New York, 20th September — Edelman launched today its FY12 Citizenship Report, “It’s Who We Are.” This year, the report is being presented as a microsite and features global and local citizenship stories from around the world on topics ranging from the company’s initiatives in environmental sustainability and involvement in community giving to employee volunteerism. Additionally, the report introduces “Citizenship” as the firm’s sixth value, alongside Quality, Integrity, Respect, Entrepreneurial Spirit and Mutual Benefits.
“Walking the talk is part of what we do,” said John Edelman, managing director, Global Engagement and Corporate Responsibility. “Being responsible global citizens of the world we live in and giving back to the communities where we operate are long-standing traditions and important aspects of our 60-year legacy. And by launching the report as a microsite, it allows us to meet the growing demands of the digital age while being environmentally responsible by saving paper, water, energy, fuel and ink.”
In FY12, Edelman contributed more than $5 million in cash, non-cash (volunteerism) and in-kind contributions globally. And through its Community Investment Grant program, the firm has helped 64 organizations throughout the world including:
- Red Paws Rescue in Asia Pacific, where we provided over 300 rescue dogs with food and medical supplies;
- Fundacion Una Oportunided para Todos in Latin America, where we purchased food baskets with rice, beans, sugar, milk, meat and fish for its feeding program for the elderly;
- Santropol Roulant Inc,’s “Meals on Wheels” program in Canada, where we provided 90 seniors in need with a meal;
- Straight Talking in Europe and the Middle East, where we held three teen pregnancy peer education courses that reached 90 students; and
- God’s Love We Deliver in the United States, where we purchased a new steam boiler, which powers the kettles used to cook soup to provide to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses.
From an environmental perspective, the company has made a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 percent by 2015. New programs, such as GreenStart, will help local offices understand and implement energy- and cost-saving environmental initiatives with a targeted approach to raising awareness and modifying employee behaviour.
The report also highlights other citizenship efforts the firm is undertaking, including:
- Issuing its first Supplier Code of Ethics, Human Rights and Global Environmental policies;
- Providing 8,374 hours of its time to make an impact on the global cause of eradicating hunger and poverty. Overall, 42,434 hours were contributed worldwide; and
- Setting a goal to have 50 percent of its leadership positions held by women by 2016.