This year’s founding of the Social & Charity Committee on June 6 marks another significant step towards social engagement at Pepperl+Fuchs Vietnam. Our employees are involved in organizing, administrating, and implementing social and charitable projects on a voluntary basis. Tu, chairwoman of the Committee, gives deeper insights into the initiative in this interview.
Hello, Tu. Thanks for your time. Tell us how the Committee was founded and what its goal is.
Tu: Our goal is to work together towards doing something good. That’s exactly why the newly founded Social & Charity Committee at Pepperl+Fuchs in Ho Chi Minh Stadt Vietnam was established. Our main task is to support employees in difficult life situations. In addition, we want to do more for local communities, environmental protection, and local healthcare. Our management has long observed that highly committed individual employees engage in smaller activities of this kind from time to time. However, these activities are carried out at their own initiative and on a small scale. The Committee, which we would like to maintain on a long-term and sustainable basis, now offers a central point of contact.
How is the Committee structured?
Tu: The Committee consists of four key individuals who have volunteered for these roles. As chairwoman, I am responsible for the overall management of the Committee and ensuring that the strategies chosen are in line with the company’s objectives. We also have a treasurer who looks after the finances and reports on income and expenses. Our event manager is responsible for planning, budgeting, and organizing activities, including fundraising events. And the communications and media manager promotes dialogue and reports on the organization’s activities. The group meets regularly once a month. Of course, there are also other meetings, for example when an event is about to take place.
The first projects
Can you give us an insight into what has already been implemented?
Tu: Sure. First of all, we have introduced social and charity guidelines to give the undertaking a framework. According to our financial policy, we currently receive donations only from Pepperl+Fuchs employees in Vietnam or the Pepperl+Fuchs Group worldwide.
The first donation program we launched is called MealDonation. Employees can voluntarily donate their meal money in the company canteen. Meal money is booked to the employee card at the beginning of each month and can be used by employees as they wish. They can buy food, drinks, snacks, or ice cream with it. Or they can make a donation. This program is currently our main source of funding. Our first charity event has also already taken place. By the end of July, we had already raised a considerable sum and were able to distribute it to three employees who are struggling with serious illnesses. Even if the donation does not fully cover their treatment costs, our support makes them happy and gives them additional strength.
Are there already projects planned for the future?
Tu: Yes, we are already planning the next activities. Our focus is on disadvantaged children in orphanages. Some of these children need care, while others have just started school and need a few more things for educational purposes.
