Then, last year, Sanjeev was able to make an even bigger difference for AICB thanks to a Granting Wishes grant from the Avery Dennison Foundation. In addition to securing a cash donation for AICB, Sanjeev and a number of his colleagues spent a day at the school, getting to know students and watching them perform music, speeches, and a play. The day left an impression.
“The employees who took part became highly emotional,” says Sanjeev. “One of my co-workers said he couldn’t sleep after seeing the challenges that the students face.”
Granting Wishes is one of the most effective ways Avery Dennison supports communities worldwide. The program is driven by employees, who nominate local organizations for a $3,000 USD donation and an employee-designed volunteer project.
“When we hear about corporate philanthropy, we often think of big companies writing big checks,” says Janet Sandoval, Director, Global Corporate Social Responsibility & Avery Dennison Foundation. “But for a company like Avery Dennison, whose people and facilities are part of everyday life in so many places, empowering employees to give at the grassroots level and supporting them in building relationships with local NGOs is one of the most meaningful ways we can help strengthen communities.”
Susan Rohan and her coworkers in Avery Dennison’s corporate offices in Cork, Ireland, had a similar experience when they used secured a Granting Wishes grant to support nearby Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.
“Almost every employee has been touched by the hospice,” Susan said. “A number of employees have lost a grandparent, a parent, a sibling, or a child who ended up under palliative care. Our team was passionate in wanting to give something back.”
Susan and her colleagues helped refresh the facility’s day-care patio and walkway by weeding, sweeping and painting to make it more welcoming. “We had such an excellent response to our calls for volunteers that we had enough people for two full days of volunteering,” she said.
