VF, one of the world’s leading apparel, footwear and accessory companies, is enabling its employees to take part in its “Purpose Days” scheme, which takes place this week across EMEA, to give back to their community. The scheme is dedicated to social and environmental awareness and responsibility. VF’s Nottingham-based employees join more than 500 others located across Italy, Switzerland, Russia, France and Turkey.
VF employees in EMEA were offered a variety of environmental, social and animal care projects to choose from, thanks to the company’s collaboration with various non-profit organisations across EMEA and in Nottingham, and employees created its own “Purpose Days” programme based on their preferences and community needs.
Organisations in Nottingham involved in VF’s “Purpose Days” scheme include volunteer-led community outdoor areas Long Eaton Community Garden, Arkwright Community Garden, Windmill Community Garden and Summerwood Community Garden, and Flo Skatepark, which is operated by Flo Charitable Trust.
VF has always encouraged its employees worldwide to participate in social responsibility projects and now aims to achieve one million volunteer hours globally by 2025.
“The VF associates have in one day moved on the project by about four weeks and have paved the way for the regular volunteers to push these jobs on to completion over the winter. I personally would be happy to work with anyone that works in this way and gives a little piece of themselves to everything they are involved with.” Paul Grantham, lead volunteer, Long Eaton community garden, Nottingham
“The corporate volunteering days are an initiative that our company has been promoting throughout Europe for several years now. Since 2014, our European employees have spent more than 20,000 hours in volunteering services. We are proud to be able to renew our support to the associations that operate in the area we live and work in – commented Anna Maria Rugarli, Senior Director, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility EMEA – “This year, for the first time, the European initiatives simultaneously take place in Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Russia, France, and Turkey. Spain will follow later on. It is an utter confirmation of our internationally shared mission to be not only an economic engine for the territory but also active supporters of the socially responsible initiatives.”
Dedicated to social, environmental and animal welfare initiatives, the volunteering days or “VF Purpose Days” reflect the corporate vision of promoting an active and sustainable lifestyle, aimed at the respect and betterment of both people and the planet. The basic idea behind this commitment – to prove that each of us can be an actor and an engine of change. This is why VF encourages and empowers associates to get involved in the communities’ initiatives where they live and work: being “Purpose-driven” means having a positive impact on societal needs and therefore fostering an inclusive and respectful culture where everyone can thrive.
