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Want to make a difference? Volunteer! NINA ARWITZ CEO, Volunteer Ireland
Over one million people in Ireland volunteer. That’s almost a quarter of the population giving back and making a difference in communities across Ireland every day.
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hat t hey do of ten goes unseen, but volu nte er i n g m a ke s up t he so c ia l fabr ic of lo c a l c o m mu n it i e s . W h e n p e o p l e volu nteer t hey feel closer to their community and the people in it, and t hey ta ke pr ide in their community. Volunteering doesn’t just have a big impact on communities, it can have lots of positive benefits for the people who volunteer. Our research shows that volunteering has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of those that volunteer. Making new friends, experiencing improved mental health and feeling an increased s en s e of b elon g i n g to t hei r community are just some of the benefits experienced by volunteers. Not to mention that it can be great fun! Small actions make a big difference Giving back doesn’t always have to mean a huge time commitment – small actions can make a big difference to a community. It can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour or maybe helping out at the school sports day. There are lots of ‘one-off’ ways to get involved in your community too – you could sell pins on Daffodil Day or take part in a local clean up. It will just take a few hours of your life but it could make a big difference to someone else’s.
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It’s easier than ever to volunteer People often ask us what it is exactly that volunteers do and the truth is there are so many ways for people to get involved in their communities. In fact, sometimes there are so many options people can get overwhelmed. F i nd i ng a volu nte er role t hat ’s r ig ht for you cou ld n’t be easier. You can simply visit www.volunteer.ie or download our brand new app, I-VOL, and search all of the opportunities available in your area. There are also some helpful tips on the website to help you think through the kind of volunteer role that might be right for you. Sometimes, people find it easier to talk to someone when they don’t know where to start. There is a Volunteer Centre in each county and they can help you think about what you’d like to do, what skills you have and how much time you can spare. You can call or visit them anytime so they can help you find the role that suits you best. All of their details are available on our website.
Giving thoughtfully creates change The generous spirit of giving is evident throughout Ireland, but we tend to be reactive givers, making one-off gifts during times of disasters or responding to an immediate ask from a charity.
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t its core, philanthropy is about strategic support, planning your giving for maximum impact. It asks the question: ‘What do you want to see changed as a result of your giving?’ Moving beyond money to help charities In Ireland, t he concept of philanthropy is still emerging. While there can be a tendency to associate the word with the super wealt hy, such as well-k now n American philanthropists that we see in the media, that is only one part of the story. We can all be philanthropists and contribute strategically to our favourite causes and charities. One great way of thinking about the contribution you can make is by considering the Three T’s of Philanthropy: Time, Treasure and Talent. Be it volunteering your time, making cash donations or contributing your skills to the cause you care most about, we all have the power to be everyday philanthropists. Th i s i s a key message for Philanthropy Ireland. The power of corporate giving
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There are so many inspir ing organisations out there in need
ÉILIS MURRAY CEO, Philanthropy Ireland
Companies now see it as a crucial way to build their external reputations. There’s an understanding that CSR has to become part of their narrative. of support. Each one of these causes depends on public support to continue their great work. T he g r ow t h i n t he nu m b e r of businesses engaging in philanthropy or implementing corporate giving programmes is a welcome support for causes. Many of the active corporate giving programmes we see are not only allowing businesses to become more involved in the communities t hey work i n, but ac c e s s to volunteering opportunities can ignite the philanthropist within employees, encouraging them to further engage with their charity of choice on a greater level. Corporates can show real leadership, a very welcome development. Reflecting on how impactful we can be There are several ways that, as donors, we can assess the impact of our gift. By asking questions like: ‘What difference can/has my donation made?’ We can take the first step to approaching our giving strategically and moving away from reactive g iv ing to
strategic philanthropy. M a ny c omp a n ie s, to o, a re applying a strategic approach to their giving by benchmarking their success against existing metrics such as the Sustainable D e v e l o p m e n t G o a l s (S D G s), a l low ing compa n ies to ma ke individual contributions towards a collective goal. We can all ‘make a difference’ through philanthropy. At this time of year, the season of giving, we at Philanthropy Ireland encourage you to explore current trends and examples of strategic approaches to giving and to reflect on how you support those causes and charities closest to your heart. Think about your giving and what you would like it to achieve.
