Throughout 2018, sites across the globe took part in various COLORFUL COMMUNITIESTM projects that represented our signature engagement initiative. By providing donations and volunteers to help transform our nearby neighborhoods, these projects embodied our commitment to generating positive, colorful change within the communities close to where we operate.
Making a Difference All Around the Globe
In 2018, we spread a message of generosity and equality through our Colorful Communities projects around the world:
EMEA Volunteers Lead the Way in 2018
Last year, our Colorful Communities projects in the EMEA region reached more places than ever before, restoring and bringing color to many important and inspirational places.
Transforming Schools
Around the region, our teams worked hard to positively improve facilities and opportunities on offer to local students, children and youths.
In the UK our colleagues from Stowmarket, Birmingham and Birstall cleaned and revitalized their local school playgrounds and other exterior spaces to help inspire young students. In another project, our Stowmarket volunteers took their responsibility to the community further by not only repainting The Mix youth centre, but also building meeting pods to give staff and kids privacy during counselling sessions. Our mission to allow children a safe and stimulating place to play was also successful in Czech Republic, Brno. Here, we installed colorful features and games in a local kindergarten!
In Sacavem, Portugal, ten days were set aside to transform a secondary school with a hand from staff and parents. In Lipetsk, Russia, we turned an unused school sports hall into a vibrant and accessible gymnasium. In Gliwice, Poland, the outside of a local primary school was renovated. And, in Ostrow, Poland, we completely re-painted the computer lab to match its brand new equipment, donated as part of our community engagement grantmaking program! Alternatively, our colleagues in Istanbul, Turkey stepped outside of the box and showed local kids they can dream big. The team converted an old bus into a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) laboratory to inspire around 300 children per month!
Driving Change in Our Communities
Our Colorful Communities teams also devoted many projects to those in need of a bit of extra support.
Volunteers in Brno, Czech Republic were faced with a unique but exciting task when a local retirement home for guide dogs needed indoor protection from mold build-up and scratches.
Elsewhere in Wuppertal, Germany, a local center for single parents was in need of a splash of color. Our teams ensured the space became welcoming and homely for those in need of support with raising children alone. We also renovated essential study areas to support refugees in Weingarten, Germany and orphans in Piraeus, Greece by transforming a historic wagon!
In Valladolid, Spain, residents of the Fundación Personas, a home for those with disabilities, were reliant on the services available. We helped to create a positive environment for residents of all ages. At the Paul Jungnickel Home for Adults with Disabilities in Johannesburg, South Africa, we also created a homely space that felt less clinical. We also added a Tree of Remembrance in honor of those who had passed in the home.
Where it was needed, our community projects also focused on local healthcare facilities. In Zilina, Slovakia, we helped a major hospital maintain quality standards in the corridors, operating and treatment rooms of two departments with our paint products! In Gdynia, Poland, we refreshed rooms and corridors at an important children’s hospice.
Our volunteers are already excited to begin work on 2019’s projects to bring more positivity and color in the world! 