PwC’s long-term support to Bloode NPO for the development of blood donation in Greece

BUSINESS: 532 PRACTICES
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PwC’s purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. Our purpose is consistent with Bloode’s vision to solve the problem of blood donors’ shortage in Greece. In our country, less than 50% of annual blood need is collected from volunteer donations, and as a result, we import blood from Switzerland.
Within the framework of SDG#17 - "Partnerships for the goals", we have created a programme to support and empower Bloode, aiming for the systematic development of voluntary blood donation.
Our programme started in February 2016 and is developing steadily with a long-term perspective. It is a commitment for us, based on an analytical action plan aiming at societal change through the development of volunteerism culture.
The results presented in this form concern the period February 2016 - October 2017. We have recently agreed upon the 2018 action plan.
We met Bloode through Orange Grove, a start-up incubator that we support in our programme to empower young entrepreneurship. Bloode is an example of active young social entrepreneurs in Greece.
Our programme to support Bloode has three pillars:
By enhancing our programme very year, we have set the foundation for a long-term cooperation with Bloode. Since the beginning of the programme in February 2016 until October 2017:
PwC premises, Bloode, Technopolis, Orange Grove, Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) incubator.
Blood donations are organized by Bloode, with the support of PwC, and in collaboration with the following:
Our employees take part in the programme:
The most important benefit for both sides is the professional development through exchanging knowledge, experience and opinions. Our volunteers enriched their experiences and became more open-minded by working with an NPO. On the other hand, Bloode members, amongst which their founding member who was a PwC intern, acquired practical business experience and benefited from professional advice for their development.
Furthermore, through this programme, we strengthen our bond with our people. Our corporate culture nurtures volunteerism and encourages our people to be part of activities for the common good. Through this programme, they have the opportunity to participate not only as blood donors but also by helping an NPO founded by young people to become sustainable and successful. In this way, we enhance our relations with our people since we share the same values and work together for the common good.
Our achievement to change the perception of blood donation is also important. We no longer consider blood donations a “standard procedure” but an interactive and important activity of our people, a shared socially responsible experience and part of our corporate culture.
This programme strengthened the corporate image of PwC Greece by receiving recognitions as best practices both in our country and in the global PwC network. It has been included in PwC’s Global Annual Review 2016 and the “Corporate Responsibility – Our stories” section of PwC’s global website. Consequently, it enhances our positive image within the framework of our values and corporate culture.