Corporate Social Responsibility is Everyone’s Job: SCOA Enriching Lives in 2022-2023

In an ever-changing global economy, businesses are compelled to go beyond conventional profit-making paradigms. The essence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has taken center stage, shaping the values and societal impact of organizations worldwide, but that sensibility has been in Sumitomo’s DNA for centuries.

Now, any company in the highly competitive United States knows that embracing CSR has become a pivotal strategy, fostering sustainable growth and bolstering brand credibility. Here we shed light on how SCOA have been exemplifying CSR excellence over the past year; witness these remarkable examples of how SCOA sets the standard for responsible business practices and charitable community contribution.

Among SCOA’s many cultural contributions is our participation in Japan Day NYC, a celebration of Japanese culture, which returned to New York City, on May 13th 2023. The annual Japan Day Parade and Street Fair brought together over 2500 New Yorkers to show their support for Japanese traditions, arts, food, and more. SCOA employees also played an active role in this parade, with SCOA’s CEO, Tom Wada and ten volunteers representing SCOA in the day’s parade and programs. The parade also coincided with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and the associated Japan Street Fair offers spectators an annual opportunity to indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine and participate in family-friendly activities like origami crafting or calligraphy, as well as watch performances by various musical or dance groups. SCOA’s CEO, Tom Wada, proudly represented the company at this cultural extravaganza, and the presence of SCOA’s float featuring the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, an internationally renowned multicultural choir added a special touch to the festivities. SCOA’s commitment as a diamond sponsor exemplifies its dedication to supporting and promoting diverse cultural experiences. Japan Day 2023 was not only a celebration of Japanese culture but also a testament to the power of unity and appreciation for diversity, and SCOA’s involvement in this event serves as a reminder of the company’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding within its own community and beyond.

Here are some ways our regional offices supported their communities this year!?

SCOA NEW YORK OFFICE

To celebrate Earth Day this past May 2nd, 43 SCOA employees signed up for Green Volunteer Day, in partnership with New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) a long-standing recipient of SCOA Foundation’s donations. The volunteers had a meaningful team building experience and an opportunity to give back not only to mother nature but our local community in the Bronx. This event marked a new record high participation rate. We are extremely grateful to all who generously extended their time to volunteer, as well as to the support of their Departments for Green Volunteer Day! At NYBG, SCOA volunteers sowed 900 total seeds in propagation trays (nasturtium, scallions, kale) that will eventually be donated to Bronx community gardens; sowed seeds in the Global Garden Border (arugula and radish) that will be harvested and donated later this spring; weeded in the Edible Academy Meadow; transplanted assorted seedlings in the Children’s Gardening Program plots; and screened compost and spread in planting beds. Thirty-eight SCOA employees registered a total of 152 Volunteer Hours with SCOA Human Resources.?

SCOA HOUSTON OFFICE

The SCOA Houston Office donated funds to the “Disney Days” Program through Together We Rise organization which is a reunification event. Currently, 70% of children in foster care are in placements separate from their siblings, and the Disney Days Program believes that siblings in foster care belong together and this event teaches arts and life experience which are also educational. Because of support like this, 207 kids in foster care were able to spend valuable time with their siblings and learn valuable life skills. Additionally, the office donated funds to the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s “My Home Library” program which supplies underprivileged children with 6 books of their choice to take home and begin their own home library. Our donation supplied 62 children with books of their choosing to take home. The office also donated golf club sets to First Tee of Greater Houston, an organization that gives kids opportunities to be outside, active and away from screens in a safe environment. First Tee Greater Houston (FTGH) offers exactly that through youth golf and this type of activity can help kids who are struggling with mental and physical health. Bridge Year, which exposes youth to high-growth high-demand careers, was also a donation recipient, as they connect underserved youth to careers and educational pathways that provide economic stability and independence. Lastly, SCOA Houston employees gathered on Valentine’s Day to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, packing hygiene supplies and toiletries for low-income families that are cared for by the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile which goes out into the community and provides supplies, toys, and free healthcare for those in need.

SCOA CHICAGO OFFICE

In cooperation with the Back 2 School Community Fair, SCOA’s Chicago Office organized an in-kind gifts drive, supporting the organization with the delivery of backpacks filled with proper supplies. Back 2 School works to supply health & wellness services, educational programming, and workforce training for nearly 3,000 participants throughout the Chicago land area who seek pathways for successful and sustainable lives. Additionally, employees packed meals for Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) for transport to Peru, helping the organization supply children in need with nourishing meals.

SC AMERICAS SAO PAULO OFFICE

Our Sao Paulo Office in Brazil worked with CEI Irma Ildefranca, whose goal is to spread environmental education to children and parents in vulnerable situations, so as to foster more autonomy to families in regards to food. Employees worked with the attendees of CEI Irma Ildefranca, those being teachers and kids from 4 to 6 years old, on how to plant, cultivate and multiply a home garden of spices. The programs worked with more than 200 children, bolstering the families’ confidence to create their own gardening areas.

TO BE CONTINUED...

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