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Why CSR should be at the top of your company’s agenda Attitudes to corporate social responsibility have changed. Employees want to get involved in it, and corporations also see it as a way to do good while building their company’s reputation.
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n the past, some companies might have viewed corporate social responsibility (CSR) as nothing more than a politically c or re c t t ic k b ox e xerc i s e — something they did in order to keep up appearances. But, thank fully, those days are long gone insists Dublinbased Penny Bryant, Director of Communication & CSR at Fidelity Investments Ireland. “Over the last 20 years, I’ve watched CSR earn its seat at the corporate table,” she says. “Compa n ies now see it as a crucial way to reflect their ethos and build their external reputations. There’s an understanding that CSR has to become part of their narrative.” Which means organisations are increasingly thinking about who they are and what they stand for. A
typical CSR portfolio might include a focus on philanthropic causes, the measures a company enforces to re duc e it s env i ron ment a l footprint, and the steps it takes to ensure that all its stakeholders are treated fairly. Using CSR as a bridge to the community E ver y busi ness w i l l have it s own CSR priorities. For Fidelity Investments Ireland, corporate social responsibility is a way to prov ide a br idge bet we en the organisation and the local community. Part of this includes company volunteers going into schools to present students with a range of STEM workshops. “Our big picture is about employability and helping build a talent pipeline
PENNY BRYANT Director of Communication and CSR, Fidelity Investments Ireland
Companies now see it as a crucial way to build their external reputations. There’s an understanding that CSR has to become part of their narrative. for girls in STEM,” says Bryant. “That’s not just important for the community but for us as an organisation.” Staff don’t have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the CSR table. Many are keen to help make a difference. “When we asked our people what was important to them, they told us it was skilltransfer in the local community,” says Bryant. “They want to make an impact in wider society.”
Attracting and retaining the best talent Also, job-seekers are looking to join organisations with strong corporate social responsibility strategies. “CSR is a positive way to attract and keep good talent,” says Bryant. “The feedback we’re getting is that we need to continue to be as upfront about it as our other company information, such as culture and benefits.” Ultimately, while CSR is good
for business, it can be good for the soul, too. “I’ve found myself getting quite emotional when seeing the impact CSR can make,” says Bryant. “For example, we sponsored someone who wouldn’t normally be able to get a third level education. When they say ‘You’ve changed my life’ you can’t help but feel good about yourself and the company you work for.” WRITTEN BY: TONY GREENWAY
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Read more at www.fidelityinvestments.ie
Developing healthy habits for a healthy lifetime
MARGARET MORRISSEY Country HR Director, Abbott
We all have different things that will motivate us at the start of each day. But I have always felt that, if there is one goal that unites us, it is the desire to make a difference.
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ives can be changed through healthcare technologies. But medical device companies can offer more, too. Responsibility as a healthcare provider doesn’t need to stop with the patients. By being active members of t he com mu n it y, medical device companies can take responsibility and help build healthy, thriving societies. In fact, there should be a strive to make a difference to the entire country. Volunteering leads to prideful employees A culture of ‘giving back to the community’ has obvious benefits for local communities, but can also be a huge benefit for the staff within an organisation. Volunteering activities – e.g. staff working with local groups, sharing skills and expertise – can truly engender a sense of pride among teams, while being helpful to those outside of the business.
