More than 50 people, most of whom work at Domtar’s Plymouth Mill, gathered on Saturday, June 11, to beautify and restore William Flowers Riverfront Park in Plymouth, North Carolina. The project was a joint venture between Domtar and the Student Conservation Association (SCA).
Domtar has partnered with SCA in the United States and Canada since 2012, serving as a national supporter with its financial contributions and as a local contributor through a series of community projects like the one in Plymouth.
“One of SCA’s core missions is to foster future conservationists, and Domtar shares its passion for healthy, living forests, which are an important component of a sustainable fiber-based business,” says Heather Stowe, Domtar’s corporate social responsibility manager and founder of the EarthChoice Ambassadors program. “We really embrace the opportunity to work with them and make a meaningful difference in our communities and for the students participating in SCA.”
Serving Side by Side
Domtar’s participates in two SCA projects each year as a way to engage employees in their local communities through service.
“Our collaboration provides opportunities for our employees to give back to their own communities,” Stowe said. “Everyone works shoulder to shoulder, regardless of their job title. The hierarchy that comes in any organization is wiped away when painting steps or building a picnic table.”
During the Plymouth project, Domtar employees, their families, SCA organizers and local community leaders repaired, resealed and repainted more than 500 feet of boardwalk along the Roanoke River in downtown Plymouth. They also cleared brush from an historic home that is undergoing renovation.
Allan Bohn, manager of the Plymouth Mill, said, “It’s exciting to see all the family unity as well as the team unity that we’ve got here. I’m really proud of our team here at Plymouth.”
SCA Empowers Youth
“It was a tremendous day,” said Peter J. Bokolas, SCA’s director of corporate relations. “Domtar is a wonderful partner of SCA. Collectively, we help empower diverse youth to build the next generation of environmental, conservation, business and political leaders, who we strongly believe will improve the quality of life in their communities.”
SCA provides opportunities for young people to make a positive impact on the world around them. SCA members protect, enhance and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and urban green spaces.
Participants age 15 to young adult serve year-round in programs lasting two weeks to 12 months. These programs teach members to plan, enact and lead while making a difference in their world. Visit SCA’s website to learn more.
