Making a Difference: Sembcorp Gives Back Week 2022
September 26, 2022
Each year, Sembcorp employees across the globe commit to making a positive impact on our communities by volunteering during Sembcorp Gives Back Week.
In the UK, volunteers litter picked at Malvern and Brueton Park in Solihull and gardened at the Gisborough Priory Project and Redcar Cemetery.
Both volunteers and volunteer organisers shared very positive feedback about the experiences.
“When we saw the Sembcorp group of workers coming down the path to help with the raking off of the wildflower area, looking so cheerful and pleased to be working with us, it was a joy,” said Dot Ahmed, Secretary of Friends of Redcar Cemetery. “It would have taken us a long time to achieve the task and it didn’t seem so daunting working alongside them. Thank you so much, we all enjoyed the experience and hope they can come back next year.”
Jo Potter, Head of HR, said the volunteering experience was a touching experience. “I think it’s great that we encourage employees to participate and support this, it’s also encouraging to see who participates as there was a lovely mix across the business,” said Jo.
“Friends of Redcar Cemetery is such a worthy charity, especially when you understand how they help people and the environment. By opening our minds to different charities, this really made me think more about the work that the volunteers do, and the impact on how it helps mental health in others, which is what we are passionate about in our business.”
Litter pick at Malvern and Brueton Park in Solihull
“I’ve always enjoyed urban green spaces and, during lockdown, parks became an essential part of keeping a well-balanced lifestyle,” said Grace March, Regulatory Affairs Manager. “Litter-picking was a way to show my appreciation for the park and to help others enjoy it. A passerby stopped to thank me, so I feel it was time well spent. SGBW is a chance to remind ourselves that we as a business sit in a wider community, outside of our specific industry.”
Daniel Wier, Fuel Handling Operator, said this is the first time he has taken part in Sembcorp Gives Back Week, due to shifts and family obligations.
“After the activity, I really enjoyed the feeling of giving a little help to a community voluntary group. We did ask if they needed our muscle for any heavier tasks, but the volunteer group insisted that weeding was of high priority whilst they had our extra hands to help. SGBW is a very resourceful way of Sembcorp allowing its staff to kindly help out and assist local groups that may not always have resources to complete jobs or projects. Thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Marc Stonehouse, HSSE Advisor, said he participated in SGBW because he thought it would be interesting to help out a local project that relies on volunteers from the community while spending a couple of hours off site and in the fresh air in nice surroundings.
“I enjoyed it and it was rewarding to hear from the ladies who work at the Priory appreciated the work we had done,” said Marc. “It was good to have a bit of craic with the other lads who went along in a different environment to the one we all normally work in.”
Marc said SGBW is an opportunity to help people who need and appreciate it.
Sheila Berry is the Volunteer Co-ordinator for the Gisborough Priory Project.
“It was great to welcome the five guys from Sembcorp on Thursday,” said Sheila. “They did a fantastic job clearing the weeds from the boundary hedge which will enable it to become well established. All their hard work it is much appreciated.”