Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/764316
48 Events maltatoday, SUNDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2016 British American Tobacco Malta employees assist the homeless EMPLOYEES from British American Tobacco Malta vol- unteered at Dar Leopoldo in Gzira, one of four homes op- erated by Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem. Held under the theme of "Bringing value eve- ry day to society", company employees performed various renovation works, including the sealing of the home's roofs against rain water infiltration, painting to brighten the home interior, purchased new mat- tresses, bed linen and pillows, and produced Christmas logs for residents. The company covered both the expenses in- volved in this initiative as well as its employees' time. "Most homeless people in Malta are invisible to society," said the home coordinator Mr Andrew Cauchi. "Such per- sons could become homeless because of a personal situa- tion that leads to homelessness. Such circumstances include family rejection, poverty, sepa- ration, sudden unemployment, residence forfeiture, gambling, or even a death. Some have multiple problems. "Restoring a homeless person's trust and confidence is neither easy nor immediate. Dar Leo- poldo offers them an address they can start calling home un- til that person, step by step, is able to link up again with soci- ety. In this regard, Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem is grateful for the support extended by British American Tobacco Malta and its employees as their initiative has significantly contributed towards the Home's mainte- nance programme." British American Tobacco Malta's Head of Trade, Mr Charles Saliba, said: "This is yet another CSR initiative, as we believe in bringing value to the community. In the last couple of years, the company enhanced the area around Fort Rinella in Kalkara adminis- tered by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, collaborated with Ħad- Dingli Local Council in embel- lishing a comunity space, while in recognition of Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem's great work, we are supporting Dar Leo- poldo." British American Tobacco was formed in 1902 as a joint venture between the UK's Im- perial Tobacco Company and the American Tobacco Com- pany, founded by James 'Buck' Duke. In 1907, the company set up a sales depot in Malta. In the mid-1950s, Rothmans set up a factory in Malta operating under the name of Carreras. In 1972, British American Tobac- co and Rothmans established a factory operating under the name of Central Cigarette Company Limited (CCCL). In 1999, British American Tobac- co and Rothmans merged glob- ally ensuring a smooth transi- tion of CCCL into the British American Tobacco Group. Fol- lowing Malta's entry into the EU, British American Tobacco Malta refocused as a trade mar- keting organisation. The Gasan Group annual Children's Christmas party AS part of its annual social ac- tivities, the Gasan Group of Companies this year reached out to groups of children from care homes to attend the annual group Christmas party traditionally organised for the children of all the group staff. Around 140 chil- dren attended this much-awaited event including children from St Rita home and Fra Diegu home. The event was held at The Em- bassy Complex in Valletta where the children gathered to watch a movie and Father Christmas made an appearance to present a special gift to every child. This activity was organised as part of the group's on-going Corporate Social Responsibility efforts that form part of the Gasan Group's commitment towards the com- munity. Vassallo Group employees carry out works at San Blas rehab centre OVER 60 employees from various sectors of Vassallo Group par- ticipated in this year's annual CSR event carried out at San Blas in Zebbug, one of the rehabilitation centres run by Caritas. Employ- ees from the Group's main three companies: Vassallo Builders, Caremalta and CaterEssence par- ticipated in this initiative. Helpers were split into teams where each group was assigned different tasks. Works carried out included construction, mainte- nance, gardening, IT and cleaning. With the help of experienced Vas- sallo Builders construction work- ers and the financial backing of Vassallo Group, a clothes hanging area for residents was created and a room was refurbished to serve as a play area for children who visit parents undergoing a programme within the Centre. HR Director Charlo Bonnici ex- plained that this was one of the largest and most diverse Groups ever to participate in this annual event. "CSR serves as an opportu- nity for our group and our employ- ees to contribute towards society. It is also, however, a golden oppor- tunity for teambuilding which is particularly beneficial for employ- ee coming from different compa- nies, from different, departments and different nations as well". Vassallo Group Chairman, Naz- zareno Vassallo led a team within the Centre's kitchen where food was cooked and served to all par- ticipants as well as well as resi- dents and staff. He thanked all those who participated in this year's event saying that this was the perfect way of celebrating the Group's 70th anniversary. Gnien l-Gharusa tal-Mosta cleaned up by Nectar employees NECTAR employees have ensured that Ġnien l-Għarusa tal-Mosta at Santa Margerita area in Mosta is now in ship-shape condition and tidy for the community to enjoy. Equipped with bio-degradable garbage bags, gloves, and spades, staff members filled several large garbage bags and had wheelie lit- ter bins full to the brim. "As a food and beverage com- pany, we are aware of our obliga- tions to the environment as well as to the community. A number of staff members volunteered to spend Saturday cleaning up this beautiful garden facing one of Malta's best landscapes. Nectar encourages such initiatives. Our corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme this year in- cluded also maintenance work at a NGO premises in Ħamrun," said Nectar General Manager Andrea Agius. Established in 1991, Nectar has one of the largest sales forces in Malta with 50 sales personnel, representing over 50 renowned brands spread over six sales di- visions. Its extensive portfolio of food, beverage and confectionery products is widely stocked in all leading supermarkets, hotels, res- taurants, bars, canteens, grocer- ies, pharmacies and health shops, apart from other outlets. In re- cent years, ISO certified Nectar won awards for equality, learning & development, performance ori- entation, technology and health & safety, and job satisfaction. Nectar's team mid-way through their CSR initiative cleaning Gnien l-Gharusa tal-Mosta Vassallo Group employees who helped out at San Blas pose for a photograph