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Alcoa
Foundation Invests Nearly $250,000 in Programmes to Improve Quality
of Life in Guinea
Alcoa
Foundation
announced that it has invested nearly $250,000 in three programmes to
improve educational and family planning services in Guinea, West Africa.
This most recent investment brings total charitable investments in the
country to approximately $1 million since 2001. The recipients of this
year's grants include:
• EngenderHealth, Inc., which received a two-year grant totalling
$141,370 for a programme aimed at improving the quality of maternal
and child health services offered in the Boke prefecture.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC), which received a $57,700
grant to partner with Today's Women International Network (TWIN), a
Guinean organisation that provides training to young women vulnerable
to abuse and exploitation.
• School-to-School International, which received a $45,300 grant
to improve teaching conditions in primary schools near Conakry so that
future generations can break the cycle of poverty prevalent in Guinea.
The grants are part of Alcoa Foundation's commitment to improving the
quality of life of Alcoa communities worldwide. Alcoa's presence in
Guinea includes acting as managing partner of Compagnie des Bauxites
de Guinee (CBG) and holding an equity position in Halco Mining, which
is a majority owner of CBG. With operations in Kamsar and Sangaredi,
CBG serves the alumina and chemicals market through the mining of bauxite.
In addition, Alcoa World Alumina LLC is exploring the possibility of
jointly developing a 1.5 million metric ton per year (mtpy) alumina
refinery in Guinea with Alcan Inc. and the Government of the Republic
of Guinea.
A feasibility study for the refinery is expected to be completed by
mid-2005.
'With the active involvement of Alcoa management, we have built private-public
partnerships with the Ministry of Health, The United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) and non-governmental organisations
to develop systemic and sustainable solutions in Guinea,' said Ibrahima
Danso, managing director of Alcoa-Guinea. 'Alcoa has worked closely
with NGOs to build a better quality of life in Guinea, and our commitment
is further demonstrated by these most recent grants from Alcoa Foundation.'
The grant to EngenderHealth, a non-profit organisation based in New
York City, will go toward implementing a Safe Motherhood Programme at
five health centres and their satellite health posts in the Boke district
in Guinea. The programme will educate participants about modern family
planning methods, infectious diseases and complications that can arise
during child birth. Approximately $75,000 in grant money will be distributed
this year and $67,000 will be distributed in 2005.
The grant to the IRC, also based in New York City, will fund the second
phase of a programme that aims to prepare participants to begin their
own businesses as a sustainable means of supporting themselves. In 2005,
the women will receive business training that will build on the vocational
training and health education that they received during the first phase
of the project.
The grant to School-to-School International, a non-profit organisation
based in San Francisco, will fund the Alcoa School Health Education
project at approximately 16 elementary schools in the Kamsar and Sangaredi
areas. The project - which will involve teachers, parents, community
members, and local education and health officials - will address issues
such as nutrition, hygiene, school sanitation, malaria, and HIV/AIDS.
About Alcoa Foundation
In 2003, Alcoa Foundation made $15 million in grants around the world.
Communities where Alcoa has a presence are the primary focus of its
grantmaking programmes. Through disaster relief grants and employee
engagement initiatives like ACTION and Bravo!, additional resources
are made available to our communities. The Foundation's grants address
global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation
and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business
and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families.
For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit http://www.alcoa.com,
under Community.
PR
Takes the Plunge for Tsunami Relief Effort
Experienced
scuba diver and freelance PR consultant, Kathy
Wilkinson used her dual skills for a good cause during a
recent holiday to the Philippines to help raise money for the Asian
Tsunami relief effort.
She
was among more than 30 divers and non-divers from Calypso Diving Centre,
the biggest dive operator on the resort island of Boracay, who took
part in a special ‘charity’ dive to raise 740 US$ for the
Red Cross, one of a number of organisations helping the survivors of
the devastating tidal waves.
On her return to the UK where she has just launched her Worcester-based
consultancy, WilkinsonPr, Kathy sent a press release on the charity
plunge to the UK diving media.
Said Kathy, a BSAC Dive Leader with over 700 dives in the last 20 years
and a member of Worcester Divers: ‘I landed in the Philippines
on December 26th – the day the Tsunami struck causing the tragic
loss of over 220,000 lives and destruction of communities throughout
South East Asia – and, along with fellow divers, was utterly shocked
by the news. I could hardly believe the TV coverage, particularly as
I have some wonderful memories of diving in Thailand and the Maldives,
which were among the hardest-hit areas.