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The world of STEM The world of S T E M c a n fe el dau nt i ng i f it is u n fa m i l ia r. So, who better to help inspire students’ interest in STEM than the employees within medical device companies? Events like annual science weeks can help students, parents and teachers to explore the exciting careers in science and engineering. In turn, this sense of ‘making a difference’ within a company can improve job satisfaction and employee retention. How companies can make a difference I t ’s a l s o s o i m p o r t a n t t o encourage good health within an office environment and to raise awareness of important health issues. Schemes such as char it y i n it i at ive s ( l i ke I r i sh He a r t Foundation’s ‘Hands for Life’,
which aims to train 100,000 people in the life-saving skill of CPR) give employees the chance to learn how to potentially save lives. Th is hea lt h awa reness ca n ex tend beyond t he office. In Irela nd, c i rc u lator y d isea ses such as heart disease account for almost a third of all deaths. On average, over 500 people a year die from complications associated with diabetes. Once considered a problem just for older adults, these health conditions are becoming more c om mon i n ch i ld ren . L ate s t research shows that 16%, that’s one in six, children in Ireland are either overweight or obese. ‘Future Well Kids’ To help change the future, Ireland is one of three countries worldwide that has launched a new initiative called Future Well Kids. I n p a r t ner sh ip w it h lo c a l schools, healthcare professionals
are delivering a fun and engaging curriculum to make young people more aware of the importance of exercise and nutrition to their overall health. Three schools in Cavan, Dublin and Sligo are already benefiting from this programme, but there are no plans to stop there. The Future Well Kids programme will be expanding to more schools and supporting them to make a difference to the future health and wellbeing of their pupils. Through this initiative, we will continue to tackle the growing problem of noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease; by empowering Irish children today to develop healthy habits that will reduce their risks of getting diabetes and heart disease when they’re older.
Future Well Kids Future Well Kids was founded by Abbott in September 2019. Abbott are committed to making a difference in many ways and last year, saw their colleagues volunteer more than 7,000 hours to important causes. For me, making a difference is a passion. When I go to work each day, I do so knowing that my company is helping people in Ireland and around the world to live longer and better lives, thanks to our life-changing health technologies.
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The Sustainable Development Goals: A framework to drive CSR for all Poverty eradication, access to quality education and reducing inequality and are just some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations Member States. In total, there are 17 Global Goals that provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.
IAN TALBOT Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland
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h e S D G s c a n s e r ve a s ambitious yet also practical goa ls for busi nesses to strive towards. They can act as an important tool for driving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for businesses through aligning CSR initiatives with the targets of the SDGs, while providing perspective on the wide-ranging global and social issues that businesses’ actions can help to address. The broad scope of the SDGs allows businesses and their employees an opportunity to make an impact in a variety of different ways. Chambers across Ireland are encouraging sustainable development In every major town, city and region in the country, there is a chamber. Each chamber strives to develop sustainable and economically vibrant communities, which puts us in the position to positively impact engagement with the SDGs throughout Ireland. We have instilled a strong CSR culture within our membership, evolving from simple volunteering to extensive cross-organisational programmes. We are now working with our members to embrace SDG actions relevant to their businesses with the same enthusiasm and commitment they have displayed on CSR for the betterment of our local and national communities, creating a prosperous future for all while protecting the environment. T h i s y e a r, o n t h e fo u r t h anniversary of the launch of the
goals, Chambers Ireland and our network of Chambers resolved to collectively sign a national SDG charter, representing our pledge to support the implementation of the SDGs across all of our activities. We will champion these goals through our policy work and our internal company culture. Council supports UN’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development Chambers Ireland has established a Sustainable Business Council, which works to further align and engage our members, using the SDGs as a tool to drive increased participation in corporate social responsibility (CSR). The council’s outputs feed directly into our overall SDG outputs for business, as do the outputs from our global organisation, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The ICC is the only business organisation that has observer status at the UN, achieved in particular for its commitment to contribute directly to the UN’s 2 03 0 A genda for Su st a i nable Development. This global reach and connectivity makes us capable of promoting the SDGs in the business community across Ireland.
How to access an untapped talent pool TOMÁS SERCOVICH CEO, Business in the Community Ireland
Diversity and inclusion makes good business sense. Employment offers the single biggest opportunity for vulnerable individuals to move out of a cycle of poverty and become active participants in society.
