Our Employees in the Community

At AstraZeneca, we have always been committed to improving the quality of life in the communities in which we live and work. While much of this work is done through our day-to-day focus on physicians and patients, we also try to bring about positive change by investing in community involvement.

We are proud of our employees, but even more so when we learn about their commitment to making our communities and our country a better place to live.

Volunteer Investment Program (VIP)

At AstraZeneca Canada, we understand and applaud the value that our employees’ volunteer work brings to our communities. The Volunteer Investment Program (VIP) is one of the many ways that we can help our employees in their endeavours to give back – it’s our small investment in their hard work and commitment.

We recognize that everyone is different in their approach to volunteerism and charitable giving. With several levels of involvement, there is an opportunity for the volunteer work of every employee (and even some retirees!) to be recognized.

The program offers five ways to get involved and get support: volunteer grants, paid volunteer workdays, gift matching, employee sponsorship, and support of AstraZeneca Canada fundraising teams. Each year, we also offer a Presidents’ VIP Award, honouring the commitment of one employee, and providing an additional gift of $2,000 to that employee’s charity of choice!

If you have an AstraZeneca employee volunteering for your organization, please ask them for details on VIP and whether your community group is eligible for VIP support.

Employee Stories

Here are a few shining examples of how AstraZeneca people make a difference in their communities:

Ric is a founding member of the Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS), a charitable group that provides assistance and guidance to immigrants trying to adapt to life in Canada. Ric spends 40 to 60 hours per year performing volunteering services, such as employment training, information referral and crisis intervention. In addition to these contributions, Ric has given more than just his time. In 2003 he mortgaged his own home in order help finance MHHS ‘s first central office and safe haven for immigrants seeking shelter in Vancouver. Ric’s commitment and generosity continues to help MHHS assist over 300 new immigrants in search of aid each month.

Diane Coggon, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peel, Ontario

Diane has been a member of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Peel (BBBS) for over three years. This is a well-recognized national organization that provides adult role models for children who would otherwise be without such a positive influence in their lives. As a Big Sister, Diane spends at least four hours each week with her Little Sister, Kaitlyn. During these times, the two do simple things from walking Diane’s dog and scrapingbooking, to horseback riding or going out to catch a movie together. Diane’s involvement as a Big Sister helps develop much-needed stability, friendship, guidance and fun for many young children like Kaitlyn.

Linda Colby, The Gatehouse, Toronto, Ontario

Linda is a volunteer for The Gatehouse, a national organization that addresses the needs of children, adults and families affected by child abuse. Linda decided to get involved in 2005 when a friend of hers by the name of Anita Marrow volunteered to swim across Lake Ontario to help raise funds for The Gatehouse and raise awareness around child abuse. Linda knew this event would play a major role in helping her friend heal emotionally, and would make a tremendous difference in the lives of many others affected by child abuse. Linda played a key role in helping the Swim of Hope raise close to $20,000, and since then has volunteered to help with other fundraising events for The Gatehouse.

AstraZeneca Canada is an Imagine Caring Company