Bringing together the varying strands of an organisation is no mean feat, with departments continuing to vary and workplaces more diverse than ever, unity is often the golden goose of an organisation’s output. A recent charitable campaign by Scotch company Chivas Brothers brought together over 130 of its employees in a day-long refurbishment project.

Stemming from the company’s Spirit of Support (SOS) programme which, since its February 2016 inception, allows every Chivas Brothers employee to be entitled to one full working day of volunteering, the project took place at Lapwing Lodge Outdoor Centre in Paisley, Scotland. Chivas Brothers, owned by French company Pernod Ricard, sent a diverse range of its employees, from its IT department to customer service, to work together in refurbishing the community centre.

The project’s principle task included laying approximately 20 tons of wood bark chip, collectively donated by forestry company AW Jenkinson of Scottish town Lockerbie and waste contractors Biffa. With the charitable event also including the donation of large amounts of furniture, the initiative sought to bring out the best in teamwork, welfare and community support. Russell Keir, a safety adviser at the site and member of the Lapwing Lodge management board, says, “We had a great day working alongside the wonderful volunteers from Chivas Brothers, and we were delighted to share some well-earned food and a convivial dram with them over a camp fire after a day of hard work.

Chivas Brothers director of finance, Hervé Fetter, says, “I was delighted that for this year’s team activity we decided to get involved in the local community. The projects our employees undertake through the SOS programme vary in terms of the skills that are required, but all have the goal of making a difference, and demonstrate our commitment to helping others. I was delighted to see such enthusiastic participation in the Lapwing Lodge project from everyone in Finance, IT and Customer Service, and to witness the remarkable difference it has made.”