Holcim Canada employees find meaningful ways to make an impact and give back to their communities as part of their Together for Communities Employee Volunteer Campaign
TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - With 3,000 employees, Holcim (Canada) Inc. is a leading supplier of building materials and construction services that is committed to making a positive impact in its communities through volunteerism. What began in 2012 as an initiative to celebrate parent company Holcim Ltd.'s centennial and saw employees give back more than 3,000 days of volunteering is now a part of Holcim Canada's annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program and daily operations.
In 2013, volunteer efforts included removing invasive species on conservation trails, raising awareness and funds - pedaling and skiing - for cancer, supporting runners at the end of their half and full marathons, collecting and sorting food at close to a dozen food banks and building affordable homes with Habitat for Humanity. Although activities by individuals and groups varied greatly across the company, the constant remained to make a positive difference in the community by meeting local needs.
In Quebec, employees across the region from Demix Agrégats, Demix Béton, Demix Construction and the Joliette Cement Plant supported two regional causes in need. This extra effort builds on their annual campaign that garners support for one organization. Throughout the year, employee fundraising efforts raised $34,000 for two organizations in need of assistance: La Maison Victor Gadbois and Le Saisonnier.
Earlier in the year, the Ogden Point Quarry was quick to get involved in the first Habitat for Humanity home in Colborne, Ontario. A tightly-knit community, Quarry employees provided 300 hours of labour to help complete this project. This special effort goes beyond employee-organized fundraisers and the company's annual donation in kind of ready-mix concrete at build sites in Ontario and Quebec.
The community spirit among volunteers was alive and well at many of the events as they went above and beyond expectations, for example at the Habitat for Humanity build in Colborne, where employees went home to get more tools to get the work done faster. "I am inspired to see the many ways in which our employees are giving back to the community. They go well beyond simply showing up - they make their time volunteering a truly great experience for their colleagues and the community members we partner with… and by getting the job done!" said Ruksana Mirza, VP Sustainable Development, Holcim Canada.
"Volunteers are what really make Communities and Cities thrive and the City of Mississauga highly values the dedication, passion and time that so many of our community and corporate members contribute to our great City. Holcim's Mississauga (Cement Plant) Team continues to be an exceptional corporate partner with the City of Mississauga and a leader in making meaningful and truly impactful contributions to the community," said Councillor Pat Mullin, City of Mississauga. Over three days in September, more than a dozen employees painted murals at the Clarkson Community Centre Skate Park in support of the City's mural campaign.
About Together for Communities:
The Together for Communities (TFC) campaign is a perfect complement to Holcim Canada's existing CSR activities, and an excellent opportunity to engage its employees, neighbours and stakeholders in a partnership to make a major contribution in the communities where employees live and work.
About Holcim (Canada) Inc.:
Holcim (Canada) Inc. is one of the country's largest vertically integrated building materials and construction companies. With 3,000 employees, Holcim Canada manufactures cement, aggregates and ready-mix concrete and provides construction services to many of Canada's largest infrastructure projects. It has a portfolio of brands, including Dufferin in Ontario and Demix in Quebec.
Holcim Canada is a member of Holcim Group, a Swiss-based multinational with operations in close to 70 countries worldwide. A leading global brand, Holcim (VTX: HOLN.VX) is recognized for its long-term financial performance, its environmental leadership, corporate social responsibility and sustainable construction
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Image with caption: "Employee volunteers from Holcim Canada after repaving the courtyard at La Maison Victor Gadbois, St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil (CNW Group/Holcim Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131205_C8060_PHOTO_EN_34523.jpg
Image with caption: "Dufferin Concrete and Ontario Redimix employees before sorting food at the Daily Bread Food Bank, Toronto (CNW Group/Holcim Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131205_C8060_PHOTO_EN_34521.jpg
Image with caption: "Ogden Point Quarry employees help build the first Habitat for Humanity Northumberland home, Colborne (CNW Group/Holcim Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131205_C8060_PHOTO_EN_34525.jpg
SOURCE: Holcim Canada Inc.
Melissa Kelly
Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
(905) 532-3208
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