Heineken USA, White Plains, N.Y., has teamed with Family Services of Westchester to support a number of local causes in their hometown communities.
On Thursday, Aug. 6, Heineken USA hosted a kick-off event for their employees and members of Family Services of Westchester to introduce the new volunteer-based partnership.
Family Services of Westchester offers many ways employees can dedicate their time, as each program provides unique services that address needs within the community. One such program is Family Services of Westchester’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Program (BBBS). The Westchester chapter is an affiliate of BBBS of America and makes a positive difference in the lives of young people aged seven to 15 by placing them in a professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationship with a caring adult. Heineken USA employees will act as mentors for the day and accompany children from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program on an all-expenses paid trip to the Central Park Zoo.
“In the beginning of this year, we introduced the new Heineken brand platform ‘Give Yourself a Good Name’ as a way to showcase the subtle, yet conscious, decisions consumers make to create a difference through their actions, their words and their choices,” said Don Blaustein, president and CEO for Heineken USA. “This partnership brings this platform to life, reinforcing what we stand for as a company and the compassion and dedication of our employees-we care about the communities where we live and work, and where our products are enjoyed.”
Additional volunteer opportunities under the partnership include visiting My Second Home, in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., an adult day program offering an affordable alternative to assisted living and nursing home care, in an intergenerational setting. Heineken USA employees will join My Second Home residents for craft activities and one-on-one conversation and time spent together during lunch.
At Maple House, in Ossining, N.Y., a supportive housing for the physically-frail, elderly, the disabled and for individuals who want to live independently but with extra help, employees will throw a barbeque and perform live music for the residents.
Heineken USA employees will spend an afternoon picnicking in the park with Head Start families. Head Start is an early childhood program that provides comprehensive education, health and nutrition to low-income children and their families. Employees will provide and cook food, play games, face paint and supply arts and crafts activities.
Employees also will be asked to donate products to Camp Viva’s wish list, including travel kits, snacks, towels, First Aid supplies and arts and crafts materials. Funded completely by donations, Camp Viva is a sleep-away camp and year-round follow-up program for children, families and individuals affected by AIDS or HIV.
“We are thrilled about this volunteer partnership with Heineken USA,” said Susan Wayne, president and CEO of Family Services of Westchester. “During grim economic times, Family Services of Westchester witnesses a growing need for social services, and the vital services we provide would not be possible without volunteer support.”