Kiswa: The Recycling Drive
In September, as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at Godwin Austen Johnson, we embarked on a new journey that focused on sustainability and giving back to the community. Together with my colleagues, Chetna Thawani and Shruti Dange, we formed a team to develop and implement a plan for a meaningful initiative that would involve everyone in the office.
During our initial discussions, an idea emerged: a recycling drive that could bring the entire office together in a shared effort to reduce waste and support a worthy cause. We wanted to find a partner organisation that aligned with our goals and vision for sustainability. That's when we discovered KISWA, a renowned organisation in the UAE specialising in recycling and upcycling used clothing and toys.
KISWA’s mission to give new life to unwanted items perfectly matched our objectives, and we decided to collaborate with them for this initiative. Their approach to recycling and their commitment to environmental sustainability inspired us to move forward with the plan.
The recycling drive officially kicked off at the Godwin Austen Johnson main office, and we made sure that every member of our team, including our on-site staff, was involved. Over the span of two weeks, we placed collection boxes in designated areas throughout the office, encouraging everyone to contribute their unwanted clothing and toys.
The response from our colleagues was overwhelmingly positive. By the end of the collection period, we had gathered over 101 kilograms of items, all of which were carefully packed and prepared for donation to KISWA. The excitement of seeing our team come together for a shared cause was truly inspiring, reinforcing the importance of collective action in making a tangible difference.
When KISWA's team arrived at our office, they weighed the collected items and provided us with a KISWA card detailing the total weight of the donations. As a thoughtful gesture, they also included a QR code on the card, giving us access to discounts on various services offered by their partner organisations. It was a rewarding moment to see our efforts translated into something that could benefit both the environment and our community.
This initiative was more than just a CSR activity; it was a reminder of the power of small actions in creating a larger impact. Through our partnership with KISWA, we were able to take a step towards reducing waste and promoting sustainability, while also supporting an organisation that is doing incredible work in the UAE.
At Godwin Austen Johnson, we believe that CSR is not just a corporate obligation but a genuine commitment to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. Engaging in such initiatives not only strengthens our team spirit but also highlights the importance of working with organisations that share our values and drive for social good.
In conclusion, taking part in community-focused activities like the KISWA recycling drive is a meaningful way for each of us to contribute to a greater cause. It’s a reminder that when we work together, even small efforts can lead to significant change. We look forward to continuing our journey of sustainability and supporting organisations that inspire positive transformations in our society.