DHL employees in Nigeria mark Global Volunteer Day

DHL Nigeria part of Deutsche Post DHL, the world’s leading postal and logistics group, recently marked Global Volunteer Day 2013 with 100 employees taking part in organizing an outdoor fun day for children from the Little Saints orphanage as part of its global drive to give back to local communities and to inculcate a passion for volunteerism among employees.

“DPDHL is passionate about giving back to the community and Global Volunteer Day is a priority for our company. Our project locally is not only aligned to this global enthusiasm and our international goals and approach, but also fits into the national agenda, creating hope for local communities and the people of Nigeria, says Randy Buday, Country Manager, DHL Nigeria. 

The day started bright with about 100 DHL employees turning up at the Isolo office premises to set up rides, games, music as well as food and drink serving points for the visiting children. At about 11am, two buses conveying 100 children from the orphanage drove into the DHL compound amidst smiles and cheers from the employees.

The children were first treated to some light aerobic activities before the fun and games began with activities such as singing, dancing, bouncing, sliding and more. The children also enjoyed a wide selection of mouth watering meals as well as cotton candy, ice cream, popcorn and other kiddies favorites. By the end of the day, it was obvious the children didn’t want to leave the little wonderland the DHL employees had created for them.

After the event, one of the children had this to say: “My name is Akinyemi Ephraim George one of the children in Little Saints Orphanage. I really want to use this great opportunity to appreciate the company (DHL) and the manager for their love, care and time spent with the children. I want to say a very big thank you sir and ma and I pray may God continue to bless the company and all the staffs of DHL.”                                  

                 

“At DHL we believe that people are our greatest resource and the company aims to encourage employees to actively participate in community efforts, as well as inspire the spirit of volunteerism,” says Olufunmilayo Glover, Human Resources Manager, DHL Nigeria.

Introduced in Asia Pacific in 2008, Volunteer Day has expanded into Americas, Middle East, Africa and Europe over the years, and continues to build on its success by involving more employees than ever before. In 2012, the initiative was rolled out globally with tremendous success – 62,000 volunteers in about 120 countries and territories participated in more than 1,000 community programs.

For Global Volunteer Day 2013, Deutsche Post DHL offices around the world are participating in many diverse community projects in support of various local causes. These programs deliver to the company’s three Corporate Responsibility programs – GoTeach (championing education), GoGreen (protecting the environment) and GoHelp (delivering help). 

“Global Volunteer Day is a key part of our sustainability focus and an integral part of our company’s commitment to deliver its Corporate Responsibility strategy through GoGreen, GoHelp and GoTeach,” comments Randy Buday.

“If we can just make a difference in our local communities; imagine an entire globe full of corporate volunteers banding together. Global Volunteer Day is just that – an international organisation standing together to effect change in the communities that we serve.”