Last week, Samsung employees participated in the 12e annual Samsung Gives Day of Service. With over 2,000 service opportunities available across North America, attendees partnered with 38 different nonprofit organizations to host the company’s first in-person service event following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. . Over the past two years, employees have continued to support their communities with a variety of virtual activities, some of which were also offered at this year’s event.
With Samsung’s core values of people and co-prosperity, the company seeks to empower individuals to realize their full potential and be at the forefront of positive social change. The service opportunities were aligned with Samsung’s commitments to education, sustainability, or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), though many covered more than one cause.
The day featured 18 events dedicated to Samsung’s commitment to the environment, including education on the effects of food growth, production and consumption on the sustainability of the global food system. From cleaning up parks to renovating gardens, employees had various opportunities to immerse themselves in nature, while supporting local communities.
After the launch of the 13e annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, employees participated in two events specifically aligned with Samsung’s corporate citizenship program and mission of “Together for tomorrow!” Empower people. In 2017, John P. Holland Charter School in Woodland Park, New Jersey, was a national Solve for Tomorrow finalist for its app for tracking student travel to and from school. For one of the activities this year, employees visited students to develop their interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
With the help of Samsung Electronics America’s six employee resource groups, the company has been able to partner with many organizations that have supported its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In Texas, Samsung promoted reading and learning to preschoolers at Mi Escuelita Preschool, where students learn English and prepare for academic success.
This year, the Day of Service took place during Hunger Action Month, dedicated to raising awareness and taking action on the hunger crisis. Samsung Gives attendees had a choice of nine events aligned with improving food security, including packing and delivering meals and working with local farms to bring nutritious food to communities.
Across the country, employees came together in their regional offices to pack and deliver thousands of healthy and delicious meals to community members in need. In Texas, participants had a unique experience as they were able to complete the service chain from start to finish by packing, transporting and delivering meals in partnership with The Pack Shack and North Texas Food Bank.
“At Samsung, we are committed to empowering our employees and driving positive change in communities nationwide,” said Michelle Crossan-Matos, director of marketing, citizenship and communications at Samsung Electronics America. “Our employees are passionate about giving, and since the launch of Samsung Gives in 2014, more than 144,000 hours of work have been donated to nonprofit organizations across the country. It is so rewarding to witness the impact that is made and the incredible ripple effect that volunteering has on these communities.