L-R: Linda Ferguson, Director of HR, AOL; John Caulfield, Area
President, St. Vincent de Paul; Larry Roche, St. Vincent de Paul; and
Heather Roche, Director of Call Centre Operations, AOL
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 January 26, 2007 - AOL today announced further investment in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme for 2007. Over the last number of years, AOL has supported many charitable, community and sporting organisations, both in the South East region and at national level, to help fund their valuable activities and assist them in achieving ambitious goals. Just last year, AOL and its employees raised more than €36,000 for local groups and donated over 650 hours in voluntary work. The company hopes to match and even exceed these levels in 2007.
In the last twelve months, Portlaw Foroige Club, Waterford Road Runners, Piltown AFC, the WIT Softball Team, the Southcoast Badminton Club, the Comeragh Cycling Club and Clonard Park Residents’ Association were amongst the many local organisations benefiting from the company’s extensive funding programme.
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In addition, national charities including St. Vincent de Paul, the Jack & Jill Foundation, Barretstown Children’s Camp Fund were supported through charitable donations. “AOL’s generous donation of €5,000 will enable us to help many people escape poverty through education. We strongly believe that education is the way forward and the support of local organisations like AOL is absolutely invaluable,” said John Caulfield, Area President of St. Vincent de Paul.
AOL also runs regular volunteering activities which enable staff to take one day’s paid leave a year to work with local organisations in need of a helping hand. Most recently 18 staff members spent three days supporting the Lions Club and WLR FM Christmas Appeal whilst another group of 20 employees gave a day to cleaning up St. John’s
riverbank at the end of the summer.
The company has found that the benefits of its volunteering initiatives work both ways. “Volunteering can be fun and personally rewarding”, said Rebecca Weldon, an AOL employee who has visited and worked with orphanages in Moldova, with the support of the company. “Everyone can make contribution and help make changes, from raising a
few euro to spending time with a particular organisation”, she added.
“Whether it’s financial support or the giving of time, people and resources, we’re very proud to be closely involved in both the local community and the organisations that go above and beyond to improve conditions for all”, said Jackie O’Leary, Vice President of Member Services, AOL Waterford.
AOL is dedicated to developing close links with local communities in every geography where the company has a presence. To this end, AOL also supports the many charitable activities championed by its Indian organisation, including donations towards the building of local primary schools, and in support of homes for the elderly and
impoverished.
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