Multi-year agreement will support youth in Latin America and Caribbean countries

SOURCE:Scotiabank

SUMMARY:

(Spanish version)

DESCRIPTION:

Tweet me:#Scotiabank & @FCBarcelona will host 6 FutbolNet Festivals where 1,000 youth will participate & learn the sport! http://bit.ly/2hZYU8L

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Barcelona, Scotiabank, FC Barcelona, Youth, csr

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

The 100-acre Captain Forster Hammock Preserve in Vero Beach, Florida, is one of only a few corridors that connect estuary habitat along the Indian River Lagoon to the ocean, continuing through all of the natural phases of estuary, dune and coastal habitat.

While the preserve is often visited by local residents who walk its beautiful trails through sea grapes and gumbo limbo to the lesser-known public beach access, many of the Preserve's visitors do not fully understand the environmental value of the property because of the lack of educational signage and the general appearance of the park.

Keep Indian River Beautiful, recipient of a Keep America Beautiful/Lowe's Community Partners Grant, sought to bring the Preserve back to life.

Continue reading here.

Tweet me:.@kabtweet Affiliate Stories: @Lowes, @KeepIRBeautiful #volunteers renew #Florida #nature preserve. http://bit.ly/2gV0Jix

Contact Info:

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

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

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility, Keep America Beautiful, Keep Indian River Beautiful, Lowe's, Lowe's Heroes, Lowe's Community Impact Grants, Captain Forster Hammock Preserve, Indian River Lagoon

SOURCE:Walmart

DESCRIPTION:

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation use philanthropy to complement Walmart’s  business initiatives as well as the efforts of others in civil society, business, and government to drive systemic improvements in economic opportunity, supply chain sustainability, and community resilience.

The problems being addressed are both large scale and complex, but Walmart believes that by working with their grantees and collaborators from the private sector, they can lead the way in driving significant, lasting change.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation focus on three priority areas that are particularly relevant to Walmart customers, associates and other stakeholders:

• Opportunity– using philanthropy to accelerate mobility in retail and related sectors, enhance economic empowerment of women in global supply chains, support small business development and help U.S. veterans reintegrate into civilian life.
• Sustainability– helping to alleviate hunger, enhance nutrition, and enhance the sustainability of food systems and product supply chains.
• Community– working to strengthen resilience in the face of natural disasters, and to increase inclusion in local communities, through local donations and engaging our associates and customers in local causes.

In FY2016, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated more than $1.4 billion in cash and in-kind, and Walmart associates contributed more than 1.25 million hours of their time outside of work to volunteer causes.

Walmart’s 2016 Giving Report

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 www.foundation.walmart.com.   

Tweet me:.@WalmartGiving’s philanthropic approach helps people live better every day! See how they're impacting hunger: https://youtu.be/Hg2vqXORIzQ

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Business & Trade, Walmart, Hunger, economic opportunity, Supply Chain Sustainability, community resilience

Wattway Solar Paving and WheelRight® Tire Pressure and Tread Depth Monitoring

SOURCE:Ray C. Anderson Foundation

SUMMARY:

The Ray and its partners have dedicated two newly installed state-of-the-art technologies that are both "firsts" in the U.S.; solar paved roads for cleaner energy and tire pressure and tread depth measurement for safety awareness.

DESCRIPTION:

December 20, 2016/ 3BL Media/ - The Ray and its partners have dedicated two newly installed state-of-the-art technologies that are both "firsts" in the U.S.  Wattway drive-over solar panels that turn ordinary highways into power producers, and the WheelRight drive-over tire safety system have both been installed at the Georgia Visitor Information Center (VIC) on I-85 in West Georgia, along a corridor that is now known as "The Ray."

The Ray is an 18-mile stretch of I-85 in West Georgia that is a model for the highway of the future, and a namesake project that embodies the vision of the late Ray C. Anderson (1934-2011), a globally recognized leader in green business, and founder and chairman of the world's largest carpet tile manufacturer, Interface, Inc.

Wattway Solar Road

Wattway solar panels are paved onto streets, highways and parking lots to combine the best practices of road construction and photovoltaic (PV) techniques to provide clean, renewable energy while allowing for all types of traffic. The thin, heavy-duty, skid resistant PV pavers can be applied directly over existing paving, eliminating the need to remodel or build new road infrastructures.

WheelRight Tire Pressure and Tread Depth Monitoring

More than 35,000 drivers die each year in accidents on U.S. roads and highways and U.S. DOT data points to underinflated tires as a major cause of crashes that can result in fatalities and injuries.

The installation of the WheelRight, state-of-the-art, drive over tire safety system, that measures tire pressure and (for the first time anywhere in the world) tread depth, will help keep highways safer.

"The Ray is a place where we can test big ideas, the radical innovations, and the simple, smart choices that can create safer and cleaner transportation," said Harriet Langford, president of The Ray.

