Safaricom Foundation, the social philanthropy arm of Safaricom Limited has entered the third phase of World of Difference (WOD) programme to extend its ways of giving back to the society.
Speaking at the launch at KICC, Safaricom CEO Mr Bob Collymore said: “World of Difference is an innovative charitable initiative that takes corporate social investment to the next level.”
“It goes beyond just writing a cheque or donating a shilling. It is about asking what one can do as an individual to make a difference using their skills and talents,” explained Collymore.
The Safaricom Foundation since inception has disbursed 1.5 billion towards education, health, economic empowerment, environmental conservation, arts & culture and sports.
Mr. Collymore said:“We want to be an empowering contribution in the society we live in and strongly believe that our participation makes a difference in someone’s life.” In the previous phases, over 20 community-based NGO partners took place in the WOD programme, including the Kenya Red Cross Society.
This year’s initiative has attracted close to 50 new partners. Safaricom’s goodwill ambassador, Hon. Moody Awori said that annually, Safaricom spends 250 million shillings contributing it towards achieving Kenya’s development agenda and the millennium development goals.
“In the last fiscal year, more than one third of the 2700 employees participated CSR activities. This year, our goal is to grow this number to 50% of employee participation in community projects,” said the newly appointed Foundation chairman, Joseph Ogutu.
The voluntary initiative, which stated with staff participation, is now open to the public to enhance their engagement and involvement.
“Taking part in this initiative will enhance knowledge and skill in community-based service through first hand experience,” added Mr. Collymore.
The Foundation’s chair attributed the programme’s success to the support and strong synergies developed with the organization partners.
Mr. Ogutu urged Kenyans to volunteer their time, talent, skills and resources in the structured way of making change by being mindful of others welfare.
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