Project of the Month

A Games Library to brighten up the lives of poor children
When Mercedes Ortega from Decorative Paints in Colón, Montevideo heard from the Scout Movement of Uruguay about the poor circumstances of the ’Lezica Home’, she decided to help out and asked support from the Community Program and ‘recruited’ more colleagues to brighten up the lives of the children.

Waste recycling: an opportunity for a better future
Waste can be thrown away by some, at the same time creating an opportunity for work for others as well as improving the environmental conditions in the community. Our colleagues from Surface Chemistry and Functional Chemicals in Itupeva, Brazil had heard about Itupeva’s Waste Recycling Cooperative (IWRC), a local organization set up to provide employment for former street sweepers and other jobless people. The majority of these people lack formal training and education, reducing their chances for employment in the labor market. The working conditions at IWRC were not safe and the required awareness about health and safety were inadequate causing many people to quit. Health, safety and environment being traditionally high on the agenda of AkzoNobel, our skilled and experienced colleagues decided to help.

A spectacular circus gala in Bensheim
A spectacular circus gala entitled ‘Henry’s Childrens circus Hallöchen’ was the end result of many months of intensive practice by about 160 children from the Bensheim region as well as many volunteers. One of the employees from Powder Coatings in Bensheim was closely involved by sewing the colorful costumes and other kinds of preparatory activities. With support from the Community Program the materials for the costumes, the arena and other equipment could be purchased.

Hard work makes a wish for a jungle gym come true
The pupils of the Erich-Kästner Primary School in Limburg, near Frankfurt were very proud to have collected a large amount of money by participating in a donation run. The proceeds were meant to build a climbing garden at their school’s playground and with additional funding from the city of Limburg the necessary equipment could be bought. However, an important part was lacking: the financing of the assembly and installation by the manufacturer.

A meditation garden to help fight addiction
Employees from Wood Finishes & Adhesives at the Roanoke, Virginia site volunteered on Saturday, May 22 at Bethany Hall, a shelter for women suffering from the disease of addiction. Bethany Hall is a private, non-profit agency providing long-term residential substance abuse treatment for women. For almost 40 years, Bethany Hall has helped save and rebuild the lives of women suffering from the disease of addiction. In turn, these women are able to reestablish positive relationships with those who support their recovery.

A lucky choice for poor children in Mexico
The Katalina Kasper Educational Center in Coatzocoalcos was lucky to have been chosen by our colleagues from Marine & Protective Coatings in Mexico to support them with funds from the Community Program. When the AkzoNobel employees visited the school, which is located 10 km from the city in a very hot coast zone with temperatures between 28°C and 38°C, they detected a lot of needs.

A normal life for mentally restrained youngsters

What seemed almost impossible in the first place has turned into a very successful project. Some 25 volunteers from Car Refinishes and Decorative Paints in Sassenheim spent more than 200 hours in their own free time to build housing for animals at Ferm Rozemarijn, a new center where young mentally restrained people are offered the possibility to live on their own and to function properly in society.

Fighting the risks of alcohol addiction
Alcohol can brighten up our lives at times, but it can also have a devastating effect and ruin many people’s lives. In Germany (and of course in other countries as well) it is socially acceptable to have a drink (or two).

A touch of home in a safe haven

It is hard to imagine, but there are still many women and children that suffer from domestic violence. Near the Surface Chemistry site in Morris, Illinois, a safe haven for these victims was created, called The Guardian Angels Home.

A small seed for the future of mentally and physically disabled children
Our colleagues from Polymer Chemicals in Tianjin have come to the aid of children growing up in difficult and adverse circumstances, who are often discarded by society.

New ponies reduce waiting time for disabled to ride
AkzoNobel volunteers from Marine & Protective Coatings in Yeronga, Australia, spend their Saturdays at the McIntyre Centre Pony Riding for Disabled Association.