‘So when Calypso organised this fund-raising event to help the
survivors, everyone was only too pleased to contribute to this very
worthwhile cause.’The 18-metre dive at Friday’s Rock, a popular
dive site off Boracay’s famous White Beach, included Calypso’s
owners, Richard Lane and René Buob, along with dive centre staff
and divers of all nationalities and skill levels. Among the rich variety
of marine life encountered was a large black frogfish - quite a rare
sight.
‘Naturally we were all very relieved that the Philippines, which
also gets its share of natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons,
escaped the Tsunami. Consequently, the country is expecting an increase
in tourists who were due to travel to the tsunami-stricken areas and
are choosing the Philippines as a safe alternative, given its geographical
location well to the east,’ added Kathy.
WilkinsonPr, which offers a cost-effective PR, photography and writing
service, with particular emphasis on the glazing, construction and travel
sectors, can be contacted on 01905 621575 or 07740 368325.
Sash
UK Ltd Proves Charity that Begins at Home can go a Long Way
The
generosity of staff at Sash UK this
Christmas surpassed all previous years of fundraising as the company
joined the nation to raise money for the Tsunami appeal, as well as
supporting its usual local causes. A final amount of nearly £6000
was raised through various activities in the weeks leading up to Christmas
and at the Company Christmas party. The money has been split between
the Tsunami/Earthquake appeal and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice
for South Yorkshire and the North Midlands.
Historically, each Christmas, Sash chooses a worthy cause to donate
the proceedings of the company’s Christmas raffle. Major suppliers,
customers and the company also contribute. Bluebell Wood was the adopted
charity back in 2002 when £2,640 was donated. The Hospice is now
at a critical stage in its appeal, it has recently been awarded planning
permission to begin construction at the site in Dinnington, South Yorkshire,
so it was agreed by staff at Sash to back the charity once again. Voluntary
speaker and collector for Bluebell Wood, Barry Grimshaw was delighted
with the donation when he collected the cheque recently, ‘Thank
you for your contribution and continuing support’, he commented.
However, the natural disaster of Boxing Day morning had a more devastating
effect than most of us will have seen in our lifetimes. The whole world
began at once to raise funds for the essential aid required in the Far
East. For this reason David Ruzicka, joint managing director at Sash
UK, requested at the Christmas party held on the 29th December, that
half the proceedings be donated to the Tsunami appeal. ‘Following
a successful
year of growth and expansion at Sash we felt that Christmas was a time
to concentrate our efforts elsewhere. The amount raised has surpassed
all expectations and as a company we are proud of our strong social
conscience both locally and now globally’, commented David. Both
appeals have received nearly £3,000 from Sash UK.
Tel: 01226 719997
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Free
Windows for Children’s Holiday Home
Kömmerling
fabricator Affordable Window Systems
has provided free windows at a holiday home for underprivileged Ukrainian
children, on the Black Sea coast near Odessa.
Affordable’s
charitable donation of the 4’ x 4’ tilt-and-turn windows means
that for the first time children who use wheelchairs can have a holiday
there.
Supplied fully glazed, and with 85mm cills, the 10 windows were installed
in an extension specially built to cater for disabled children. Eddie
Gaughan, Managing Director of Blackpool-based Affordable Windows, says:
‘Before the extension was built, the home wasn’t equipped
to take wheelchair-users, so we were very happy to play our part in
ensuring that those children who really needed a holiday more than most,
can now have one.’
The project was overseen by Preston charity International Trust Aid.
Affordable’s windows have been used for four new bedrooms and two
new classrooms in the extension. Two existing classrooms in the original
building will then be converted back into dormitories. The overall refurbishment
will give the home an additional 34 bed spaces - including the four
bedrooms in the extension, two of which take one child and a carer,
with the other two each catering for two disabled children and one carer.
Project Leader Peter Coxhead led a team of 28 people to undertake the
building work. Other products which were supplied free, or at cost price,
included the pre-fabricated panels, timber, doors, roofing and the fittings
for the disabled shower-room and toilets. The foundation work, which
was carried out by local labour in the Ukraine, was financed by International
Trust Aid.
‘The home, at Myaki, in the Southern Ukraine, provides holidays
for underprivileged children from all over the country, including major
cities, and one place that everybody will have heard of - Chernobyl,’
says Peter Coxhead. ‘Donations of building products in this way,
such as the windows from Affordable, were absolutely vital. The extension
could not have been built without them - and many deserving children
would miss out on getting a much-needed holiday.’