Read more.

Tweet me:#TheRay unveils #wattway #solar paving and #WheelRight tire pressure and tread depth monitoring system. http://bit.ly/2hNiySJ @allienkelly

Contact Info:

Valerie Bennett
The Ray
+1 (770) 317-5858
valerie@raycandersonfoundation.org

KEYWORDS: Environment & Climate Change, Energy, Ray C. Anderson Foundation, #wattway, solar road, highway safety, Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Econommic Development, Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia, #theray, COLAS Group, WheelRight

Charlotte will go on dream vacation to Hawaii with family

SOURCE:VSP Global

DESCRIPTION:

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif - Charlotte, a 9-year-old girl, suffering from a genetic heart condition got her wish granted Friday thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and VSP Vision Care.

Watch the video of the wish reveal on KCRA.com

Tweet me:See the moment 9-year-old Charlotte finds out she'll get to go on a dream Disney vacation. http://bit.ly/2i7bjrR #BetheWish #AlohaCharlotte

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Health, VSP Global, Make-A-Wish, #bethewish, #AlohaCharlotte, wish reveal, VSP

Partnering with Engineers Without Borders organizations to provide clean, safe water supplies

SOURCE:Tetra Tech

DESCRIPTION:

Clean, safe water is essential to life. Yet many communities around the world do not have reliable access to water. Tetra Tech’s 50th Anniversary Global Clean Water Fund helps meet this vital need.

The program builds on Tetra Tech’s legacy of leadership in water and longstanding support of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) to help communities around the world address barriers to obtaining clean water. The grant program supports EWB projects in Mexico, Brazil, Cameroon, Malawi, India, and Timor-Leste. The projects are led by local volunteer engineers and often supported by local nongovernmental organizations. Tetra Tech employees provide guidance and support to the EWB teams.

This video provides an overview of the grant program and the important work of these EWB organizations and their local partners. We look forward to sharing the projects’ progress in the coming months.

Tweet me:.@TetraTech's #Tt50 Global #CleanWater Fund helps communities around the world: http://bit.ly/2giM9BL #GlobalGoals #EWBUSA @TetraTechIntDev

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Environment & Climate Change, Tetra Tech, 50th Anniversary, Global Clean Water Fund, sanitation, Global Goals, international development, clean water

Aflac takes part in a groundbreaking discussion on finding a cure for cancer

SOURCE:Aflac

DESCRIPTION:

Earlier this month Aflac CEO Dan Amos and Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos took part in a groundbreaking discussion on finding a cure for cancer. Aflac, which has contributed more than $113 million to the fight against childhood cancer, sponsored Chasing Cancer, which was held at The Washington Post in the nation's capital.

Tweet me:.@Aflac took part in a groundbreaking discussion on finding a #cure for cancer http://bit.ly/2i7d6wN #ChasingCancer

KEYWORDS: Health, Business & Trade, Aflac Foundation, Chasing Cancer

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

Six years ago, 77-year-old Mason Linn noticed a change in his wife Yvonne’s behavior. She began doing things like putting the car in reverse instead of drive. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Once Mason became Yvonne’s full-time caregiver, he wanted to find a safe, understanding environment that she could visit and enjoy activities outside of their home. Luckily, The Friendly Community Center’s “Making Memories” program for Monroe County residents with dementia was right around the corner.

“At The Friendly Community Center, the staff is absolutely wonderful to my Yvonne,” said Mason with a soft smile. “They are aware of her condition, and they will come over and hug her and wish her well when we leave.”

“Most importantly, it’s also become a place where my wife has found a sense of comfort and dignity. I enjoy my 

time there as well, as I am now connected with a support group for other caregivers.”

The Friendly Community Center received $30,000 from the 2016 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser.

To see Eyewitness News WBRE/WYOU's news coverage of this story, visit tinyurl.com/friendlycenter

Tweet me:Friendly Community Center Receives $30,000 from Sanofi Pasteur sponsored Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser http://bit.ly/2gH6Kmk

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Volunteerism & Community Engagement, pocono mountains community fundraiser, csr, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sanofi, Pennsylvania, Sanofi Pasteur, WBRE, WYOU

A collection of exemplary CR and sustainability case studies

SOURCE:Ethical Performance

DESCRIPTION:

The Autumn 2016 issue of Best Practice includes CSR and sustainability case studies from thought leaders across several industries:

• Visa supports financial education for youth - Visa
  The global payments business partners with Junior Achievement Europe to create innovative e-commerce and personal finance programmes.
   
• Using the power of communications for social impact - Dentsu Aegis
  Dentsu Aegis directs its employees’ skills toward community-based charities. 
   
• The National Lottery operator takes proactive approach to player safety - Camelot
  Innovative software tracks data to identify online problem play.
   
• MSD lends its best employees to NGOs around the world - MSD
  The Fellowship for Global Health programme matches skills to needs.

