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Norbrook Laboratories have won a 'Impact in Your Community' award for giving back to the community through an assortment of programmes. These included their ' We Care at Christmas' initiative initially aimed at employee engagement but with a key component of giving back to the community. The programme started as the ‘12 Days of Christmas,’ encouraging employees to donate food and toys to local charities during the holiday season. As the programme gained momentum, it expanded to include more activities and support for families in need in the Newry area.
Business in the Community a business-led coalition dedicated to corporate responsibility are behind the award. The Business in the Community judges explained how they were “Impressed with the level of employee-led engagement, focused on engaging those most in need and doing this in partnership with local community organisations. The high volume of staff committed and engaged in activities was notable."
Last Christmas More than 1,700 hampers were distributed in the Newry area, and 2,100 individual hot meals were prepared for local people in need. Additionally, more than 200 elderly Newry residents were treated to a festive afternoon, hosted and catered for by Norbrook staff.
During the Covid 19 pandemic, the programme played a crucial role in raising spirits and supporting employees who were shielding. Employees volunteered to prepare ‘WeCare’ hampers filled with food, magazines, books, and activities for colleagues who were at home. The programme also worked in partnership with Newry, Mourne & Down Council to reach families in need in the region during the holiday season.
The programmes expansion has enabled support for various charities and areas in the region, including Women’s Aid, St. Vincent De Paul, Larder, Bolster, Homestart, Simon Community, Kilkeel Development Association, Surestart Newry, Surestart South Armagh, and specific areas in Newry.
See www.bitcni.org.uk for more.