Now with around 100 regular trade customers, Affordable manufacturers
Kömmerling window systems from a three-acre site, and with an investment
of over £1m in the latest technology, has a capacity of 3,000
windows a week.
Tailormade
Windows and Conservatories
of Stoke-On-Trent recently came to the aid of an elderly disabled grandmother
in the local town of Crewe.
72 year old Mrs Jinks, had always wanted a conservatory at the rear
of her home to give her a brighter outlook during the dark winter months
and she had saved for many years to get her dream. Unfortunately she
chose to place her £12,000 order with a company who unknown to
her was about to cease trading, and she gave them a £2,000 deposit
just days before they went into liquidation.
She had lost her deposit and it seemed her dream conservatory, causing
her a great deal of unwanted distress, but just when things seemed blackest,
Ian Bostock of Tailormade Windows & Conservatories heard of her
plight and was determined to help her.
Local
newspaper photographer, with Mrs Jinks and her daughter celebrating
with Sam Bostock & Hailey Baskerville from Tailormade and Phil Warren
from Listers.
Ian
approached his supplier Lister Trade Frames of Stoke with the story
and Listers offered to supply all the materials from their new fully
sculptured system at less than cost, and likewise, Ian offered Tailormade's
installation of the conservatory on the same basis.
The result was that Mrs Jinks' distress turned to delight, as she got
a top of the range Elitis Sculptor conservatory at over £5,000
less than she had originally agreed to pay for a standard conservatory
from the original company.
'I was amazed that anyone would be interested enough to help me in this
way, but Tailormade and Listers have made me overjoyed, and the conservatory
is even better than I had ever dreamed of.' said Mrs Jinks.
And what did Tailormade and Listers get out of it? Well besides some
local press coverage, which is always welcome, Ian said that 'it was
just good to have a part in helping this lady, and promoting a positive
story for our industry, which doesn't always get good press like this.'
Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk
Kids
Benefit from Industry Night Out
GM
Fundraising’s
bid to raise £120,000 for the Hope House Hospice for children
has received a massive financial boost following the recent GMF Gala
Dinner, held at the Palace Hotel, Manchester in October. Companies representing
all parts of the glass and glazing industry supported the dinner with
sponsorship and table bookings. The final total for the event, raised
from auctions, raffles and ticket sales, was £64,733. This brings
the total raised this year to £91,000.
Commenting on the success of the event, Gary Morton said ‘The GM
Fundraising Gala Dinner continues to be the biggest contributor to the
fund. That it is also one of the biggest and best social occasions in
the industry is also important. Few of those enjoying the Gala Dinner
may realise how crucial this money is to the Hope House team and the
kids they care for. The important thing is that they continue to look
forward to the event, get pleasure from the evening and give freely’
In June of next year, Gary Morton and others will be undertaking a ten-day,
sponsored cycle ride from John O’ Groats to Lands End in aid of
GM Fundraising. For further information, potential participants or sponsors
should contact Gary Morton at mailto:gary@garymorton.co.uk.
Team
QRS in the Great North Run
Dave
Buttery, MD of Approved Quantal
Fabricator Quality Roofing systems,
his wife Elaine, daughter Ashleigh and Production Operative Glenn Hart,
who all work with him, raised over £2000 for a Stockton hospice
when they took part in the Great North Run.
David explains, ‘My grandmother received wonderful care at the
hospice, and we took great comfort in the knowledge that she was treated
with such compassion and dignity.
‘We decided to raise as much as possible in order to give something
back to this extraordinary organisation.
‘And my resolve to complete the 13 miles was strengthened when
my friends told me they didn't think I could do it!’ adds David.
Quality Roofing Systems supplies conservatory roofs on time, every time,
anywhere they are required, to installers all over the UK, from its
factory in Seamer near Middlesbrough.
‘The success of the business is based on offering friendly and
efficient service, and the company's dedication to providing the highest
quality product and support package possible.’ says David.
‘We will continue to operate a programme of investment and expansion
within the company to back up our commitment to total customer satisfaction,’
concludes David.
Quality Roofing Systems is part of the Quantal Fabricator Network. For
further information visit http://www.quantal.co.uk
or telephone 08700 110195.
Staff
at Grimethorpe based window, door & conservatory manufacturer Sash
UK Ltd played piggy in the middle with their surprise visitor
recently as they raised money for Breast Cancer Campaign. The Barnsley
company backed national ‘wear it pink’ day on the 29th of
October to raise money for the charity. Staff turned up to work wearing
at least one item of pink, the signature colour of the campaign and
made a donation to the organisation. The company also made a contribution
giving a final total of over £200.
