/WYOU-TV/Eyewitness News: http://www.pahomepage.com/news/path-house-helps-families-get-back-on-their-feet

To learm more about the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, click here: http://3blmedia.com/News/2016-Pocono-Mountains-Community-Fundraiser

Through the funds provided, Pocono Area Transitional Houing will provide temporary housing and individualized support services to homeless Monroe County families. 

Pocono Area Transitional Housing's website is: http://www.pathhouse.org/

Tweet me:Meet 2016 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser Winner - PATH http://bit.ly/2aJJKT5

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Philanthropy, Corporate Social Responsibility, csr, Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur, Poconos, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Pocono Area Transitional Housing, fundraiser

Gift to be supplemented by opportunities for employees and guests to donate

SOURCE:Carnival Corporation & plc

DESCRIPTION:

MIAMI, August 24, 2016 /3BL Media/ -- Carnival Cruise Line and its parent company, Carnival Corporation, are giving a total of $250,000 to charitable organizations to support their efforts on behalf of victims of the Louisiana floods. The cruise line is donating $125,000 and its parent company is matching that amount through its Carnival Foundation charitable arm. 

Recipients include the American Red Cross, Louisiana Association of United Ways and Save the Children.  

In addition, guests sailing on Carnival cruises from New Orleans have the option to donate when they check in for their cruise and Carnival employees are being encouraged to donate, as well. 

"Having homeported Carnival ships in Louisiana for more than two decades, we very much consider ourselves a part of the community and, therefore, it is extremely important to us to provide aid to support the tens of thousands of Louisiana residents who have been affected by these devastating floods," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

The American Red Cross is sheltering thousands of residents displaced by the flooding in southern Louisiana and delivering food, relief supplies and emotional support to flood victims. Donations to the Louisiana Association of United Ways will be dispersed among regional United Way organizations in communities affected by the floods to support long-term needs. Save the Children has deployed an emergency response team to Louisiana and is focused on meeting the critical needs of flood affected children and families and moving forward will be working to restore services essential to children's well-being. 

Carnival is Louisiana's most popular cruise line and has operated from the Port of New Orleans since 1994. Carnival is the only line operating two year-round ships, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Dream, carrying 450,000 guests from the port annually. Since 2004 Carnival has embarked over 3 million guests from New Orleans. 

About Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is "The World's Most Popular Cruise Line®" with 25 ships operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The company's newest ship, the 133,500-ton Carnival Horizon, is construction and set to debut in 2018.

Media Contact: Jennifer de la Cruz, jdelacruz@carnival.com, 305-406-5464

Web Site: http://www.carnivalcorp.com

Tweet me:.@CarnivalPLC and @CarnivalCruise to give $250,000 to aid organizations for Louisiana flood relief http://bit.ly/2beD7TJ

Contact Info:

Claire West
LDWWgroup
claire@ldwwgroup.com

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Louisiana Flood Relief, Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation & plc, American Red Cross, louisiana association of united ways, Save the Children, emergency shelters, disaster relief

SOURCE:Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

DESCRIPTION:

DUBLIN, Ohio, August 24, 2016 /3BL Media/ - If you’ve ever wanted to take a ride in a Lamborghini or Ferrari your chance is coming up this fall at Wendy’s Headquarters in Dublin, Ohio.

The Annual Italian Gathering, which benefits the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, is a day for Italian car lovers to take in the sights of 100 collector cars. Co-Founder Barry Boyles says this is the 11th year for the event that supports the Foundation founded by Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s. This year the event is September 4. Stop by from 10:00am to 4:00pm and the cost is just $10 per car.

“Dave Thomas and I were good friends. As an early on franchisee, we went from one store to 32 stores,” Boyles said, “I owe Dave a whole lot and the DTFA is his main charity that he wanted us to help. I feel I owe Dave so much and this is my way of paying him back.”

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption was founded in 1992 by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas. The mission of the Foundation is to dramatically increase the number of adoptions from foster care. Through its signature Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program, the Foundation funds grants to private and public adoption agencies that hire adoption recruiters. These recruiters use the Foundation’s child-focused recruitment model, take on smaller caseloads and find permanent homes for the children who have been in foster care the longest.

