KMG International employees participated at the sixth edition of Run & Care, which took place on Sunday, September 15, in Carol Park. Over 200 employees from several companies of the Group, together with their families and business partners, ran 5, 10 and 15 km distances. The company donated USD 5 per kilometer to two major NGOs: Agent Green and Hope and Homes for Children.
Every year, the Group's employees are involved in volunteering and participate in various charity activities, individual or organized by the company (blood donation, fundraising for placement centers, planting sessions). Run & Care is an event through which volunteering, civic spirit and a healthy lifestyle through sports are promoted among employees. The total value of the company’s donations amounts to USD 20,000.
“For 6 years we have been running for important causes, to help NGOs develop education, health, social or environmental projects. This year, we combine again our desire to get involved with time well-spent with colleagues and families for two different but equally important causes: supporting forests in the Fagaras Mountains and helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds, through our collaborations with Agent Green and Hope and Homes for Children.” Alexey Golovin, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs.
The funds raised following the employees’ participation in the Run & Care will be directed to Hope and Homes for Children, the program for preventing the separation of children from their families.
“39% of Romania's children live in poverty; they do not attend kindergartens or schools, and, on some days, they have nothing to eat. That is why, many times, parents choose to leave their children in the care of the state, in orphanages where they will receive food, but they will be deprived of the most important thing that a child must receive: affection. The program for preventing the separation of children from their families is one of the main pillars of the activity carried out by our organization. The generosity and involvement of the Rompetrol team participating in the "Run & Care" event is very empowering and obliges us to continue our 21 year-long efforts for the benefit of vulnerable children of Romania." Robert Ion, Fundraising Director, Hope and Homes for Children Romania.
Moreover, for each runner, KMG International will plant a tree in the Fagaras Mountains, along with Agent Green, an NGO that develops projects to combat illegal deforestation and protect virgin forests.
"The Făgăraş area is of extraordinary natural importance and has been partially degraded. There are areas that need our help to restore a landscape that houses the oldest and most valuable forests and landscapes of Europe. We will integrate into our effort the aim to transform Fagaras into a national park and a planting project, to detach ourselves from all the tragic news about forests, and to contribute to the objective of increasing the forested area of the country to 40%." Gabriel Păun, Chairman, Agent Green.
About Agent Green
Established in 2009, Agent Green association has the aim to protect and conserve the environment and the natural habitat of people. During the last years, forests represented a priority for the organization and the activity of Agent Green is recognized and supported at national level.
About Hope and Homes for Children Romania
Hope and Homes for Children has been active in Romania since 1998, during which time it has contributed directly or indirectly to the closure of 58 old type institutions (orphanages), while another 10 are being closed. Through the services developed by Hope and Homes for Children, children move from care in mammoth institutions where they do not receive individual attention and affection, to systems based on the family concept, including family-type homes, which allow them a near normal life. At the same time, the Foundation works intensively to prevent the separation of children from their families, intervening with the necessary means to support families where the risk of abandoning children is high.
So far, 54,974 children have benefited from the Hope and Homes for Children Romania services, whose goal is to eliminate the institutionalization of children in our country by 2026. More information at www.hopeandhomes.ro.
PR and Corporate Communication Department
KMG International