Although the issues at the heart of the fundraiser were very relevant
to the company the day was light-hearted and all those who participated
were in high spirits especially when a big pink pig strutted through
the office at mid-day! Order Processor Steve Wynn surprised colleagues
when he hired the fancy dress costume to show his support to the charity.
The company which is about to enter its 40th anniversary year next year
currently employs 215 staff, more than double the number employed just
before the move to the Park Springs site five years ago. They have already
played a considerable part in the regeneration of the ex-mining town
and a land deal expected to clear in 2006 will allow the company to
continue its expansion. ‘Without our keen, conscientious workforce
the growth of recent years would not have been possible.
It was great to see the staff pulling together and enjoying themselves
for a worthy cause that has already impacted many of them,’ said
David Ruzicka, Managing Director at Sash.
Thank you to all those who took part.
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Lister's
Trade Week Raises over £750
Listers
recently held an open week on its Building Plastics Trade Counter in
Leek Road, Stoke.
Hundreds
of customers visited to see demonstrations of some of the 6000 building
plastic products that the company stocks and some recently introduced
lines like wheelbarrows, carports and even timber. As an added incentive
to call in the company treated all the visitors to giant bacon rolls.
But it wasn't just about what Listers have to offer. Many of the competitions
and demonstrations during the week focused around raising money for
the Douglas MacMillan cancer relief charity. By the end of the week
over £750 had been raised by Listers customers & staff.
Paul Stanfield, one of Listers staff took the brave decision to raise
some cash by having his well loved moustache, of some 18 years, shaved
off in front of customers and staff during a live radio show broadcast
from the store.
Paul, who is pictured (minus moustache) handing over the cheque to Margaret
Michell the chairman of the appeal committee, says 'It was a great week,
very, very busy, but a lot of fun was had, and it was all for a good
cause too.'
Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk
Masterframe
Installers Dig Deep for Baby Lifeline
Bygone
Preferred Installers
(BPI) have just made a £575 donation to Baby Lifeline, a unique
charity offering care and support to pregnant mothers and newborn babies
throughout the UK.
The donation was raised during a recent conference, held in conjunction
with Cranfield School of Management. The BPI delegates – all window
installation experts – dug deep into their pockets for £405
during a whip round and as penalty payments for letting mobile phones
interrupt the seminar.
The idea to support Baby Lifeline was suggested by Steve Watson-Bell
of BPI member Stratford Glass. Appropriately, given his own passion
for golf, Masterframe Managing Director Alan Burgess also raised £170
from another BPI member, Key Windows, by raffling a much-coveted signed
Rider Cup print.
Speaking at the end of the conference, a delighted Alan Burgess says:
‘Our Preferred Installers are just great. While they clearly enjoy
the fun element of our conferences, their qualities show through when
we ask for a donation. They are good, honest, hardworking, decent people,
just the sort that great brands are built upon. Thanks guys for supporting
the Baby Lifeline’s excellent work.’
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
Sierra
Windows Raises Money for Cancer Research UK
Sierra
Windows
has raised £848 for charity. Brian Webb, General Manager, presented
a cheque to John Blanchard, Chairman, and Eric Oggelsby, Hon. Treasurer,
both of Cancer Research UK, Newton Abbot and District Committee.
Generous customers, staff and suppliers raised £754 during annual
Sierra Golf Days, held in both Scotland and England this summer. In
spite of the wet and cold weather this summer, the teams were able to
enjoy their golf, and then rounded off the days with after-dinner presentations
and charity prize draws.
Left
to right – John Blanchard, Brian Webb, Eric Oggelsby
In
addition, employees at Sierra celebrated the return to work of a colleague
who has overcome cancer this year, by raising £94. They sold cakes
and coffee to fellow workers.
Brian Webb remarked, ‘I am sure everyone enjoyed the days, and
I would like to thank them for their generosity on behalf of Cancer
Research UK.’
Tel: 08700 113706
Masterdor
gives Local Charity Access all Areas
Manse
Masterdor Ltd,
the manufacturer of bespoke timber bladed door-sets, has donated windows
and made to measure doors to Harrogate and Knaresborough District based
charity, Paperworks, making its new premises safe and easy to access
for disabled trainees.
The
charity, which was founded ten years ago in response to the Care in
the Community Initiative, is responsible for helping people with special
needs to work and find employment. The new 3,300 sq ft premises are
a third bigger than the charity’s previous base in Harrogate town
centre.