For more information on how your organization can be featured in an upcoming issue of Best Practice, click here.

Tweet me:The latest issue of #BestPractice is now available http://bit.ly/2h30L87 via @ethicalp #CSR #Sustainability

KEYWORDS: Business & Trade, Corporate Social Responsibility, Best Practice, Ethical performance, csr, sustainability, visa, Dentsu Aegis, Camelot, MSD

Nuclear plant employees donate and deliver toys and bikes for local children

SOURCE:Duke Energy

DESCRIPTION:

Nearly 20 years later, the effort is still going strong.

The Christmas bike drive has become such a tradition in southeastern North Carolina that Bertrand Wilder, a project manager and employee since 1995, has been happy to organize for the past three years.

Wilder said more than 50 employees help organize fundraisers and deliver bikes while others donate money. In 2013, their best year, employees raised more than $27,000 and donated about 300 bicycles to schools in four counties.

“People start asking about it in September,” he said, “and that’s when we get started because it takes a while to get names from 40-plus schools.”

He said the schools are always excited to hear the drive is happening, and in Brunswick, Pender, New Hanover and Columbus counties, 225 children at 38 schools will receive a bike this year.

Wilder contacts each school to ask which children should receive a bike based on financial need. He then works with Walmart to order bikes that are the appropriate height for the students, ages 5 to 13.

Terry Eason II, who has worked at Brunswick as an instrumentation and electrical technician for 14 years, has been delivering bikes for the past three years. Eason said he gets a lot more out of the experience than he puts in.

“It’s pretty awesome because sometimes you actually get to give them directly to the kids,” Eason said. “Sometimes you give them to the parents, and it might be a Santa Claus present, and there’s a satisfaction to that, too, in knowing that the kid has something coming on Christmas morning.”

From the beginning, the bike drive at Brunswick has been led by volunteers, and Wilder said it’s never been difficult to find the help.

“You don’t have to twist arms. You don’t have to beg and plead,” he said. “We just have such generous people here that it doesn’t feel like we’re working to team build. It’s like it flows naturally.” 

Tweet me:.@DukeEnergy employees uphold 20 years of #HolidayTradition - donating bikes to Brunswick area children http://bit.ly/2ibaxtW

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Duke Energy, Brunswick, North Carolina, holidays, toy drive, Employee Engagement, children in need

SOURCE:CITGO Petroleum Corporation

DESCRIPTION:

SULPHUR, La., December 22, 2016, /3BL Media/ – The CITGO Lake Charles Refinery, in partnership with The National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), recently hosted an informational and educational workshop for 30 local STEM teachers to enhance the science, technology, engineering and math-based education curriculum used in their classrooms.
 
The CITGO Energy Workshop was part of the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline initiative, which was launched this year, to increase access to STEM educational opportunities in the communities surrounding the company’s operational areas. The workshop took place during the month of November at CITGO Park and provided hands-on learning experience, including interactive learning games for the teachers who represented 18 local schools. The workshop provided STEM teachers with additional resources to add to their current energy curriculum to help engage students’ understanding of the oil and gas technology refining process.
 
In addition to this workshop, CITGO employees engaged in a two-hour NEED Outreach Training to learn about resources they can take with them to the classroom when visiting local schools to promote STEM education and careers in industry.
 
CITGO has partnered with NEED to increase local teachers’ knowledge of energy via teacher training; to increase the level of energy knowledge in students via integration of energy curriculum into the classroom after teacher training and curriculum are provided; to assist teachers and students in understanding energy careers and career paths at CITGO and in the oil, gas and transportation industry; and to encourage student interest in STEM subjects and STEM careers.
 
CITGO Lake Charles Refinery Vice President and General Manager Tomeu Vadell said that workshops like this one foster environments for creativity in educational development. “CITGO looks forward to continuing to promote STEM education in our communities and providing teachers with the resources they need to inspire their students. STEM education is about more than just training; it is a training ground for future industry leaders including engineers, scientists and technologists,” Vadell said.    
 
NEED Executive Director Mary Spruill said The NEED Project is honored to partner with CITGO in Lake Charles to bring engaging and energizing STEM activities and training to teachers and students in the local community. “The CITGO commitment to training their employees to support teachers using the curriculum in the classroom and sharing about careers in the energy industry is a comprehensive approach to engaging students and teachers for the long term. The CITGO model is an extraordinary way to really impact local STEM education,” she said.
 
Teachers who attended the CITGO NEED Energy Workshop represented schools including E.K. Key Elementary School; Fairview Elementary School; Frasch Elementary School; Glen Oaks Park Elementary School; Henry Heights Elementary School; LaGrange High School; LeBlanc Middle School; Maplewood Elementary School; Moss Bluff Elementary School; Oak Park Middle School; Oberlin Elementary School; Our Lady Queen of Heaven School; S.J. Welsh Middle School; Saint Martinville Primary School; St. Louis Catholic High School; St. Peter and Paul Catholic School; T.H. Watkins Elementary School and Washington Marion High School.

