On the eve of International Volunteer Day (IVD), Mobilink, Pakistan's market leader in cellular services and a subsidiary of Orascom Telecom Holding, commemorated employees for maintaining the spirit of volunteerism throughout the year. Designated by the United Nations since 1985, IVD is celebrated every year on December 5.
The declared aim of IVD is to thank volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society. Omar Manzur, Director Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stated, "As a socially responsible citizen, we believe in patronising broad-based CSR initiatives throughout Pakistan.
Mobilink has always been at the forefront of social initiatives and our employees continue to selflessly engage in community welfare, disaster relief, literacy enhancement, environment conservation, healthcare, and many more noble causes. This day is dedicated to acknowledge their exemplary endeavours." Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ahson Rabbani, Vice President Inputs, The Citizens Foundation (TCF), shared, "While anyone can provide monetary support, it takes a focused CSR programme to be able to also donate time.
This proactive social assistance programme clearly distinguishes Mobilink from other business organisations. As a practitioner of community development, I urge all healthy organisations to also promote the spirit of volunteerism among their employees." Employee volunteerism is a core value of Mobilink's Culture of Excellence and employees are strongly encouraged to develop a humanitarian spirit.
This is why Mobilink employees are sanctioned to clock an average of 4 to 5 dedicated hours per person per month during official working hours. The volunteers spent over 3,000 hours in 2008 in community service and have already clocked in 4,800 hours this year. A key activity in 2009 was employee involvement in collection, procurement and distribution of relief items for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of the Swat and Malakand District.
Through their efforts, Rs 3.5 million worth of essential relief goods were distributed to over 15,000 IDPs. This is in addition to the Mobilink Camp, set up with a Rs 81 million fund for 1,000 families of IDPs, also established and managed by a team of Mobilink employees in consultation with Emergency Response Unit and implementing partner agencies.
Outstanding volunteers were awarded trophies whereas certificates of appreciation were also distributed among the highly motivated torchbearers to recognise their relentless efforts. Torchbearers in other cities were also appreciated through similar ceremonies organised by Mobilink to mark IVD.-PR