Boyles and his Italian Gathering Co-Founder George Evans have been hosting this event since 2005 and have no plans to slow down.

“We are there rain or shine! Nothing stops us from writing a check to the Foundation and supporting the mission to finding homes for children in foster care,” Boyles said. The silent auction is another one of the highlights of the event; everyone who bids has a chance at winning an hour-long ride in one of the collector cars. “It’s a heck of a ride!” Boyles said.

“These are just the types of grassroots efforts that help raise awareness and critical funds for our cause,” said Rita Soronen, CEO and President of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. “We are so grateful to Barry and George for this more than decade-long commitment to the Foundation and the important work we do for the children we serve.”

Last year, the Italian Gathering raised $25,000 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $130,000 for the Foundation.

Click here if you’d like to help by making a donation to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprofit public charity dedicated exclusively to finding permanent homes for the more than 130,000 children waiting in North America’s foster care systems. Created by Wendy’s® founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grantmaking. To learn more, visit davethomasfoundation.org or call 1-800-ASK-DTFA.

Tweet me:See collector cars and support #adoption at Italian Gathering @Wendys HQ on Sept. 4 http://bit.ly/2aQT7kj @DTFA

KEYWORDS: Events, Conferences & Webinars, Philanthropy, Dave Thomas, adoption, foster care, Recruiter, Wendy's, forever family, Italian Gathering, cars

Material becomes coats for the homeless, car parts and air filters

SOURCE:General Motors

DESCRIPTION:

DETROIT, August 24, 2016 /3BL Media/ - General Motors is adding 2 million water bottles from Flint, Michigan residents into its Do Your Part water bottle recycling initiative. The company partnered with Schupan Recycling to collect the bottles. The plastic is washed, flaked and turned into fleece to make three products: Chevrolet Equinox V-6 engine covers, insulation for The Empowerment Plan coats for the homeless, and air filters for 10 GM plants.  

The program engages a supply web of 11 organizations and reduces landfill waste. The resulting social impact contributes to the initiative’s progress and expansion.

GM supplier Filtration Services Group involved the N.E.W. Life Center in Flint to make air filter panels from the 9,000 square feet of fleece created since Do Your Part launched in April. After at-risk individuals participate in programs dedicated to employment preparation or life change, this nonprofit training center employs them to further develop their skills.

GM is donating enough insulation for The Empowerment Plan’s seamstresses — formerly homeless women — to make 6,500 coats that transform into sleeping bags that are given to those in need at no cost. The nonprofit trains their employees in lean manufacturing and teaches them soft and hard skills to propel them to bigger and better opportunities.

“We’re committed to proving to employers that formerly homeless people can be a skilled talent pool,” said Veronika Scott, founder and CEO of The Empowerment Plan. “The end product is more than a coat: It empowers women to take control of their lives and provides the path to long-term, sustainable jobs.”

Scott says GM’s insulation provides the warmth needed for the homeless to withstand cold nights. Each coat contains 31 water bottles. The GM Foundation also supports The Empowerment Plan, providing it with $220,000 since 2013.

An estimated 1.2 million bottles from five GM facilities throughout metro Detroit and Flint supplemented the significant volumes coming from the Flint community. The company recently added its Romulus Powertrain plant to the program. While many employees bring reusable water bottles to work, all of GM’s facilities provide water bottle recycling. Employees at these Michigan sites know exactly what the bottles will become when they throw the bottles in the recycling bins.

“People want to do the right thing,” said John Bradburn, GM global waste reduction manager. “The Do Your Part recycling initiative is a way our employees and communities can connect their individual actions to broader social and environmental causes.”