About the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline
The CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline program partners with educational organizations near the company’s operational areas to increase access to educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The program promotes the importance of STEM education in the socio-economic development of our communities and highlights the numerous pathways to rewarding careers, including those in the energy industry. It provides grants to schools and educational organizations to support programs that increase student interest, retention and graduation rates - particularly at the high school and post-secondary levels - and those that prepare students for STEM technical and university level curriculum. The program also provides scholarships for students pursuing higher degrees in STEM fields. In 2016, the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline has already benefited 3,000 students and 300 educators across the CITGO operational footprint, strengthening the communities where the company has a presence.

About NEED
Almost 35 years ago, The NEED Project began as a one-day celebration of energy education when National Energy Education Day was recognized by a Joint Congressional Resolution. In the same year, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation stressing the need for comprehensive energy education in our schools. Since its founding, NEED has kept its Kids Teaching Kids philosophy as a fundamental principle of NEED programming – encouraging students to explore, experiment and engage, and encouraging teachers to embrace student leadership in the classroom. NEED trains and assists teachers in harnessing the energy of the classroom – the energy of students. NEED is expanding and evolving to best meet the needs of teachers and students – in the classroom and beyond.

About CITGO
CITGO believes in the power of education, and we are committed to nurturing the ongoing learning experiences that fuel the knowledge our communities require to thrive and in equipping the workforce for the future. The Energy Workshop is just one example of how CITGO supports education locally. CITGO Lake Charles is also a Partner in Education to four local schools including E.K. Key Elementary, Alternative Site, Sulphur High School and Sulphur High School 9th Grade. We also support McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College.

Tweet me:.@CITGO Lake Charles Refinery and @NEED_Project partner to host #STEM workshop for educators: http://bit.ly/2iaJ63q

Contact Info:

Fernando Garay
+1 (832) 486-1489
fgaray@citgo.com

KEYWORDS: Education, Energy, NEED, Lake Charles Refinery, Citgo, STEM

SOURCE:Sanofi

DESCRIPTION:

When Jessica Souto unexpectedly lost her job, then her apartment, she didn’t know how she would support her three young children. Then she found the compassionate encouragement and practical tools she needed at Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH), which provides temporary housing and individualized support services to homeless Monroe County families. 

“The staff at PATH became a surrogate family to me and my children during our stay,” said Jessica, as she glanced over at PATH’s Executive Director Sharon Taylor.

“They not only provided for my family’s immediate needs of shelter and food, but also helped me proactively plan for the next chapter of our lives. The services at PATH assisted me in working toward my goals, which included finding a permanent place to live and also learning how to save money for the future. 

“I’m so thankful that when I and my children had nowhere else to turn, PATH was there for me.” 

PATH received $75,000 from the 2016 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser. 

To see Eyewitness News WBRE/WYOU's news coverage of this story, visit tinyurl.com/pathhouse.

Tweet me:PATH received $75,000 from the Sanofi Pasteur-sponsored 2016 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser http://bit.ly/2gH6F29

KEYWORDS: Volunteerism & Community Engagement, Philanthropy, pocono mountains community fundraiser, Sanofi, Sanofi Pasteur, Pocono Area Transitional Housing, Pennsylvania, PA, csr, Corporate Social Responsibility

Donation supports expansion of enrichment and training programs for shelter dogs

SOURCE:Nestlé in the U.S.

DESCRIPTION:

Watch the video here

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Dec. 22, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Second Chance Center for Animals is expanding its enrichment and training programs for shelter dogs with the opening of its Canine Sports Arena, made possible by a $25,000 donation from Nestlé Purina, a global leader in pet care with a facility in Flagstaff.

"We are thrilled to partner with Purina to save the lives of more dogs and cats," said Sean Hawkins, Executive Director of the non-profit Second Chance Center for Animals. "Renovating our outdoor play yards to create the Purina Canine Sports Arena will allow our kennel coaches and volunteers the opportunity to spend more time training and interacting with the shelter dogs, teaching manners and skills that help the dogs find homes and stay in those homes," according to Hawkins.

Further demonstrating its support for local efforts to save the lives of more homeless pets, associates from the Nestlé Purina facility in Flagstaff participated in a community volunteer day Dec. 16 at Second Chance Center for Animals, where they presented a commemorative check for $25,000 and painted cat condos, assembled new Kuranda beds for dogs, stuffed KONG enrichment toys with treats for dogs and cats and created cat toys from donated recycled items.

Adoption Fees Waived through Dec. 24, 2016

In an effort to find every pet a home before Christmas, Second Chance Center for Animals is waiving all adoption fees for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens now through Dec. 24, 2016, celebrating its campaign "Home for the Holidays." Every adoptable pet has been examined by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and micro-chipped. Pets available for adoption can be viewed at www.SecondChanceCenter.org/Adopt. The shelter is open from 11 am to 6 pm Wednesday through Sunday, but will be closed on Christmas Day.

