Mobilizing for Impact

Bob Hope once said "If you don't have any charity in your heart you have the worst kind of heart trouble."  

Lily Tomlin once quipped "I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody."

We all need to do our part--individuals and organizations.  Corporations often talk about being responsible, such as lessening their impact on the environment, improving the communities in which they do business, or helping solve the many problems in the developing world.  Another important way companies can have a positive impact is creating a culture of volunteerism with their employees.  

GSK has long been an advocate for employee volunteerism, but this year, GSK decided to up the ante.  This month, GSK launched "Orange Day," as GSK employees across the globe plan to take advantage of a company-paid day off to volunteer in their communities.  The cumulative effort will transcend our already significant level of community service.  One of the organizations that GSK employees are helping is StandUp For Kids, run by volunteers who assist homeless teens in Atlanta, as well as operating 39 other programs in 22 states and the District of Columbia, including Raleigh, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, where GSK has a significant presence.

"We have 106,000 employees around the world," Andrew Witty, CEO, said.  "Giving everyone a day of service is like 300 people volunteering full-time for an entire year.  As long as I'm in this job, I will encourage everyone to take this opportunity to show that GSK is made of passionate, engaged people who take pride in making a difference for people who need help the most."

I'll be sure to report on our progress throughout the year!