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n a report published by the E SR I in 2 018, five g roups were identified as facing the greatest barriers to employment and as most vulnerable to social exclusion. These groups included: jobless households, lone parents, homeless or affected by housing exclusion, those with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. For almost 20 years, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) has been working with some of Ireland’s largest companies to help support these groups back into employment. In an era of full employment, two thirds of adults with a disability remain unemployed. People on the autism spectrum face an unemployment rate of approximately 70%. We believe this represents an untapped talent pool for Irish business. A blueprint for tackling social exclusion
Read more at businessnews.ie
Chambers Ireland Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s largest business organisation with a network of Chambers across every major town, city and region in the country. We facilitate the growth and long-term development of sustainable and resilient communities on behalf of our members.
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Earlier this year, we launched The Inclusive Employer blueprint. It is aimed at implementing change in business at leadership and operational level to tackle social exclusion. ‘ The Inclu sive Employer ’ blueprint is a practical guide to create inclusive workplaces - and reduce social inequality in Ireland – and is designed as a best practice tool for employers and is targeted at s e c u r i n g, developi n g a nd nurturing talent.
This blueprint has emerged f rom ou r L e aders’ Group on Sustainability, a business coalition dedicated to addressing the most pressing sustainability priorities as well as future opportunities for a competitive and inclusive Ireland. The blueprint provides a clear
In an era of full employment, two thirds of adults with a disability remain unemployed. People on the autism spectrum face an unemployment rate of approximately 70%. pathway for human resources departments, strategic planners, recruitment experts and talent retention specialists to finally eradicate inherited disadvantage, which often runs through families and communities.
who understand the long-term value of being inclusive employers but who have never had the tools to implement real change. Ideas for action Some actionable ideas from the blueprint include: • S e t h i r i n g t a r g e t s fo r those vulnerable to social exclusion and be ambitious • Rewrite job descriptions to be more inclusive • Train all staff on unconscious bias • Ask your supply chain about their diversity and inclusion and reward suppliers who demonstrate a commitment • E n g a g e w it h o ut r e ac h programmes targeted at e duc at ion a nd employment like Business in the Community Ireland’s range of initiatives in this area.
Practical steps
Download the Blueprint
This blueprint spells out what practical steps employers can take to reach into these families and communities and help transform their lives. This is a mobilising call for some employers who, up to now, have not fully realised the benefits of inclusive recruitment but it also provides step-by-step guides to business and industry
All companies can get inspired and you can download the Inclusive Employer blueprint from our website: bitc.ie/the-leaders-group/ the-inclusive-employer Read more at businessnews.ie MEDIAPLANET
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Responsible business and giving back to the community
Permanent TSB is one of Ireland’s oldest financial institutions and has been in operation, in one form or another, for more than 200 years. During this time, we have developed deep roots in Ireland by playing an active role in the communities we serve.
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ur commitment to Responsible Business plays a fundamental role in enabling us to build on our 200 year history. Responsible Business at the Bank is built around four pillars – Customers, Colleagues, Community and Environment – for which the following overarching objectives have been set:
• D e v e l o p i n g q u a l i t y products that matter most to customers, meet their financial needs and deliver fair outcomes that set the business apart. • Creating a positive work environment for colleagues by fo s ter i n g a d iverse, inclusive and supportive
work i ng env i ron ment where people feel engaged and valued and are given the tools they require to be the very best they can be. • H av i n g a p o s it ive a nd meaningful impact on the communities in which we live and work. • Minimising the impact of the business on the natural environment by reducing environmental footprint. Committing to having a positive and meaningful impact - The Permanent TSB Community Fund In November 2019, the Bank was delighted to announce the launch of a new communit y g iv ing programme - The Permanent TSB Community Fund. This initiative supports local c om mu n it ie s b y p r ov id i n g funding to community organisations that are having a positive and meaningful impact
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COURTNEE KYLE Corporate Social Responsibility and Communications Manager, Permanent TSB
on t he g rou nd a nd who a re working hard to make a difference. The Com mu n it y F u nd w i l l operate in regions across Ireland providing €100,000 in funding, wh ich w i l l be sha re d ac ros s five local charities – chosen by the general public. Ireland will have their say and vote for the organisations they want to see the Bank support. Voting closes on F r iday, 20 December and can be done online by visiting: permanenttsb.ie/ ResponsibleBusiness.