"Pets are our passion at Purina, and we are so excited to be sharing our commitment to pet welfare and helping shelter pets find a loving home by supporting Second Chance Center for Animals," said Casey Hansen, Plant Manager for Nestlé Purina in Flagstaff. "In addition to the grant funds and volunteer support, Purina is providing every dog or cat adopted during Home for the Holidays with a supply of Purina food and a special gift basket with treats and toys."

About Nestlé Purina PetCare

Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.

About Second Chance Center for Animals

We believe the safest place for every dog and cat is in a home. Part of Second Chance Center for Animals' unique mission is to "rescue from the rescues." We partner with 35 organizations across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah who transfer homeless dogs and cats to us for adoption.  Since 2004, more than 10,000 dogs and cats have found forever homes through Second Chance. Our state-of-the-art facility, knowledgeable staff, and passionate volunteers make our 100% placement guarantee possible. For more information visit www.SecondChanceCenter.org.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare

For further information: Sean Hawkins - Second Chance Center for Animals, (713) 269-3574 or Tiffany Gildehaus - Nestle Purina, tiffany.gildehaus@purina.nestle.com

Tweet me:Second Chance Center for Animals Receives $25K Grant from Nestlé @Purina http://bit.ly/2h5QYxR supports training programs for shelter dogs

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Shelter Dogs, Purina, Nestle, training programs, Donations

SOURCE:FrontStream

DESCRIPTION:

On #GivingTuesday 2016, we recorded $1.3 million dollars donated by individual employees through a workplace donation campaign or fundraising challenge. The average donation amount was $353!

Employee giving tends to fly under the radar when charities are looking at segments to target for #GivingTuesday initiatives. Your organization may spend a lot of time thinking about securing individual donors through social media, but what about making a blanket proposal or partnership with a company or local business? Being a “charity of record” for a business might just help elevate opportunities to reach new donors when #GivingTuesday rolls around.

What can you take away for 2017?

When it comes to #GivingTuesday (or fundraising any time of year!), it’s worthwhile to put together a package about corporate giving for companies to give to their employees.

A workforce might be full of untapped donors – they just need the guidance to help spread their generosity! Look to position your charity as a great option for a company work with, whether it’s through 24-hour events like #GivingTuesday, a special holiday fundraiser, or volunteer projects throughout the year.

Plus, it’s good to note to companies that charitable initiatives can help engage employees and give them a sense of purpose and pride in their workplace. (Psst – we have a pretty great free eBook available on employee engagement. Share it with your corporate contacts!)

One more thing…

Did you know that most Fortune 500 employers match their employees’ donations? Often dollar-for-dollar! And they’re not the only ones: corporate gift matching is on the rise in North America!

Sadly, only 9% of employees know if their employer will match their charitable contributions. You can help donors DOUBLE their gift if you include corporate gift matching on your charity’s donation forms.

Learn more about the power of corporate gift matching and make sure you don’t leave money on the table in 2017.

Tweet me:Looking back on the impact of #GivingTuesday on workplace giving http://bit.ly/2h5QfwG

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Volunteerism & Community Engagement, workplace giving, csr, giving tuesday, corporate gift matching, frontstream

Proceeds Support Ongoing Efforts to End Littering, Improve Recycling & Beautify America’s Communities

SOURCE:Keep America Beautiful

DESCRIPTION:

STAMFORD, Conn., December 22, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading nonprofit that envisions a country in which every community is a clean, green and beautiful place to live, today launched the “#DoBeautifulThings — Sports Auctions” with Charitybuzz, the premier destination for nonprofit online auctions.

A portion of proceeds raised through each individual auction will support Keep America Beautiful’s national programs, research and other resources to End Littering, Improve Recycling and Beautify America’s Communities, while giving the highest bidders an opportunity to attend three of the most popular sports events in America: Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 5, 2017, the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Feb. 4-5, and the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Feb. 19, 2017. Bidding for each auction is open at https://www.charitybuzz.com/KAB.

The three auctions feature tickets to some of biggest events this winter:

Super Bowl LI: The winning bidder will enjoy two upper level seats at the biggest sporting event of the year – the Super Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston on Feb. 5, featuring football’s final two teams battling for the championship…and Lady Gaga as the halftime performer!

Waste Management Phoenix Open: Win two Skybox Hole #17 Suite tickets to the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open on Saturday, Feb 4, 2017, and two tickets to Skybox Hole #16 on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017. These tickets, donated by Waste Management, offer VIP access to "The Greatest Show on Grass" at TPC Scottsdale, the most highly attended PGA Tour event worldwide!

