For SThree Corporate Social Responsibility has always been about more than just reducing our waste and hitting recycling targets, important as they are!
Through our commitment and your support for SOS Children’s Villages, we’re giving hope to children who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected across the world. It’s a cause that has also become something deeply personal to volunteer Carrie Beeks, SThree Talent Acquisition Manager in Chicago.
When did you first encounter CSR, and SOS, at SThree?
I started with SThree in 2013 at the end of my Masters program. Shortly after, I attended my first Annual General Meeting (AGM). At this particular AGM Vice President (Mid West Region) Ginnette Harvey spoke about SThree's CSR efforts and involvement with SOS Children’s' Villages Illinois.
Her presentation really connected with me and I was thrilled that I had joined a company where my work and my personal interest could mesh into the corporate vision and initiatives. I knew I would get involved and do whatever I could.
Following the AGM I joined the Chicago CSR committee and worked on an Auction of Promises Event that ended up raising $10,000, which was then matched by SThree. It was at this event that I met Tim McCormick, CEO of SOS Children's Villages Illinois and learned even more about the organization. As a result I really wanted to get involved with the organization on a personal level.
What prompted you to get so deeply involved?
I felt it was such a great organization which supports a mission I could get behind and invest my personal time in. Shortly after, thanks to SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, connections I had made through SThree sponsored events, I was invited to help found the SOS Illinois Emerging Leaders Board (ELB).
The SOS Children’s Villages Illinois Emerging Leaders Board was conceived in 2014 under the guidance of the Board of Directors. This group of motivated and philanthropic, young professionals, aged 20-40, seeks to promote the mission of SOS Illinois through networking and volunteering.
I currently head up the social committee of the ELB. It has been a great opportunity for me to get involved with SOS Children’s Villages Illinois at a deeper level beyond the initiatives SThree focuses on but it ultimately has helped strengthen the relationship even more with SOS Illinois and SThree in the U.S.
Are there more exciting plans to grow our CSR work with SOS?
Being a part of the ELB, I have already organized a social event with more than 60 attendees - mostly new to SOS Children’s Villages Illinois and interested in getting involved. I am currently working on the next social event which will focus on connecting those interested in getting involved with the organization with the right committee (tutoring/mentoring and outreach).
Being a part of SOS Children’s Villages Illinois has been a great experience for me as I know what this organization does in order to support children and how it positively affects their future. I am extremely proud of being a part of SThree’s CSR vision and initiatives with SOS Illinois and I love working for a company who value CSR.
Would you like to learn more about SThree’s CSR initiatives? Consider visiting us on LinkedIn or browse the CSR section on our website.