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Permanent TSB Permanent TSB is committed to having a positive and meaningful impact, through building strong community partnerships, engaging employees in volunteering initiatives and providing financial support to Irish charities and community organisations through the work of the Staff Charities Fund – our national level financial giving programme. Since establishment, the Permanent TSB Staff Charities Fund has made donations in excess of €1 million to Irish charities, supporting communities across the country. The Community Fund will work in tandem with Staff Charities, and through a combined effort will aim to contribute c. €300,000 to our charity partners who are making a difference in communities across the country. You can read more about the Bank’s commitment to community at:
www.permanenttsb.ie/ responsible-business
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The business community in Ireland can and is helping to end homelessness Homelessness in Ireland is a national crisis. It’s starting to feel almost unsolvable. And, sadly, it is set to continue for the foreseeable future with over 10,000 people now homeless in Ireland.
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hat’s 10,000 people robbed of the very foundation of their entire lives – their family home. And there are so many more on the brink of homelessness because of the Housing Crisis. Ireland’s housing crisis is now unequivocally the worst in living memory with a dire shortage of housing and the cost of renting at an all-time high. But the business community can play a key role in stemming the rising tide of homelessness by supporting a charity like Threshold. I can guarantee that your business will be making a real and lasting difference. A partnership will give your employees the power to deliver one of the most impactful – and measurable – blows to the epidemic of homelessness in Ireland. And that’s simply by keeping people in their homes. That’s because losing your private rented home is now the leading cause of homelessness in Ireland. Because it’s not just the human cost of homelessness – it’s the financial. Did you know that, for every family who enters emergency homeless accommodation, this will be their home for the next 10
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JOHN-MARK MCCAFFERTY Chief Executive, Threshold
Did you know that, for every family who enters emergency homeless accomodation, this will be their home for the next 10 months? And this will cost the state a staggering €31,000. months? And this will cost the state a staggering €31,000. Benefits for your business and the community Partnering with a charity like Threshold can create a long-lasting and wide impact. And will also have proven and knock-on benefits for your business. Customers are paying more and more attention to the environmental and social credentials of your brand, especially in what is now an incredibly and increasingly competitive market. And that’s why making a recognised difference will have a big impact on setting your business apart in the eyes of your customers, investors and staff. The environmental and social credentials of your brand are also a huge factor in today’s ‘War on Talent’. New research on employee
retention and attracting new talent is now suggesting there is an undeniable link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee turnover. Supporting the fight against homelessness will enable your business to build this link. It will improve employee retention. And attract new talent. What’s more, it will motivate your staff, increase productivity and create a space for real innovation; innovation that will enable your business to be the leader in responding to new and emerging trends.
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Join forces with Threshold Stopping homelessness is the key to tackling the Housing Crisis in 2020. And that impressive legacy could be yours. We have been at the forefront of this proven and impactful work for over 40 years. In fact, in the last year alone, Threshold saved 5,161 families from the nightmare of homelessness. So please, join our ground-breaking campaign to end homelessness in Ireland. And find out how your business can build a successful partnership with Threshold by visiting: threshold.ie/getinvolved/ corporatesupporters
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Why you need to make charitable giving part of your CSR portfolio In these cash-strapped days, charities rely on the support of businesses. It’s why many companies make sure they include charitable giving in their CSR strategies.