NBA All-Star Game: Bid on two upper level seats to the NBA All-Star Game at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Feb. 19, 2017. The game will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league’s history for a global celebration of the game – plus, Grammy® Award-winning recording artist John Legend as this year's half time performer.

Travel and accommodations are not included. See details in each auction lot.

“Each year, over 5 million volunteers support our network of more than 620 state and community-based affiliates across the USA to help transform more public spaces into beautiful places,” said Mike Rosen, senior vice president of marketing and communications, Keep America Beautiful. “Winning bidders will get to experience three of the hottest events of the winter sports season, while making a meaningful contribution to our critical, community-based work.

“For football, golf and basketball fanatics, this is a wonderful way to help more Americans #DoBeautifulThings and support our ability to deliver positive economic, environmental and social impact in communities nationwide,” concluded Rosen.

About Keep America Beautiful
At Keep America Beautiful, we want to ensure that beauty is our lasting signature. A leading national nonprofit, Keep America Beautiful inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. We envision a country in which every community is a clean, green, and beautiful place to live. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful provides the expertise, programs and resources to help people End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. The organization is driven by the work and passion of more than 620 state and community-based Keep America Beautiful affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the support of corporate partners, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. To donate or take action, visit kab.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, like us on Facebook, or view us on YouTube.

About Charitybuzz
Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through online auctions with the world's most recognizable celebrities and brands. Featuring access to acclaimed actors and musicians, business and political leaders, sports stars, luxury travel, couture fashion, rare memorabilia and more, Charitybuzz brings its online community of bidders exclusive opportunities to live their dreams and make a difference. Since launching, Charitybuzz has raised more than $180 million for charity. Its roster of celebrity supporters includes President Clinton, Sir Paul McCartney, Tim Cook, Mick Jagger, Warren Buffet, Robert Downey Jr., Taylor Swift, Ralph Lauren, Mayor Mike Bloomberg, Barbra Streisand, Howard Stern, Chevy Chase, Billy Joel, HBO, Victoria's Secret, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, John Varvatos, David Yurman, Bruce Springsteen, Hugh Jackman, and Beyonce. Charitybuzz is a member of the Charity Network. It serves as sister company to charity video content platform Chideo and charitable online sweepstakes platform Prizeo. To learn more, visit http://www.Charitybuzz.com.

About the Charity Network
The Charity Network harnesses the power of celebrity, technology, and media to raise awareness and funds for some of the world’s toughest challenges. With a mission to complement traditional fundraising models and help charities transition from analog to digital, the Charity Network has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for causes across the globe. Launched in 2016 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Todd Wagner, the Charity Network is the parent company to three top digital fundraising platforms: Chideo, Prizeo, and Charitybuzz. Each platform is a leader in its own field: Charitybuzz in online charity auctions, Prizeo in online sweepstakes and experiences, and Chideo in cause and entertainment content. These three consumer-facing platforms, all working in tandem, reach a broad and diverse group of donors from millennials to baby boomers through a network of syndicated partners including Sinclair Broadcast Group, Tribune Company, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Twitter, Delta Airlines and more. Together with its partners the Charity Network can amplify a cause message to over 80% of US TV households. In addition to its consumer platforms, the Charity Network provides a full range of services to help celebrities, charities and brands customize their cause messages through the CN Solutions team of digital giving experts. To learn more please visit http://www.charitynetwork.com.

###

Tweet me:.@kabtweet & @charitybuzz launch #DoBeautifulThings online #auction for #tickets to winter’s biggest #sports #events.http://bit.ly/2igx4FG

Contact Info:

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

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

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Keep America Beautiful, Charitybuzz, #DoBeautifulThings, #DoBeautifulThings - Sports Auctions, Super Bowl LI, Waste Management Phoenix Open, NBA All-Star Game

SOURCE:Duke Energy

SUMMARY:

• Customers who need help paying their electricity bills can receive up to $300 toward their bill.

DESCRIPTION:

PLAINFIELD, Ind., December 22, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Duke Energy is once again assisting customers who may struggle to pay their winter energy bills.

The company is contributing $700,000 for low-income customer energy assistance through its Helping Hand program.

In addition, Duke Energy Indiana customers have contributed $85,000 to date for the program, raising this year’s total to approximately $800,000.

“We know that winter heating bills can be a hardship for individuals and families who are already struggling financially,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Melody Birmingham-Byrd. “Last year we were able to help 5,600 Hoosier households.”

Customers who need help paying their electricity bills can receive up to $300 toward their bill if their local Energy Assistance Program agency determines they are eligible based on need and other criteria.

Duke Energy Indiana partners with the Indiana Community Action Association and the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority’s Energy Assistance Program, which distributes the company’s assistance funds.

For more information on how to cut costs and stay warm this winter, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/home/savings/winter-heating-energy-savings. Duke Energy also offers energy efficiency products, services and information to help customers save energy and money. For more information, visit duke-energy.com.

