Mitsubishi Chemical UK Ltd Volunteers with Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire

On Saturday, 14 September 2024, employees from Mitsubishi Chemical UK Ltd. rolled up their sleeves to make a difference at Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire. This employee volunteering day, facilitated by HEY Smile Foundation as part of Mitsubishi’s Smile365 Plus package, brought together corporate social responsibility and community service in a meaningful way.

The Challenge

Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire had recently relocated to new premises. The charity needed assistance in refreshing their office space, particularly the entrance corridor and stairwell, to create a more welcoming environment for their clients and staff. However, due to limited resources and capacity, they were unable to undertake this task themselves.

The Solution

HEY Smile Foundation, recognising the perfect opportunity to match Mitsubishi Chemical’s desire to give back with Age UK HEY’s needs, brokered this volunteering day. Mitsubishi Chemical not only provided the manpower but also supplied the paint needed for the project.

The Impact

The Mitsubishi Chemical team spent the day repainting the entrance corridor and stairwell, significantly brightening up the area. This transformation helped create a more inviting atmosphere for Age UK’s clients and staff, enhancing the overall experience of those visiting the premises.

A representative from Age UK HEY expressed their gratitude:

“Due to our capacity, this wasn’t something we were able to undertake, so the help from Mitsubishi Chemicals in both providing the paint and decorating the area was greatly appreciated.”

The Volunteer Experience

For the Mitsubishi Chemical employees, this was more than just a day out of the office. Many of the volunteers had personal connections to Age UK HEY’s mission, with some having grandparents and relatives who had benefited from the charity’s services.

A Mitsubishi Chemical spokesperson said:

“As a group, we enjoyed giving back to our local community. We chose to help at Age UK HEY as it’s such a worthy cause and does so much for the older generation. It holds a special place in our hearts.”

The Role of HEY Smile Foundation

HEY Smile Foundation played a crucial role in facilitating this successful volunteering day. As part of Mitsubishi’s Smile365 Plus package, we provided a range of volunteering options tailored to the company’s criteria. This streamlined process made it easy for Mitsubishi Chemical to find a meaningful way to contribute to their community.

This collaboration between Mitsubishi Chemical UK Ltd, Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire, and HEY Smile Foundation demonstrates the power of corporate volunteering. It not only addressed a practical need for a local charity but also provided a rewarding experience for the volunteers, strengthening community ties in the process.

An Age UK HEY representative said:

“I would highly recommend that businesses consider corporate volunteering, whether as a team building exercise or to give back to the community. There are plenty of projects out there to get stuck into.”

Corporate volunteering significantly benefits both the volunteers and the communities they serve. HEY Smile Foundation facilitates connections between businesses and local charities throughout the Humber Region. For information on how your organisation can participate, please reach out via email at community@heysmilefoundation.org.