Domtar’s investment in communities pays off for everyone, said John D. Williams , Domtar’s president and CEO, while addressing regional business leaders in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Williams spoke to dozens of representatives of area companies — including Shutterfly, Continental Tire and more — on the topic of corporate giving as part of a campaign for the Anne Springs Close Greenway, an extensive protected natural area in Fort Mill.
At Domtar, corporate giving and social responsibility take several forms, Williams said, and Domtar’s partnership with the greenway is an ideal example of the work we do to make the world a better place. It fits our pillars of corporate citizenship: literacy, health and wellness, and sustainability. It also offers the opportunity for employees to participate in service projects. Many volunteer events are coordinated by the EarthChoice Ambassador program, an employee engagement program that promotes sustainable principles throughout the company.
For several years, Domtar has donated money and volunteer hours toward maintaining and improving the greenway. Our colleagues have helped build and repair houses for wood ducks, clear brush for the petting zoo and build accessibility ramps for the horseback-riding program so that people in wheelchairs may participate.
Williams urged other area business leaders to invest thoughtfully in organizations through corporate giving and to contribute to efforts that improve the community for all residents.
“When our communities are thriving, it helps our businesses also,” he said. “I believe it’s our civic duty to invest in our communities. We choose to support the greenway because it’s local, it’s a place our people can get involved, and they get a lot from it.”
“It’s wonderful for us to have a company like Domtar in the vicinity because, as John said, there’s volunteering as well as contributing,” said Anne Springs Close, for whom the 2,100 acres of land was named, of Domtar’s support. “We couldn’t operate without our volunteers. When I first started trying to raise interest, people would say, ‘How big is your staff?’ and I said, ‘Well, we have a skeleton staff, but we have an army of volunteers.’”
“We do have so many opportunities for people, and it’s a wonderful way that you can give back to your community,” she added. “Domtar has certainly been a leader in that field, and we hope other companies will follow in line.”
The greenway is just one example of our corporate giving and our commitment to communities. Across our global footprint, Domtar’s facilities and employees offer financial gifts and volunteer hours to improve lives.