As with all Masterdors, the new double doors are made to measure for
each application, and cater for a range of mobility difficulties. Brightly-coloured
doors installed flush to the floor, provide trouble-free access to wheelchair
users and visually impaired people. Half-glazed doors allow natural
light into the building and views over the surrounding landscape, while
continuing to ensure low levels of outside noise and high levels of
thermal efficiency and security.
Manager of Paperworks, Gillian Martin, commented, ‘We are delighted
with our new premises which are fully accessible and will enable us
to assist more trainees and extend our commercial services. We welcome
assistance from local businesses and are thrilled that Manse Masterdor
ltd wanted to help out.’
Manse Masterdor ltd manufactures made to measure door-sets available
in a wide range of styles and colours. The design of the Masterdor means
that the company is able to produce wide door-sets up to 1150mm in width.
Masterdor also offers a low threshold option, which meets the requirements
for wheelchair access laid down in Part M of the Building Regulations.
The company provides a wide range of Secured by Design single leaf door
styles and Masterdor exceeded the PAS 23/24 BSi tests.
Tel: 01423 866868
Email: mailto:info@masterdor.co.uk
Web: http://www.masterdor.co.uk
Synseal
Extrusions Ltd Boosts UK Blood Stocks
Window
and conservatory manufacturer, Synseal Extrusions
Ltd is doing its bit to help boost urgently needed blood
supplies.
In a public-spirited initiative co-ordinated by its human resources
department, Synseal will make its works canteen available to the National
Blood Service for local ‘give blood’ sessions.
Every year, the National Blood Service collects, processes and issues
some 2.5 million blood donations, depending entirely on voluntary donations
from the public.
Speaking about the initiative, Synseal’s Sales and Marketing Director,
Nick Dutton says: ‘We’re delighted to be able to help the
National Blood Service by providing the venue for donor sessions.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Alcoa
Volunteers in 25 Countries Work to Improve Global Education and Workplace
Skills October 2-10, 2004
Last
week (October 2-10), thousands of Alcoa
employees in more than 170 communities around the world volunteered
their time as part of the second annual worldwide volunteer event focusing
on global education and workplace skills. Taking Action - Alcoa's Worldwide
Week of Community Service will involve employees from 25 countries in
volunteer projects such as:
* Working with Asociacion Hermana Tierra, an organisation in Lima, Peru,
that provides special education to abused and neglected children;
* Presenting environment, health and safety lessons to elementary school
children in Sao Paulo, Brazil;
* Guiding visitors through environmental tours and frog-spotting expeditions
at the Spectacles Wetlands in Kwinana, Australia;
* Providing safety training to high-school students learning to drive
in Noblejas, Spain;
* Collaborating with the Texas Workforce Center to engage juvenile offenders
in an innovative programme known as 'Future Builders' that provides
them with computer skills training, mentoring and career options;
* Rebuilding a farmhouse in Portoscuso, Italy, to be used by the Boy
Scouts for educational programmes;
* Building a climbing wall and teaching environment, health and safety
in the workplace to students at Ecole du Bon Pasteur in Cap-Sante, near
Alcoa's Deschambault, Quebec, Canada, location;
* Hosting a national videoconference with Alcoa's Women's Network of
female executives and Girl Scouts to promote business as a career path
for girls; and
* Teaching U.S. English as a second language to recent immigrants in
order to promote full employment opportunities.
In addition to the hands-on activities of thousands of volunteers, Alcoa
will recognise nonprofits/non-government organizations (NGOs) for their
service to communities.
'Investing in our communities means helping them to develop tomorrow's
workforce which must be literate, highly skilled and culturally diverse
to succeed,' said Alain Belda, chairman and chief executive officer
of Alcoa. 'Our Worldwide Week of Service focuses our efforts globally
and draws public awareness to the critical needs in each community,
and to the people who make a difference.'
While Alcoa employees have been volunteering in their communities for
decades, Alcoa's programmes that began in the past three years - ACTION
(Alcoans Coming Together In Our Neighbourhoods) and Bravo! - formally
recognise and encourage teams and individual employees with grants to
the organizations they serve. In 2003 alone, these two programmes recognised
nearly 5,000 employees who volunteered in over 100 communities around
the world, earning $1.2 million in Alcoa grants to those communities
and organisations.
Taking Action is an annual weeklong event that unites Alcoa's employee
engagement efforts around the world and focuses attention on critical
issues such as education, the environment, health, and safety. For more
information on Taking Action events around the globe, visit the Community
section of http://www.alcoa.com
under Employee Volunteerism.