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ompanies are increasingly making charitable giving part of their CSR strategies, says Mary Gamble, Director of Fundraising at children’s charity, Barnardos Ireland. And, generally, they’re doing so in two ways. The first involves members of staff choosing which charity their organisation should support in their Charity of the Year (COTY) vote. After a charity has been selected, the company pledges to engage with it for 12 months with different fundraising activities and other help. “That’s great for the charity because it gives them regular cash injections throughout the year,” says Gamble. “It’s also a good way for businesses to keep their staff engaged, so it can be a beneficial two-way relationship.” These types of internal COTY votes can be difficult to win, but bigger,
Consumers prefer to buy from brands who display charity logos. more established charities aren’t necessarily at an advantage simply because they’re better known. “ E m p l o ye e s m i g ht c h o o s e charities that are local to them, or there might be a person within the organisation who has been affected by a particular cause, so their colleagues rally behind it,” reasons Gamble. Growing trend for longerterm partnerships The second – and arguably more interesting – trend in CSR charitable g iv ing is around more formal, longer-term partnerships. “Ambitious organisations look to
partner with charities for between three and five years,” explains Gamble. “Their aim is to make a massive difference to that charity.” This type of partnership can be t ra n sfor mat iona l be c au se both organisations work closely together, sharing skills and forging deep relationships. “It’s like having another member of the team at the senior management table,” says Gamble. “Charities have lofty ambitions and very strong visions and goals but can often lack the resources to make things happen. A partnership gives them access to expertise and skills that, normally, they would never be able to afford. When
MARY GAMBLE Director of Fundraising, Barnardos Ireland that deep, embedded, impactful relationship occurs, really exciting change happens.” What’s in it for the company? It ’s obv ious why t he cha r it y benefits. But cynics might wonder what’s in it for the company. “Businesses are not [partnering with charities] for altruistic reasons alone,” says Gamble. “It’s proven that consumers prefer to buy from brands who display charity logos. For that reason alone, it can be valuable for them. Another reason is that potential employees are more discerning about where they work and are actively looking to find out more
about an organisation’s CSR strategy. Is it cl i m ate cha nge? Is it work i ng w it h a n i ma l s? Is it funding health initiatives? Or is it empowering children and working to break the cycle of disadvantage? They’re asking: ‘What does this company believe in – and do I want to be part of where it’s going?’ So, a charity partnership really can be a win-win.” WRITTEN BY: TONY GREENWAY
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How university students are ‘giving back’ to their communities University volunteer programmes can help students connect with the wider community — but an on-campus volunteering culture must be created to inspire young people to get involved.
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hen young people go to university, all they want to do is go out with their friends and have a good time. Don’t they? Well, not entirely, explains Gabriella Hanrahan, Community Liaison Officer at the University of Limerick. Many are keen to get involved in on and off-campus volunteering through clubs, societies, community-based organisations and charities. “I believe higher education student volunteering is one of the best kept secrets and the most unrecognised activity of this population,” says Hanrahan. The reasons why students are inspired to volunteer are many and varied. “A common response is: ‘We want to ‘give back’,” says Hanrahan. “Students tell me they want to do more than sit on the couch in the evenings.” MEDIAPLANET
Range of volunteering opportunities with big and small organisations The University of Limerick (UL) has been running a unique volunteering programme for the last 10 years insofar as student volunteering is officially endorsed by the President and recorded on the UL student transcript. U L also pioneered t he first national student volunteer management system, database and website www.studentvolunteer. ie, which launched in 2016. This one stop shop has really changed student volunteering in Ireland because today on and off campus clubs, societies and organisations can promote and engage students all over Ireland. “For instance, one of our Chinese students volunteers as a receptionist with St Mary’s Cathedral
GABRIELLA HANRAHAN Community Liaison Officer, University of Limerick
Universities should foster a culture of volunteering on campus, because students want to and are willing to ‘give back’. visitors’ centre in Limerick,” says Hanrahan. “He does it because he loves European architecture, wants to improve his language skills and immerse himself in Irish culture.” Yet many others volunteer with national organisations such as Childline, Samaritans, homeless a nd d i s abi l it y ch a r it ie s a nd students also create opportunities such as a dedicated charity week. “Un iversit ies shou ld foster a c u lt u re of volu nteer i ng on campus,” says Hanrahan, because students want to and are willing to ‘give back’.” A common reflection
from students is that they get more from volunteering than they had ever expected,” says Hanrahan. ‘’They report how it helped them settle into university life, make new friends, how it improved their confidence and self-esteem and provided them with practical insights and work-related skills. More over, en g a g i n g you n g people in societal issues and problem s c a n be l i fe - a nd career-changing. This student-led activ it y is a w in-w in for all. Student volunteers learn practical life and work-related insights and
skills, organisations get access to a ma ssive w i l l i ng hu ma n resource, and all this goodwill positively profiles higher education students and institutions in their community and beyond.” “If universities don’t have the right infrastructure in place, volunteering won’t happen because students won’t know where to go to find out about it,” she notes. “Once supported to get involved higher education, students do and will ‘give back’.” WRITTEN BY: TONY GREENWAY
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The myths and message behind carbon monoxide safety Gas Networks Ireland has linked its campaign about carbon monoxide safety to an important and effective education initiative reaching thousands of primary school children.
