Our responsibilities

Local community initiatives

Glanbia has a long tradition of working with local communities through corporate giving, sponsorship and employee volunteering. 2010 was another strong year of support.

Ireland

Glanbia's collaboration with Barretstown commenced in 2008 and has proven to be a highly successful three tiered partnership incorporating the Group, the Avonmore brand and employee fundraising. The association of Barretstown with the Avonmore brand aligns our corporate and employee giving with our business strategy. A corporate donation of €250,000 plus employee fundraising of €60,000 saw Glanbia donate €310,000 to the charity in 2010. Avonmore's sponsorship of weather forecasts on Irish television as part of its brand strategy is being used to highlight Glanbia's association with the charity and on-pack promotions gives Barretstown substantial exposure across Ireland on a daily basis.

During 2010 there was a lot of team spirit and dedication among employees in support of Barretstown and record numbers participated in the many events organised throughout the year in an effort to achieve the fundraising goal, including:

• Over 420 cyclists who took part in the Tour de Kilkenny in August; and
• Over 60 Irish employees climbed Ireland's highest mountain in September 2010 and raised almost €23,000.
• The money raised by Glanbia is a significant contribution to the running of Barretstown and the Group's contribution helped 220 sick children attend a 10-day summer camp this year.

"We are so thankful to Glanbia and all its fantastic employees who have made a tremendous contribution to life at Barretstown since this partnership began over two years ago. Glanbia has proven to be such fantastic supporters of the camp on so many levels and we look forward to continuing this relationship in the coming years. The Glanbia 'Champions' and employees all over Ireland should be so proud and know that they have made a direct impact on over 2,000 children and their families who are living and dealing with childhood cancer. On behalf of the camp, the children and families I would sincerely like to thank Glanbia and its employees for their tremendous contribution."
Dee Ahearn, Chief Executive Barretstown

USA

It is a million dollars ago that the US Cheese team started an annual charity golf event to raise money for local charities. $20,000 was raised in the first year and over the past 17 years over $1 million has been donated to more than 50 local non-profit groups in the Magic Valley in Idaho. With the help of golfers, sponsors and Glanbia volunteers, a million dollar event has been created. $115,000 was raised in 2010. Following the end of a two year partnership with Shriner's Hospitals in the USA, US Cheese decided to work with community projects in the town of Gooding, Idaho where they have a major facility. A committee was established consisting of employees and representatives from the town to explore the community's needs. This partnership will be developed during 2011.

Over 60 Irish employees climbed Ireland's highest mountain and raised €23,000 for Barretstown

Brian Phelan, Group Human Resources & Operations Development Director, Maria Porter, Glanbia Consumer Products 'Champion', Dee Ahearn, Chief Executive. Barretstown with the Mulvey family, former Barretstown campers at the presentation by Glanbia staff of €60,000 to the charity.

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