Water Team Shines During Global Giveback Week
Monday, May 2, 2011 | 2 Comments As ECLPs, we are constantly striving to make a positive impact on our businesses. We must also remember it is equally, if not more important, to make a positive impact on the communities in which we live. The Water team has embraced the Global Giveback initiative by volunteering time in our own backyard, as well as by donating to help people thousands of miles away who need our help the most.
First of all, an outstanding streak of contributions from fellow ECLP Mohamed led the way for us in Water. He volunteered numerous days at the Al Noor School for Children with Special Needs, the Dubai Autism Booth at the UITP World Congress in Dubai, and the Can Collection initiative for the Emirates Environmental Group, bringing friends and colleagues along the way. Mohamed also donated to the Red Cross several times to help victims of the earthquake in Japan and victims of civil unrest in the Middle East and Africa.
Karen, another fellow ECLP, took it upon herself to approach the ASPCA and propose development of an animal shelter in her hometown of Water Valley, MS, an area deeply in need. She started working with the city council for initial funding and financing ongoing operations. Karen also started recruiting local residents and businesses to help with the project, establishing a comprehensive animal management plan, and taking personal ownership of its continued success. Talk about putting skills learned on program into action!
In China, Leo and a group of fellow ECLPs and alumni volunteered at a local college in a six-hour interactive session talking to students about GE, career goals, networking, interviewing, you name it. Also in China, Water ECLP, Jason, volunteered at a Children’s Event with the nearby Hope Primary School.
Lei Shi & colleagues at local college interaction session with students, China
On this side of the globe, ECLP Colin and fellow ECLPs in Washington, DC spent time at a local food bank helping prepare delivery packets. Nothing says “I volunteered” like a picture of everyone in hairnets!
Colin & colleagues volunteer at Food & Friends (Colin is wearing a hairnet)
Other contributors included Salvatore, who donated blood in Italy, and Hammad, who volunteered with a non-profit organization which improves working conditions and protects child labor rights in Pakistan.
I myself spent time coaching the Special Olympics and facilitating their Winter Sports Awards Banquet. I also spoke in front of a high school class about career development and the importance of giving back to your community, and donated clothes and items to the Salvation Army.
Samir with Dave, a Special Olympics athlete
Even our fearless leader, Ralph, got in on the action, by spending time speaking with students about water issues.
Ralph, explaining to students that not all water is created equal
On behalf of all Water ECLPs, thank you to those who put the Global Giveback initiative together. We believe it was just the tip of the iceberg for how we can work as a team to make an impact on our neighborhoods and for people far away who need our help the most.
Posted by Samir
Reader Comments (2)
Cheers ;)