If in 2021 the first edition of ‘Better Move, Better Lives' included just polish Pepco employees, the fourth edition reunited over 600 Pepco and Pepco Global Sourcing (PGS) employees. The kilometers driven during the program contributed to a reduction of CO2 emissions of about 973 kg.
‘Better Move, Better Lives' represents an initiative that encourages Pepco employees to get involved in sportive activities during summer. Participants compete to collect as many points as possible when walking, jogging, or cycling, and each kilometer covered adds up to a sum of money the company donates to NGOs in five countries. This year's program collected points to support self-development opportunities for children and teenagers who are prevented from participating in sports activities, often due to discrimination, lack of resources or other social circumstances.
”One of the key objectives of our company is to support children in their development and their journey to discovering their passions. We love to get involved in numerous educational projects and initiatives that give children from communities at risk of exclusion the opportunity to spend quality time in an active way. We believe that every child should have equal opportunities to play and learn, and through projects like ‘Better Move, Better Lives' we can continue our mission and reach as many children in need as possible," says Bogdan Grigoriu, Head of Region at Pepco Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.
5 countries, 5 initiatives
Funds collected during this year's "Better Move, Better Lives" program went to five projects supporting children in five European countries, namely Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania and Italy.
In Romania, funds were transferred to "Ana si Copiii Association" to support 50 children at risk of social exclusion. Having their participation in recreational, sports and cultural activities sponsored, children can spend their summer holiday time actively.
"We believe that any sporting activity provides children with a balance in their physical and mental development. Sport frees the body from accumulated tensions and children begin to become more jovial, more serene, less burdened by negative emotions. Whenever we feel that the little ones are tired during homework, we offer them a short break for recreation and outdoor play. We notice that when play becomes competitive, children start to have confidence in their own strengths and focus on success. We strongly believe that through sport we motivate children to be more determined, motivated, and persevering!" says Enache Cristina, Center Coordinator "Ana si Copiii" Association.
In Poland, resources were used to organize professional beach volleyball workshops for 85 children at risk of exclusion. The courses were organized by the Arkadiusz Gołaś Memorial Foundation at a professional sports base.
In Italy, the funds helped the Sport Senza Frontiere Foundation to organize a summer camp where 30 underprivileged children from districts in Milan, Rome and Naples were able to enjoy outdoor activities while discovering and developing their skills.
Support was also provided in Latvia, where children took part in the 9th edition of the ‘Hope for Mundial' Children's World Cup in Warsaw's Hope for Mundial Care Homes, together with 100 children from the SOS Children's Villages center in Lithuania. With the help of these funds, the children can now enjoy renovated playgrounds, which will provide them with a safe and varied play space.
