The power of volunteering in action

He called it “an absolute unprecedented emergency…and the worst climate disaster the state had ever witnessed.” The governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, wasn’t holding back when referring to the floods that hit the Brazilian state in April and May 2024. They affected over two million people, left 500,000 without power or clean water and cut off entire cities. It was the worst flooding in the area for over 80 years.

JTI was quick to react and support people in the the worst-affected communities. One thing above all lay at the very heart of the JTI response to this unmitigated disaster – volunteering.

Our immediate response

A crisis committee was activated within hours, set up to identify and support all who may have been affected: employees, farmers and the communities in which they lived.

Over the first days and weeks, many of the functions of JTI Brazil were involved in some form. People & Culture went about contacting each of our 1,000+ employees and their families…Corporate Security coordinated efforts with local groups to assist of farmers and communities… Our Leaf Supply team put in place a recovery plan to minimize the impact on farmers and their next crop…and Corporate Affairs & Communications donated essential items to the most affected communities and provided boats for rescue and forklifts and trucks for clean-up operations.

JTI’s volunteer spirit

Over 500 volunteers raised their hands and immediately sprang into action. They removed mud from houses, helped to clean commercial establishments, delivered essential supplies, provided animal aid and worked alongside donation collection points. Wherever they could be, someone from JTI was there.

“The real benefit of volunteering is not always measured in the time we give but in the reaction we receive. The solidarity of our support teams has touched the hearts of those who have lost so much – and witnessing their gratitude was truly rewarding.”

Cintia Schwengber, Volunteer Program Coordinator

In total, over 12,500 hours of volunteering took place over a six-week period in May and early June – an unprecedented personal commitment from so many.

In thanking all those involved, Roberto Macedo, Leaf Origin Brazil Lead, summarized: “My endless gratitude goes to our volunteers who brought affection, love, joy and hope wherever they went. During these endless days, you have all demonstrated the true spirit of solidarity and cooperation, going far beyond your obligations to support those who needed it most.”

Time well spent

While responding to disasters is its very visible face, volunteering at JTI is at work everywhere, every day. Thousands of employees in markets around the world give of their time, their skills or their savings to engage with local communities and help those less fortunate.

It is an essential element of our community investment efforts.

It enriches employees and improves the lives of many in the regions and countries where we are present.

It showcases the best of JTI.

#InternationalVolunteerDay #IVD2024 #CommunityInvestment