Duke Energy Indiana’s operations provide about 6,800 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 810,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it the state’s largest electric supplier.

Tweet me:.@DukeEnergy helps low-income customers in Indiana pay their #energy bills this winter http://bit.ly/2igzzIa #csr

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Energy, Duke Energy, energy assistance program, Indiana, Indiana Community Action Association, holiday giving

Since 2006 employees of Sodexo have supported the Stop Hunger Backpack Food Program, helping to deliver more than 10 million meals to students in need

SOURCE:Sodexo, Inc.

DESCRIPTION:

GAITHERSBURG, Md., December 22, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Employees of Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, understand that for some children the holidays don’t always mean bounty and joy. At times it means facing hunger. For more than 10 years these employees have dedicated support to locally run meal programs in alignment with the mission of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation.  During the 2016/2017 school year, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation is funding 73 backpack food programs across the United States, providing 2.3 million meals to help bridge the hunger gap during holidays and school breaks.

Since 2006, Sodexo has supported backpack food programs. Through the program Sodexo partners with local food banks and schools to provide nutritious, easy-to-prepare and non-perishable food for students who are at risk for hunger when free or reduced-price school lunches are not available. Backpacks are distributed to students in easily accessible and safe environments on the last day of school prior to a weekend or holiday.

“According to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, hunger during the holidays and throughout the year increases the risk of a multitude of diet-related health problems,” said Shondra Jenkins, executive director, Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation. “58 percent of Feeding America’s client households report that someone in their home has hypertension, 33 percent report that someone in their households has diabetes. It’s not just about hunger, it’s about health and wellness.”

Educators and school nurses continue to see cases where Monday-morning hunger remains the highest hurdle they face in competing for student well-being and academic performance. When, nationally, the more than 21 million children who rely on free and reduced-priced school meals go home for the holiday or weekend, proper nutrition can be scarce. Backpack Food Programs are an effective way to fill the void.

Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation provides grants to help fund local backpack food programs where Sodexo employees are regularly volunteering their time and talent. Each of the 73 backpack food programs that received funding for the current academic year received a $1,000 grant for its food bank. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $29 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.

Tweet me:#Sodexo Employees Provide #Meals to #Children in Need During #Holiday Breaks and Weekends http://bit.ly/2h6ws08

Contact Info:

Samuel Wells
Sodexo, Inc.
+1 (301) 987-4893
samuel.wells@sodexo.com

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Business & Trade, Sodexo, holiday, Weekends, Hunger, Free Meals

SOURCE:Albertsons Companies

DESCRIPTION:

BOISE, Idaho, December 22, 2016 /3BL Media/ - Albertsons Companies today thanked its employees and customers across the many communities it serves for helping donate millions of nutritious meals and thousands of toys through the company’s 2016 Holiday Giving Campaign.

In all, Albertsons Companies’ 2,300+ stores and 275,000 team members are responsible for helping orchestrate major food drives and giving campaigns, donating more than 12,000 turkeys and hams, and collecting tens of thousands of toys to make the holidays memorable. In addition, the Albertsons Companies Foundation contributed $240,000 to fund charities at the forefront of hunger relief, juvenile diabetes research, veteran’s services, and grassroots community outreach.

“Helping individuals and families during the holidays and throughout the year is not only the foundation of our community outreach, it’s a key part of our business,” said Chairman and CEO Bob Miller. “We are in the unique position to touch the lives of countless people throughout America each day. We’re proud of how our stores, customers and employees have come together to have a positive impact on people in need, both during the holidays and every day of the year. ”

Albertsons Companies operates supermarkets in 35 states and Washington D.C. under 19 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME Markets, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, and Carrs. Each regional operating division chooses and manages its own giving programs, tailoring the outreach to the needs of the neighborhoods it serves. Whether it’s the Houston-area Randalls and Albertsons stores donating thousands of turkeys (delivered by a team member dressed as a turkey), or the Southwest Division office answering a charity’s last-minute call for 100 toys, the efforts of the stores and generosity of our employees and customers are illustrations of the true holiday spirit of giving.

Here are a few examples of the outreach initiatives that have made an immense impact on the most urgent needs of our neighbors during the holiday season.