Learn more about these water bottles’ transformation at doyourpart.gm.green.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

Tweet me:.@GM recycles 2 million #Flint water bottles into fleece http://bit.ly/2bG58ap

Contact Info:

Becky Price
GM Environment & Energy Communications
+1 (313) 410-5970
becky.price@mslgroup.com

KEYWORDS: Ethical Production & Consumption, Business & Trade, General Motors, GM, Flint, Michigan, Do Your Part, Water Bottles, Recycling, The Empowerment Plan, N.E.W. Life Center, Veronika Scott, John Bradburn, Waste Reduction, Filtration Services Group

Chris Draft and Brian Finneran will rappel down an Atlanta midrise with Team LIVESTRONG to raise funds for people affected by cancer

SOURCE:LIVESTRONG

DESCRIPTION:

AUSTIN, Texas, August 25, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Thirteen-year NFL veteran Chris Draft and 11-year veteran Brian Finneran will be rappelling down Atlanta’s Buckhead Tower with Team LIVESTRONG at “Over the Edge” on Sept. 10 to raise funds for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

Draft and Finneran have created their own fundraising teams for the event, “Draft’s Picks” and “Finn’s Falcons,” and will lead a competition to register the most team members and raise the most funds from now until they rappel. Anyone over the age of 18 can join either team by registering for the event, or simply donate to help Draft and Finneran go “over the edge.”

All proceeds from their teams’ fundraising will go toward growing LIVESTRONG at the YMCA -- an evidence‐based community program that helps adult cancer survivors reclaim their health and well‐being after treatment. The 12‐week, small group program aids survivors in improving their strength and physical fitness, diminishing the severity of therapy side effects and developing supportive relationships. The program is offered at little to no cost for cancer survivors.

“I had a moment of pause before joining Over the Edge as I thought about rappelling down a building with a fear of heights, but that fear is nothing compared to the challenges that cancer survivors face in their everyday lives,” Draft said. “I’ll do anything if I believe it’ll help improve the lives of survivors, and we can be sure that the money we raise for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA programs nationwide will do just that.”

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA was recently highlighted by Vice President Joe Biden’s National Cancer Moonshot Initiative for the commitment by LIVESTRONG and YMCA of the USA (Y‐USA) to double the size and scope of the program by 2021 to serve 100,000 cancer survivors and to integrate the program into clinical practice across the country.

Draft played for six teams in his career, most notably the Atlanta Falcons, where he excelled as a run-stopping linebacker. Though more importantly off the field, he began Team Draft in 2011 with his wife Keasha to give hope, comfort and inspiration to people affected by cancer, while she courageously battled the disease herself. One month later, Keasha passed away, but Draft has maintained fight, bringing awareness and funding to lung cancer research and care. Finneran now hosts a daily radio show on Atlanta’s 680 The Fan after playing 10 of his 11 years in the city.

The two ex-teammates grew up together and look forward to one-upping each other in this Over the Edge charity challenge.

“After learning about LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grow and expand a program that helps cancer survivors return to their daily lives after treatment,” Finneran said. “And I definitely didn’t want to miss out on a chance to out-do my old friend Chris one more time!”

About the LIVESTRONG Foundation
The LIVESTRONG Foundation fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. For 19 years, LIVESTRONG has been a voice for cancer survivors and has directly served more than 3.5 million people. A pioneer in the field of survivorship, LIVESTRONG remains a world leader in providing direct services to cancer patients and survivors, advocating for policies that enhance survivors’ quality of life and developing partnerships that create access to cancer programs across the country. Since 2007, the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program has made a return to fitness and well-being possible for more than 40,000 survivors in more than 500 YMCA locations. Working with The University of Texas’ Dell Medical School, LIVESTRONG is building the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes to reinvent and redesign cancer care for and with people affected by cancer.

If anyone you know needs cancer support, please visit LIVESTRONG.org/WeCanHelp. For more information about our programs and services, please visit LIVESTRONG.org.

