Tijuana, Mexico:
Medtronic Community Council
Employees drive giving in their communities
The Medtronic Mission attracts employees highly motivated to make a difference in the world. And statistics prove it. In a 2010 global survey, more than 95 percent of employees made a charitable donation, and nearly 75 percent volunteered.
In 19 locations with major facilities, this spirit is brought to life through Medtronic Community Councils, employee-led committees empowered to guide philanthropy and align volunteerism opportunities that meet local needs.
Collectively, more than $3.5 million in grants were awarded through Medtronic Community Councils in 2010, with the first international councils established in Tijuana, Mexico and North Ryde, Australia.
“I believe that by having an opportunity to engage at the local level, it creates a bond between employer, employees and community that strengthens our commitment to fulfilling the Mission, both in our jobs and as a good corporate citizen,” says Gerardo De la Concha, vice president of Mexico operations, and chair of the Tijuana Community Council.
Their first official grant went to Hospital Infantil de las Californias to fund a pediatric obesity screening program.
The hospital is the only community multi-disciplinary pediatric center in the state of Baja California. The screening program identifies overweight and obese children, and then provides them with nutritional and exercise plans to help prevent health complications such as cardiovascular disease. An estimated 48 percent of the children in the state are considered obese or overweight.
The grant is especially meaningful as Medtronic employees and their families have developed a close relationship with the hospital, both as volunteers and patients.
“Hospital de las Californias is a very respected nonprofit hospital for children, designed for families who often have no other means to pay for healthcare,” says De la Concha. “It was not a difficult decision to help fund their work. And a great sense of pride for employees.”
Read more about how Medtronic employees are making a difference at Medtronic.com/corporate-citizenship.