A 600 strong force of IT executives, made up of Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) IT department and its suppliers, are to volunteer to help local community projects on the 19th November in what is thought to be one of the biggest ever volunteer programmes in the IT industry.
Employees from big names such as Microsoft, Cognizant and SAP will support the M&S team, which will include Director of IT Darrell Stein, in one of four activities organised with charity partners.
Hundreds of laptops will also be collected and recycled to support good causes as the M&S IT team plays it role in Plan A, M&S’ eco and ethical programme which aims to make M&S the world’s most sustainable major retailer by 2015.
On the 19th November the volunteers will take part in:
- A project helping 200 Abbeyfield care home residents to reconnect with their past using everyday online platforms such as Google, Facebook and Twitter on laptops, iPads and iPhones. The event is being organised by talent management company ReThink.
- Planting 10,000 trees in Heartwood Forest with the Woodland Trust to create a new woodland area for the people of St Albans. The exercise will also help to offset the carbon emissions generated by the M&S IT office in Stockley Park. The initiative has been organised by Cognizant and SAP, in association with The Prince’s Trust which is also providing volunteers.
- 110 IT execs have trained to become STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Ambassadors by education charity STEMNET to inspire young people to understand the importance and potential of IT. They will visit 15 schools to promote IT as a career choice. The initiative is organised by M&S and Tata Consultancy Services.
- Helping to develop young people from deprived backgrounds by sharing workplace skills and experience with mentoring charity Mosaic. The aim is to make a real difference to youngsters’ lives by boosting their confidence and long-term employability.
Darrell Stein, Director of IT at Marks & Spencer said: “More so than ever before, IT can inspire both young and old and we intend to use this power to support local communities and make a difference where it matters. At the same time we hope to motivate our own people and our suppliers by making the 19th November one of the most important days in our calendar. But it’s not only about one day. There are activities going on that will leave a legacy of IT equipment and support where it is needed most as we make our contribution to M&S’ eco and ethical programme.”
Full list of M&S suppliers taking part in the volunteer day: Cognizant, Microsoft, RDC, ReThink, SAP, Logicalis and Tata Consultancy Services.
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Plan A
Plan A is Marks & Spencer’s eco and ethical programme that aims to make M&S the world’s most sustainable major retailer by 2015. Launched in 2007 and extended in March 2010, it takes a holistic approach to sustainability focusing on involving customers, involving all areas of the business and tackling issues such as climate change, waste, raw materials, health and being a fair partner.
Further information
Daniel Himsworth, Marks & Spencer Press Office
0208 718 1618
[email protected]