THUNDER BAY – Business Now – Bombardier Transportation employees in Thunder Bay are not just busy manufacturing innovative trains; they are also making a positive difference in the local community. Today, the Bombardier in Thunder Bay Employee Fund announced that it contributed $60,500 to 25 different charities in Thunder Bay in 2011.
George Gasbarrino, Director of Human Resources in Thunder Bay said, “The commitment of our Thunder Bay employees to the local community is truly inspiring. The Employee Fund is making a significant difference in the lives of thousands of families in Thunder Bay and their efforts show that Bombardier employees are world-class.”
The Bombardier Thunder Bay Employee Fund is organized by a volunteer committee which encourages employee contributions through payroll deductions and other annual activities. Recipient charities in 2011 included the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, Lakehead Search and Rescue, Northern Cancer Research Foundation, Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, and the largest contribution of $13,562 to the United Way of Thunder Bay.
As a global organisation, Bombardier has a strong ethic of corporate social responsibility, with a focus directed towards the 3Es of Education, Environment and Entrepreneurship. United Way Worldwide is an organisation that Bombardier has partnered with in various countries and that supports projects linked to the 3Es around the world. In addition, with 76 sites worldwide, Bombardier encourages its employees to participate directly in supporting their local communities and causes for which they have a particular affinity – such as the Thunder Bay Employee Fund.
Gasbarrino added, “Bombardier employees are always encouraged to volunteer and participate in the communities where we do business. In 2012, we are looking for new ways to support our employees and enhance their efforts to make positive community contributions and specifically in areas that address important social and environmental issues.”