The Newry based veterinary pharmaceutical firm won the Impact in your Community award
Norbrook Laboratories, one of the world’s largest privately-owned veterinary pharmaceutical companies, scooped the Impact in your Community award at the 2023 Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards.
The award was given for Norbrook’s dedication to the local neighbourhood through its WeCare programme which initially sought to give back to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic but has been expanded by the company due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Established in 2017, WeCare started as the ‘12 Days of Christmas’, encouraging employees to donate food and toys to local charities during the holiday season. As the programme gained momentum, it expanded to include more activities and support for families in need in the Newry area.
The WeCare programme has experienced significant growth and has had a positive impact on the community.
Throughout Christmas 2022 more than 1,700 hampers were distributed in the Newry area, and 2,100 individual hot meals were prepared for local people in need, as well as Norbrook staff catering for more than 200 Newry residents to an afternoon of festive fun.
The programme has seen a substantial increase in employee engagement, with the number of volunteers growing from 180 in 2020 to 450 in 2022, a 2.5-fold increase.
During the pandemic, the programme played a crucial role in raising spirits and supporting employees who were shielding. Employees volunteered to prepare ‘WeCare’ hampers filled with food, magazines, books, and activities for colleagues who were at home.
The judges of the Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards were impressed with the level of employee-led engagement, focused on engaging those most in need and doing this in partnership with local community organisations. The high volume of staff committed and engaged in activities was notable.
Denise Collins HR, Director, Norbrook said: “We’re delighted to have won at these awards. Our WeCare programme has grown from strength to strength each year and we are grateful for the support of the company and involvement of hundreds of employees whose generous donations and time show the true spirit of giving back to our community.
“The WeCare programme is really special to us. Each year, we challenge ourselves to do more for our community, building on the foundation in previous years. While 2020 and 2021 were immensely successful events, our WeCare programme in 2022 surpassed all our expectations. We’re looking forward to seeing how the scheme grows in the coming years.”
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