Novartis demonstrates excellence in Corporate Citizenship in Mexico
January 11, 2007 - For the second year in a row, Novartis employees in Mexico have contributed to helping the needy through their social program Under Novartis Shelter, BCN (Bajo el Cobijo de Novartis). Built on collaboration between physicians, non-governmental organizations and other important players in society, Under Novartis Shelter has made a significant contribution to reinforcing the good corporate citizenship reputation of Novartis in Mexico.
Karina Duran, Public Relations Manager states: “Associates feel a sense of pride in taking part in these activities which during last year's second anniversary of Under Novartis Shelter, provided medical assistance, food, personal hygiene items, 3000 blankets, 4000 medicines and more that 1000 toys to needy populations in the Tarahumaran Sierra region of northeastern Mexico. When we arrived on site, hundreds of people welcomed us with open arms, and both the children's smiles and the thankful looks of youngsters and adults greatly encouraged us to accomplish our mission. By the end of a long day's work we were satisfied we could bring some help to more than 1,500 families in the area”.
Under Leo Marchosky, the CPO Head's leadership, every Novartis associate in Mexico has made a commitment to taking part in the Under the Novartis Shelter program. During 2006, Novartis Mexico offered support to 6,653 people thanks to the contribution of 372 enthusiastic volunteers and 252 physicians, who eagerly performed 2,338 medical examinations. Over the last two years, these united efforts to bring much-needed assistance to a number of regions in the country have earned Novartis Mexico several awards for good corporate citizenship. These include the Banner of Peace, awarded by the Internacional Comité for the Banner of Peace, a non-profit organization recognized by the UN for its charity work around the world. Novartis also received the Ethics and Values Prize (Premio Ética y Valores), from the hands of former Mexican president, Vicente Fox, as well as acknowledgment from the government of the state of Mexico for its community programs in the region.
Leo Marchosky states: “There is still much work to be done, but we know we can count on the spirit and commitment of all Novartis Mexico associates to continue to see an active involvement in Under the Novartis Shelter in 2007, and thus ensure that even more populations in need benefit from this program”.
Over the last two years, Under Novartis Shelter has:
- Provided relief for 14,000 persons
- Distributed 8,000 blankets and meals free of charge
- Donated 20,000 medicines and 8,000 Gerber baby items
- Donated 3,500 meters of clothing fabric and 1,700 toys
- Donated 5,000 work hours from Novartis associates
- Provide 736 physicians for free medical consultations Provided 7,115 free medical checkups
Under Novartis Shelter activities in Mexico:
- Over the years, Under Novartis Shelter has contributed to supporting children through Casa Alianza, a NGO program devoted to the protection of the human rights of homeless children and teenagers by providing them with healthcare, social networks, and education. Novartis Mexico's associates also provided children with dancing lessons, talks on health, leadership, and communication; and also helped them sell the greeting cards they made in their Imaginaria Workshop.
- Novartis Mexico loaned its facilities for the Special Olympics, a sports event, as well as the Medical Fest, a health fair in which more than 80 physicians (all volunteers) provided medical consultations free of charge to over 800 patients.
- Novartis Mexico developed a healthcare educational program for parents, teachers and 475 high school students, who received talks on sexual education, addictions, eating disorders and attention deficit. This program was supported by 11 specialists and 40 associates.
- Novartis for the education, a program in which more than 40 volunteers visited schools to deliver motivational talks to encourage children to stay in school.
- Weekly presence of Novartis through Corporate Citizenship activities organized by field force all over the country.
- Fundraising events to benefit NGOs' causes, through 85 Novartis' Saturdays and a successful art auction during 2006.