As part of Micro Focus INSPIRE, our companywide Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program, all employees receive four days a year to volunteer to give back and make a difference. Using their volunteering days, Micro Focus teams based in the UK and Australia recently came together in a variety of ways to give back to their local communities by spreading Christmas joy.
The Sydney Office came together to support Bear Cottage, the only children’s hospice in New South Wales, Australia. The nonprofit provides respite and end of life care for children and their families in a warm home like environment. Nine members of the Sydney team participated in this year's dedicated Christmas wrapping station, based in a local shopping centre. Together, they wrapped presents for a small donation in support of the charity.
"I'm very proud to say we raised over $1300 during our shift, including a $200 donation that we raised from recycling bottles and cans at Return and Earn," Priya Rodrigues, Facilities Services commented. "What a busy, fulfilling, engaging day it was!"
The Micro Focus team in Belfast rallied together to support local radio station, Cool FM's, Cash 4 kids Mission Christmas initiative. Mission Christmas helps Santa reach children living in poverty, with the goal to ensure no child in Northern Ireland wakes up without presents on Christmas morning. Over recent weeks, the team showed tremendous generosity by collecting and donating various toys and gifts, which were then taken to the local Cash 4 Kids drop off point. Their support underpins our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) ‘Poverty’, one of several UN SDGs supported by Micro Focus.
Victoria Black, Internal Communications, said: "It's been a tough few years for a lot of people, and with continued price rises it'll be a hard Christmas for many. Thanks to everyone who donated toys, cash, and gifts!" Sarah Martin, Talent Acquisition, added: "It was a reminder to spread some Christmas cheer!"
The Human Resources team based in and around Micro Focus’ headquarters in Newbury, UK, supported Berkshire Youth, a local nonprofit that supports, empowers and inspires young people. The team was put to work making Christmas hampers for the charity's Community Larder, a resource which plays a vital role for local families to access fresh food and support.
Sue Lamb, HR Administrator, said: "It was great fun and such a pleasure to take part in helping to support, in a small way, the wonderful work of the Berkshire Youth and the young people of Berkshire, thank you."
The Newbury-based Internal Communications team took a few hours out to volunteer and support local children's charity, Sebastian’s Action Trust. The team visited the nearby charity shop and rolled up their sleeves to pack, clear, clean and sort books and household items which the charity will then sell in its shop and use for its Christmas tombola.
Julie McCallum, Internal Communications, said: "It was great to get together and do something good for the local community."