• ACME Markets on the East Coast collected and donated nearly 394,000 pounds of food as part of WMMR Radio’s annual Camp Out for Hunger in Philadelphia, the largest single-location food drive in the country.  ACME was a major sponsor of the event, in which WMMR on-air personalities broadcasted their show from a tent to collect donations and raise awareness about hunger. Separately, ACME was fortunate to partner with two prominent and philanthropic Philadelphia Eagles players to deliver food donations to worthy local causes and families and thrill Eagles fans. Defensive End Vinny Curry and his Rush2Victory Foundation joined ACME volunteers and vendor partners to hand out 200 meal kits to Philadelphia families through NET Community Care and Big Brothers Big Sisters.  ACME recently launched a partnership with Eagles Safety Malcolm Jenkins and his Malcolm Jenkins Foundation. The inaugural event for this community-outreach effort was a donation of 140 turkeys to low-income Philadelphia families served by 27 local non-profit organizations and the Philadelphia Police Athletic League.
• Southern Idaho Albertsons stores were key supporters of the annual 7Cares Idaho Shares campaign with news station KTVB to support the Community Safety Net Campaign. The program benefits 10 local charities. Nearly 30 stores collected food and monetary donations and the Intermountain Division’s leadership team presented a $10,000 check and nearly 3,000 pounds of nonperishable food on-air at Albertsons Stadium.
• The Seattle Division’s Albertsons and Safeway stores teamed up with the Seattle Seahawks powerhouses Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, Jermaine Kearse and Tyler Lockett for the annual Safeway Seahawk Sweep in early December in Issaquah, WA. The event earned more than $125,000 for local charities. The Seahawks stars each captained a team that included local first responders and Safeway customers.  The groups faced off in heated competitions, including turkey bowling and a shopping run through the store.  Bennett’s team came in first place, bringing in $35,000 for Hope Heart. Avril earned second place with $25,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Kearse was in third place with his $25,000 going to Rally Point 6, and Tyler Lockett came in fourth with $10,000 for Mary’s Place. The funds were donated by the Albertsons Companies Foundation and vendor partners.
• For nearly 30 years, Dallas-area Tom Thumb stores have joined WFAA-TV Channel 8 for Santa’s Helpers Toy Drive. The event, which has raised more than 1.5 million toys since its inception, is not only the largest toy drive in Texas but is also one the largest in the nation. WFAA’s broadcasters send out the call to Dallas and Fort Worth communities for new, unwrapped toys.

Another component of the Holiday Giving Campaign is in-store food donation programs that provided food bank clients with the ingredients for a traditional holiday meal or a bag of the most-requested, nutritious items, including peanut butter, tuna and vegetables. For example, the Shaw’s and Star Market stores in New England are conducting their annual Spirit of Giving Food Drive, in which customers can donate $5, $10 or $15 at checkout to provide a bundle or bag of food to a neighborhood food pantry or food bank.

The Albertsons Companies Holiday Giving Campaign isn’t exclusive to stores. Albertsons Companies corporate and division office team members also helped their communities with in-office food and toy drives. Some offices selected charity partners to fulfill the wishes of local children and families. Other offices adopted families and provided the elements for a perfect holiday, including gifts, a full dinner, a tree and decorations. This year the corporate teams across three campuses donated nearly 3,000 new toys for local charities, including Toys for Tots.

Tweet me:Albertsons Companies Holiday Giving Campaign Provided Meals, Toys and Financial Donations for People Across the US http://bit.ly/2h7iZp3

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Albertsons Companies, Albertsons, Safeway, Food Donation, toy donation, holiday giving

SOURCE:Aflac

DESCRIPTION:

Kevin and Danielle Jonas, seen with the Aflac Duck Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, in New York City, are working with #AflacHolidayHelpers to provide a combined $50,000 to help families across the country going through challenging times because of unplanned medical events this holiday season.

Learn more about Aflac Duckprints programs

Tweet me:#aflacholidayhelpers to provide a combined $50,000 to help families across the country http://bit.ly/2h7oFPT

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Business & Trade, Aflac, Holiday Helpers

SOURCE:FrontStream

DESCRIPTION:

In this season of giving, it’s not uncommon to see big companies getting in on the goodwill with CSR. Canadian airline WestJet could very well be tops when it comes to seasonal charitable acts; for the last five years, they’ve performed a “Christmas miracle” for deserving people. This year, their focus was on the residents of Fort McMurray in Alberta, a community devastated by wildfires in May 2016. These residents were invited to a Christmas party thrown by WestJet to recognize their hardship and help lift their spirits this holiday season.

But that’s not all – says an article at The Huffington Post: “Nearly 1,000 residents, many of whom lost their homes in the tragic wildfire that ravaged more than 1,900 square miles last May, enjoyed crafts, music and dancing. But the party’s finale was their biggest surprise.”

As well as fostering a wonderful connection with their community, this is a phenomenal example of CSR done right. According to the HuffPo piece, WestJet’s series of Christmas miracle videos have been viewed more than 54 million times since the program’s inception in 2012. Falling in line with the airline brand’s typically sweet and funny commercials, these “holiday miracles” prove that when you’re a company that does right, you’ll inspire others to do right in return (the video is currently trending on YouTube!).

Ready to get started with your company’s CSR program? Check out our ebook on why your company needs CSR and how to make it a focus!

Tweet me:.@FrontStream details how the annual Christmas miracle from WestJet is a heartwarming example of CSR http://bit.ly/2hdJwnF

KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Volunteerism & Community Engagement, WestJet, csr, corporate giving, frontstream, Corporate Social Responsibility, community