Business News
PaperCo limbers up and Belfast proves the fittest
Friday 04. July 2008 - Donald Murray Belfast operation came storming home in PaperCos first Health & Wellness competition, part of an on-going Corporate Responsibility initiative.
Judges praised the branchs initiative and innovative thinking with a monthly calendar of activities including fund-raising and the introduction of forest walks for staff and their families. PaperCo launched its Health & Wellness Campaign in the autumn of last year and the winning idea is one that the company hopes other branches might adopt in future. Children were awarded medals for taking part.
Veronica Heaven, corporate responsibility director at PaperCo, says: “Encouraging staff to keep fit and active and to have a better overall understanding of health issues is important. We were particularly impressed that the Belfast branch managed to successfully combine Health & Wellnes within their local community with a charity association. Being in good shape enables everyone to work better and to relax better and many of the initiatives had the added benefit of encouraging greater communication within branches and heightened team unity.”
The first annual awards were judged by members of the companys Social Responsibility policy team and its Health & Wellness working group with points awarded for the health and wellness rating as well the innovation, creativity and charitable impact of the activity.
Second place went to The Reel Paper Company and BoardCo in Castle Donington where an initiative to promote a 10km was undertaken, including power walking and gym membership. This was praised although the fitness campaign was restricted to a small group of people which kept it out of pole position.
Bristol branchs static rowing machine was a unique entry with nine members of the branch working together to clock up 708km to raise money for the RNLI lifeboats charity.
Preston was highly commended for its once a week lunchtime walks which have proved popular with staff. Other initiatives submitted included mountain biking, parachuting and walk/run/cycle projects.