Achieving social impact in Limerick through uniting local businesses

8^th September 2023, More than 60 people from Limerick-based multinationals, small businesses, schools and community organisations joined events on 7^th September to discuss ways to strengthen corporate partnerships and benefit their local communities. The two events were run by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) and jointly hosted by longstanding BITCI member Northern Trust, a global financial services firm, and Limerick Chamber.

This was the first meeting of BITCI’s Munster Members’ Network held outside Cork and attracted sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) professionals from across the region and beyond.  The theme of the event was achieving real impact through community engagement, in particular building strategic partnerships between businesses and local charities and NGOs. BITCI’s social and community experts spoke about ways for business to identify and meet community needs, and shared tools and tips for companies to use.  BITCI members Cook Medical and Three Ireland shared their experiences supporting workplace inclusion of people with disabilities and extending community mental health services. BITCI also showcased its Education Programmes and Employment Partnerships already active in the Limerick region and called for more companies to engage and support local social needs, particularly the integration of migrant women and mentoring for school students.

Already 11 companies in Limerick including Amneal Pharma, Virgin Media and Analog are paired with 11 local DEIS schools to participate in BITCI’s literacy and numeracy initiatives (Time to Read and Time to Count) and student mentoring programmes.

Laura Morrison, BITCI Sustainability Advisor, Munster Region said “CSR and sustainability professionals have such complex and demanding roles, with so many pressing issues to tackle, it’s vital they can connect with each other in confidential and supportive settings. Our Munster Network lets individuals and companies learn from each other’s successes and setbacks and connects businesses with new sources of expertise.  We were delighted to bring the Network meeting to Limerick for the first time and, after such an enthusiastic response from companies and organisations here, I’m sure it won’t be the last.”

Catherine Duffy, Northern Trust, General Manager, Limerick said “We were delighted to host the first meeting in Limerick of the BITCI Munster Members’ Network and the joint session with BITCI and the Limerick Chamber on Community Engagement and Social Impact.  The event was buzzing with local business people, charities and representatives from the education sector.  It was a relaxed, informal space which led to robust discussions on sustainability alongside community involvement and responsibility.”

Dee Ryan, CEO of Limerick Chamber said “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with BITCI and Northern Trust to put a spotlight on the value CSR offers businesses to collaborate on important societal causes and lend support to the commendable work undertaken by local charities and community initiatives. We believe that by joining forces and embracing CSR, businesses can make a meaningful impact in our local communities. At Limerick Chamber, we are committed to fostering these collaborative efforts and facilitating a culture of CSR among our members. We look forward to continued partnerships with organisations like BITCI and Northern Trust as we strive to create a positive and lasting impact in our local communities.”

ENDS

Tags:

Twitter

Linkedin

0