Since GivingTuesday’s launch in 2012, it has grown to become a massive movement that encourages philanthropic activities across more than 150 countries globally. It inspires millions of individuals, small businesses, and corporations to give something back to the world, creating a tidal wave of generosity. This year, it fell on December 3.
PPG joined the movement in 2017 with seven countries from around EMEA taking part. The following year, 10 locations across eight EMEA countries participated. This time around, it has gone PPG global, with sites from around the world getting into the charitable spirit.
Benevolent Baking
Adopting a baking theme, colleagues at our plant in San Juan del Rio, in Mexico handed out cookies at the local fire station to show support for its firefighters. While the Valladolid coatings plant in Spain sold baked goods and children’s books to benefit their Charity Partner, Asociación Española Contra el Cancer, whose mission is to raise awareness for and support those suffering from cancer.
PPG people in Istanbul, Turkey, also sold baked goods that benefited their Charity Partner, Losev, a local foundation that provides emotional support, financial assistance, and health services to children battling leukemia. Over in the UK, our Birstall colleagues held a ‘bake-and-brew day’ at the Birstall Decorating Centre, where they sold baked goods and refreshments to support Prostate Cancer UK. The team also used the day to launch its holiday fundraising campaign.
Our European headquarters in Rolle, Switzerland, hosted a weekly bake sale with all proceeds going to the site's Charity Partner, RÊVES Suisse, an association that makes the dreams of children and teenagers suffering from severe illness or disability come true. But they didn’t stop there!
Generous Giving
In addition to their bake sale, our European headquarters collected and distributed holiday gifts, food, and basic hygiene products to families in need via their Charity Partner as well as another national organization, Cartons du Coeur.
The San Juan del Rio plant’s Women's Leadership Council (WLC) chapter and our site in Athens, Greece both collected blankets for the homeless for the cold winter. In the Netherlands, colleagues at Amsterdam and Uithoorn sites collected donations to benefit local organization Stichting Opkikker, which supports families with chronically ill children.
Our architectural business in Poland collected over 10 kg of food and hygienic products for the Shelter for Women and Mothers with Children, located in Wroclaw. This shelter has an ongoing partnership with our local WLC chapter.
The Italian WLC chapter collaborated with the “Dress for Success" organization by collecting clothing and other items that can help support women achieve economic independence.
Altruistic Activities
Also in Italy, the Caivano site hosted a fundraising activity to support their Charity Partner, Open Onlus, an organization dedicated to pediatric oncology and neuroblastoma research. Meanwhile, the Cavallirio site held a homemade bracelet fundraiser in support of their Charity Partner, Fondazione Ricerca Fibrosi Cistica Onlus, which is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for victims of cystic fibrosis.
Back in the UK, Stowmarket colleagues brought in gently used items to sell, with proceeds going to their Charity Partner, AJ's Legacy, which helps young people in need.
Over in Pennsylvania in the United States, the Pittsburgh site partnered with the United Way of South Western Pennsylvania to pack 250 holiday food bags for local families in need. Additionally, our global information technology team collaborated with the Salvation Army to stuff stockings for the “Adopt-a-Family" program.
In the Czech Republic, the Brno shared services center raffled off unique prizes to employees including a vacation day and a dinner with the site manager. All proceeds went to the site's Charity Partner, Vodicí Pes, z.s., a local training center for guide dogs.
Overall, our #GivingTuesday devotees raised more than 2,000 EUR (2,300 USD), in addition to the tens of kilograms of the much-needed items that our colleagues also donated. Thank you to everyone who gave their time, possessions, and money to help others. You all make us #PPGProud.