Smiths in the community
In addition to providing employment opportunities, we focus on community involvement through charitable giving, community activities and health and education initiatives. Our charitable donations and community initiatives facilitate projects around the globe that, like our products, seek to help make the world a safer, healthier and more productive place.
Charitable Donations and Community Initiatives
Here are some examples of charitable and community initiatives from Smiths businesses around the world.
John Crane Australia: Operation Victoria Fire Assist
It's at times of disaster and community distress that Australians turn to their Defence Force for assistance and support. That is what happened in Victoria in early February 2009 after fires wreaked havoc across the state. From the Victorian Department of Emergency Services, Operation Victoria Fire Assist was established. One of John Crane Australia's employees, Frankie Camilleri, has been a member of the Australian Defence Force(ADF) for eight years and hecommanded the Community Support Hubs (CSH) site. John Crane fully supported Frankie's assignment to the Victoria bushfire. In addition, numerous John Crane employees, locally and abroad, donated a total of AUD$6,000 towards the bushfire appeal.
An ADF Certificate of Appreciation was presented to John Crane Australia in June 2009 for providing positive support in releasing their employees in the ADF Reserves to participate in Operation Victoria Fire Assist.
Smiths Interconnect RF Labs / EMC Technology, Florida USA
In April 2009, employees, family and friends of Smiths Interconnect RF Labs and EMC Technology gathered at the Martin County Hobe Sound Boys and Girls Club to clean up the grounds and to refurbish picnic tables. The Boys and Girls Club strives to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who are in the most need, to reach their full potential as responsible, caring and productive citizens.Many of these children and teens are considered at-risk for drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, and/or academic failure. The Martin County Boys and Girls Club currently serves more than 2,500 members and reaches out to about 4,100 other children in the community.
Smiths Medical, Norwell USA
The Smiths Medical North America team got behind the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) Charitable Bicycle Ride, which is organised to support the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. During the last 30 years, the PMC has raised more than USD$230 million. This year, each member of the 12-person Smiths Medical and Friends team rode nearly 200 miles, raising more than USD$53,000 for cancer research. For some members, this effort was personal, as they have been affected directly by cancer. For others, in addition to supporting an excellent cause, the ride offers an opportunity to get to know other people from Smiths Medical.
Smiths Heimann, Wiesbaden Germany
Smiths Heimann participated in the 'Wiesbaden Engaged' Activities Day. Smiths employees designed a play area for the Sauerland day care centre, which included a multi-coloured 10-metre long snake, jumping boxes and garden landscaping. They also helped with the colourful design of the Justus-von-Liebig elementary school in Erbenheim. 'Wiesbaden Engaged' is an initiative of UPJ (Unternehmen: Partner der Jugend or Business in Partnership with Youth), which is integrated into the Social Services Department of the city of Wiesbaden. UPJ is a Germany-wide association which aims to initiate, support and accompany co-operation between companies and social associations.
Smith Group plc, London UK
During 2009, Smiths Group plc donated over £12,000 to various local UK charities including St Mungo's, London's leading homeless charity, providing shelter, support and training for people who have found themselves on the streets following relationship breakdowns, substance or alcohol abuse, or redundancy.
Education
Education is vital for people to achieve their potential. Smiths supports a host of initiatives, both centrally andwithin individual businesses, that provide educational opportunities.
Smiths Technology Education Programme (STEP)
Smiths is in its third year of collaboration with the UK Royal Academy of Engineering in the STEP programme. STEP is an initiative to assist able students from any background, facing economic or social barriers, to a career in technology.
Each year, 20 students who are studying for advanced level qualifications in mathematics or science have the opportunity to attend a 'Head-Start' summer school in engineering and technology, run by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Five of these alumni are then selected to receive a Smiths bursary of £1,000 per year towards the cost of a university course in either subject.
John Crane India: Apprenticeship Programmes
John Crane India actively supports and participates in apprenticeship programmes. The site encourages visits by students as part of the apprenticeship curriculum, recently receiving student visits from Carlson School ofManagement. They also provide opportunities to students to complete their apprenticeship programmes with the company, including training on manufacturing techniques, with practical experience opportunities. John Crane India has provided opportunities to students from various academic backgrounds to complete their projects. Recently, students completed their apprenticeship programme with the Finance team.