BUSINESS: 532 PRACTICES
Heracles Group is Greece's largest cement producer and has been serving the market for more than 100 years. The Group is operating in the industry of cement production and marketing, aggregates and concrete in Greece and in more than 20 countries.
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Contribution to the social work of the Union "Together for the Child" through the information and awareness initiative "We return for a good cause".
The public to whom this practice is addressed includes the local authorities and members of the local society (citizens-general public), the clients of the HERAKLIS Group and any other party interested in supporting the work of the Union "Together for the Child".
The activities of the HERACLIS Group to support the social work of the Union "Together for the Child" began in 2019 and continue to this day.
The HERAKLIS Group, in the context of the multifaceted Corporate Social Responsibility program "Building Sustainable Cities Together" and in particular the pillar "Building Together for Society", proceeded in 2019 with the planning, development and implementation of a project in collaboration with the Union "Together for Child", in order to join forces with the Union and to contribute substantially to its social work and by extension to children in need.
In particular, the HERACLIS Group implemented the original information and awareness initiative "We return for a good cause", with particularly significant benefits for the Union, children in need and the wider society, while at the same time financially supporting the Foundations of the Union.
In particular, the HERACLES Group invited the children of the "Together for the Child" Union to paint the city of their dreams, gathering in this way more than 200 paintings full of color and imagination. A special committee of artists and educators highlighted the 10 paintings that "dress up" selected concrete transport vehicles from the HERACLIS Group fleet. Thus, the Group committed to become the "vehicle" of the Union's support message, "turning around" in the neighborhoods of Attica. The vehicles made their journeys, carrying not only concrete but also a resounding message of love and hope.
The goal of this activity of the HERACLES Group was strongly social, aiming to contribute substantially to the social work of the "Together for the Child" Union. "Together for the Child" is an Association of non-profit associations and foundations, working, since 1996, for the welfare of children and families facing poverty, disability, abuse and illness. The Association and its members provide services to more than 30,000 children annually.
"Together for the Child" does not receive state or European grants. It relies exclusively on private funds that result from the organization of charity events and from sponsorships and donations from companies, foundations and individuals.
Volunteering is the Union's driving force, contributing decisively to the promotion of its goals and the implementation of its actions. In 2016 the Union was awarded the Silver Medal of the Academy of Athens for its social contribution.
HERAKLIS Group, recognizing the importance of supporting the Union's work for the well-being of children and families facing poverty, disability, abuse and illness, chose to become the "vehicle" of the Union's support message, "turning" to neighborhoods of Attica.
There were several challenges in the implementation of this project, both at an organizational level (such as the coordination of 5 different Departments of the company) and at a practical level (such as "dressing up" the concrete transport vehicles and covering such large surfaces). However, the appropriate planning, combined with the commitment of the management of the HERACLIS Group for social contribution and the framing of the executives of the coordination group, resulted in the successful implementation of the initiative with significant and multifaceted benefits, for all involved and especially for the children who belong to vulnerable social groups and by extension the wider society.
In order to inform and sensitize the public both internally and externally as much as possible, HERACLIS Group carried out a 360° communication campaign, both online and offline. In particular, for the external public, in addition to the barrels that became the "vehicle" for the transfer of the Union's message, awareness and mobilization, it also proceeded with the following:
DT, contacts with Mass Media & media kits
publi in Mass Media
SoMe campaign on Facebook & LinkedIn (with sponsored posts)
The impact is significant, as every day, thousands of our fellow citizens receive the message of support for the work of the Union "Together for the Child". At the same time, in addition to the moral and communicative support of the Union, the HERACLIS Group also provided financial support to the Union, thus strengthening its multifaceted work.
The place of action of the above actions is the Region of Attica, but also various routes in Greece carried out by the vehicles of the HERAKLIS Group. It is worth noting that within just 2 months, the concrete transport vehicles have already traveled over 50,000 kilometers and continue, now transporting not only concrete but also a resounding message of love and hope.
The HERACLIS Group, consistent in its commitment to create value for children and young people, joins forces with the Association "Together for the Child" and contributes substantially to its social work.
This initiative of the HERACLIS Group was a major project and an important investment in terms of the company's human resources.
This is a good practice of excellent cooperation both with the Union "Together for the Children" and between 5 different Departments of the company (Communication & Public Relations, Concrete, Sales, Procurement & Human Resources). It is worth noting that approximately 10% of the Group's human resources contributed to the preparation and implementation of this demanding project.
The results of the HERACLES Group's "We return for a good cause" initiative are particularly encouraging and with significant benefits for the "Together for the Children" Association. In particular, within just 2 months, the concrete transport vehicles have already traveled over 50,000 kilometers and continue, now transporting not only concrete but also a resounding message of love and hope.
In addition, the HERACLIS Group proceeded to the 1st parade of concrete transport vehicles in the center of Athens, sending an even louder message of support, hope and optimism and sharing even more smiles.
In addition to the moral and communicative support of the Union, the HERACLIS Group also provided financial support to the Union, thereby strengthening its multifaceted work. In particular, the financial support of the HERACLIS Group was directed to the "I offer because I care" program of the Union.
The Union and its members offer services to more than 30,000 children per year and 35,000 beneficiaries in total, while in cooperation with international organizations, the members of the Union are leading in the exchange of good practices and know-how as well as in the promotion of scientific research in matters concerning infants, children and teenagers in need, while the non-profit services they offer in their facilities are of a high standard and many of the programs they develop are models in their field.
The "I offer because I care" program of the Union, which was also financially supported by the HERACLIS Group, is a help networking hub with the aim of gathering essential items and their effective management, to support organizations that serve children and needy families.
Indicatively, it is reported that the total number of Agencies/Organizations served by the "Giving because I Care" service in 2018 was 246 compared to 229 the previous year and more than 23,500 children and their families were supported.
The network of cooperating organizations of "I offer because I care" includes more than 200 organizations throughout Greece, which are: social services of municipalities, orphanages, non-profit NIID, non-governmental organizations, AmKE, institutions for children, immigrant reception centers etc. , covering more than 20,000 beneficiaries annually.
It is worth noting that the total cost of the project amounted to approximately 80,000 euros.
The above figures demonstrate the strong commitment of the management of HERACLIS Group to support initiatives of social interest with a view to the sustainable development of the company and society in general.