Tweet me:Go #OverTheEdge with 2 former #NFL stars! Sign up w/ @chrisdraft's #DraftsPicks, @bfinn86's #FinnsFalcons: http://bit.ly/2bxC4Bk

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Events, Conferences & Webinars, Chris Draft, Brian Finneran, Tackling Cancer, over the edge, LIVESTRONG, Atlanta Falcons, Buckhead Tower

Company donates backpacks, school supplies and money skills books to kids from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to start the school year

SOURCE:Ally Financial

DESCRIPTION:

DETROIT, August 25, 2016 /3BL Media/ - In honor of Back to School season, Ally Financial distributed backpacks and school supplies to 600 Detroit-area students at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan's annual "Be Fit for School" event, and stocked the Detroit Club's library with 50 books on financial literacy topics and money skills. Ally is also sponsoring the new Backpack Café program, which will allow Boys & Girls Clubs' kids dealing with food-insecurity to take a backpack full of healthy food home with them each weekend. The donations were made in an effort to provide local kids with the support they need as they start the new school year.

"Ally is proud to once again be supporting Detroit children with school supplies as they head back to school, and also sponsoring an innovative new program that provides food for kids over the weekend when they are away from school lunches and after school program snacks," said Gina Proia, Ally chief communications officer and head of corporate citizenship. "We are pleased to join with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to encourage Detroit students in their educational endeavors and remind them that they are supported by a community that cares."

Ally is sponsoring Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan's new Backpack Café program, which will begin this October. All children in the Detroit Public Schools receive free school lunches, and many rely on these meals during the week. The Backpack Café program will provide Boys & Girls Clubs' kids dealing with food insecurity a backpack of food to take home with them over the weekend.

"On behalf of all of us at Boys & Girls Clubs, I want to thank Ally for their support and participation in a very successful Be Fit for School event for our kids and for the support of our new Backpack Café program, which will continue to help these kids throughout the school year," said Len Krichko, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan. "Backpack Café is a brand new program that will help students access the food that they need over the weekend, when they may not have access to consistent meals."

About 600 elementary, middle and high school students received age-appropriate backpacks and supplies at the Be Fit for School event. Ally volunteers helped to run afternoon activities, serve lunch and read books to the younger students on money topics, to highlight the importance of reading and increasing financial literacy. Following the event, Ally donated 50 books on financial literacy topics to Boys & Girls Clubs' library to help students at all grade levels continue to learn good money habits and skills. 

Ally's Back to School efforts in Detroit reflect the company's overall commitment to the community and youth through donations, programs, partnerships with local organizations and volunteerism. Last fall, Ally teamed up with The Detroit Public Schools Foundation to donate 3,000 books on money skills and topics to elementary and middle schools in the city, and surprised all the students at Spain Elementary-Middle School with supplies for the year.

About Ally Financial Inc.
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a leading digital financial services company and a top 25 U.S. financial holding company offering financial products for consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and corporate clients. Ally's legacy dates back to 1919, and the company was redesigned in 2009 with a distinctive brand, innovative approach and relentless focus on its customers. Ally has an award-winning online bank (member FDIC), one of the largest full service auto finance operations in the country, a complementary auto-focused insurance business, a growing digital wealth management and online brokerage platform, and a trusted corporate finance business offering capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies.  

The company had approximately $157.9 billion in assets as of June 30, 2016. For more information, visit the Ally press room at http://media.ally.com  or follow Ally on Twitter: @AllyFinancial.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
Celebrating its 90^th anniversary, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan is a nonprofit youth development organization that provides high-quality programs for children, youth and teens (ages 6 to 18; grades 1-12) throughout southeast Michigan. Over 15,000 kids count on their 10 neighborhood Boys & Girls Clubs as a place for fun, learning, leading, and serving during non-school hours and summer breaks. B&GCSM is passionate about providing a safe, productive, and positive environment that leads to academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. For more information, visit bgcsm.org.

Contact: 
Desirée Chavis 
646-781-2544   
desiree.chavis@ally.com

Tweet me:.@AllyFinancial gave backpacks & school supplies to 600 #Detroit kids & sponsored new @bgcsem Backpack Café program http://bit.ly/2bgkiVT

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Education, Ally Financial, Detroit, Boys & Girls Club, Be Fit for School, Backpack Café program