May 29, 2019
Alcoa employees volunteer their green thumbs
Alcoa volunteers have rolled up their sleeves to help set up sustainable garden beds in Perth as part of the Company’s Alcoans Coming Together in Our Neighbourhoods (ACTION) Program.
Alcoa’s ACTION Program encourages employees to volunteer in their local communities by donating $3,000 to chosen charities in recognition of those volunteering efforts.
The program is this year set to inject more than 2,000 volunteer hours and $200,000 into communities close to where Alcoa operates in Australia.
Under the partnership with United Way, eight Alcoa volunteers helped build eco-friendly planter beds built from recycled material in a community garden in Claisebrook. Visitors will now be able to enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal vegetables and bush tucker plants.
Alcoa employee Libby White, who is also a member of the Board of Directors for United Way WA, organised the employee volunteering activity. She said she was proud her employer could provide the double-edged support to United Way and communities in need.
“I have always admired the United Way approach of assisting those in need in the community no matter how small,” Libby said.
“Like Alcoa, United Way gives you an opportunity to participate in volunteering, work place or sponsorship giving, and share expertise to organisations seeking funding and running programs.”
United Way WA Chief Executive Officer Kath Snell praised the efforts of the Alcoa volunteers and the positive impact of the $3,000 grant.
“There was outstanding team spirit, amongst the volunteers, a determination to make a difference and a sense of learning and fun. It has made a huge difference to the space,” Kath said.
United Way is a not -for-profit organisation working with corporate and community organisations to support people of all ages through education, financial stability and healthy living – the building blocks for a happy life.
Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker thanked employees involved in the volunteering activities saying it was proof that together we could make a big difference.
“Alcoa is proud to be an engaged and supportive partner in our local communities and we encourage and support our employees to also be active community members,” Mr Parker said.
Alcoa has a proud history of helping build stronger sustainable communities. In 2018, the company made about $4 million in community contributions and its employees volunteered for more than 2,500 hours to help at about 100 different community activities.
In addition, Alcoa employees generously support the community through the Personnel Employed at Alcoa Charity Help (PEACH) Program. Employees can elect to make donations straight from their pay that are then distributed to community and charitable activities.
ENDS
Media contacts:
Jane McGuire, 0410 694 676, jane.mcguire@alcoa.com
Mika Sangalli, 0410 774 424, mika.sangalli@alcoa.com