CHRISTINA VAN DER KAMP Corporate Responsibility Manager, Gas Networks Ireland
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any people associate carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning exclusively with gas appliances. But that’s wrong. The fact is that if you burn any kind of fuel using any kind of appliance, you’re potentially at risk of CO poisoning. Because CO gas is poisonous it must be taken seriously stresses O we n W i l s on , G a s N e t work Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager. On average, CO gas kills six people in Ireland every year.
might be evidence of sooting or Standard EN 50291 and carries staining around appliances and t he C E m a rk a nd a m a rk of condensat ion on w indows or independent certification. walls,” says Wilson. “Contrary “ There’s plent y of ev idence t o w h at s ome m i g ht t hat more think, carbon monoxide and more On average, CO gas doesn’t have a smel l, people are wh ic h i s why it ’s s o aware of the kills six people in difficult to recognise; but danger of CO Ireland every year. if it’s escaping from an poisoning,” appliance, the chances says Wilson. are t hat ot her f umes w il l be “For instance, in 2014, just 25% of us escaping too — and they may have owned a carbon monoxide alarm. an odour.” Today that number has risen The third message is around to 65%.” The message on prevention; by ensuring t hat carbon monoxide all fuel-burning appliances are Linking carbon monoxide installed and serviced annually safety with CSR initiatives “We’ve divided the message about by a competent service agent for carbon monoxide safety into four your fuel type. For gas appliances, A nationw ide primar y school themes,” he says. “The first looks this is a Registered Gas Installer. programme called Energize sets at sources of CO in the home, and Appliances should be used safely out to inspire children between explains that it can be produced (don’t bring barbecues under cover, 10 and 12 years of age to take an by bu r n i ng a ny for instance, or use interest in STEM subjects. The fuel, including your cooker to heat concept is that greater ST E M If you burn any kind of coal, turf, oil, gas a room) and have understanding w il l engender fuel using any kind of or wood.” chimneys and flues greater understanding of carbon appliance, you’re potentially The second is swept regularly. monoxide safety. at risk of CO poisoning. concer ned w it h F i n a l l y, i t ’s “ The programme includes a understanding v it a l t o p ro te c t module on safety in the home, the signs of carbon monoxide yourself against CO poisoning which we’ve used successfully p o i s o n i n g , s u c h a s f l u - l i ke with a carbon monoxide alarm to promote carbon monox ide symptoms. “Additionally, there that complies w ith European awareness,” explains Christina
MEDIAPLANET
OWEN WILSON Networks Safety Manager, Gas Networks Ireland
v a n der K a mp, Cor p orate Respon sibi l it y M a nager, G a s Networks Ireland. Last year, the programme reached 5,195 students in 155 schools across the country. What’s more, feedback has been positive, with 96% of children w h o c o mple t e d t h e m o d u le able to identif y sy mptoms of CO poisoning. The public needs to know about carbon monoxide “We have to be creative in order to keep the subject in the public eye. Plus, there’s always new information to get across. For example, it’s great to see a huge uptake in carbon monoxide alarms... but do people realise that these devices will typically need to be replaced after seven to ten years?” WRITTEN BY: TONY GREENWAY
Info box The nationwide Energize programme is one of Gas Networks Ireland’s leading corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to teach children about gas safety from an early age. As part of another community initiative, Gas Networks Ireland has been donating carbon monoxide alarms to Age Action Ireland, a charity which works to empower older people to be safe in their homes. Additionally, earlier this year Gas Networks Ireland recently published its first sustainability report. “Sustainability in Action” highlighting their progress in implementing the principles of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals across the business.
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Read more at www.carbonmonoxide.ie/ BUSINESSNEWS.IE
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