December 5 is International Volunteer Day
Shimadzu Group’s Volunteer Actions

December 5 is International Volunteer Day. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. On this day, various events are held around the world, and many people participate in volunteer activities.

Volunteering is an activity performed on one’s initiative without compensation for the benefit of society and the community. It includes local litter picking, children’s learning support, disaster relief efforts, and international cooperation. Here we introduce the volunteer activities and volunteer time off system within Shimadzu Group. 

 

Volunteer Activities by Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte., Ltd.

Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd. (SAP) in Singapore has been involved in various activities related to the environment, welfare, and healthcare.

Waterways Clean-up

In collaboration with the environment conservation organization “Waterways Watch Society (WWS)”, SAP cleaned up Singapore’s main river, the Kallang River. They contributed to local environmental conservation by collecting 20 kg of plastic waste such as straws and wrapping paper, on the day of the event.
 

Participants collected plastic waste riding in small boats

Essential Pack Delivery

SAP delivered daily essentials to 783 elderly people in need of assistance, together with the real estate group ”CapitaLand”. In addition to providing material support, it also sent them heartfelt reminders that these individuals are members of society, thereby enhancing their sense of comfort and connection.
 

Blood Donation

In conjunction with Singapore Red Cross and Health Sciences Authority, SAP employees participated in blood donations. The purpose of this activity is not only to donate blood but also to raise awareness of the need for blood donation due to its short shelf life.
 

Learning Support for the Next Generation by Shimadzu (China) Co., Ltd.

Shimadzu (China) Co., Ltd. voluntarily held an event to support children’s learning. Here is the video of the interaction with students of Daystar Academy in Beijing, on the theme of SDGs.

Activities and Personnel System of Shimadzu Corporation
— Forward Together! —

In 2020, Shimadzu Corporation established the volunteer time off (VOT) system. The system resulted from its employees reflecting on how to support those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) after witnessing their hardships. In addition to the system introduction, an introductory training session has been held for employees who are volunteering for the first time to ensure that they find out what they can do and that their activities go smoothly. 
 

The session includes three classroom lectures: in the first session, participants learned about the significance and types of volunteer activities and how to obtain information about them; in the second session, they listened to case studies of activities by coordinators active in the community and thought about activities they would like to try in a group work session; in the third session, they learned about the knowledge and attitudes necessary for disaster volunteer activities including the psychology of disaster victims.

Shimadzu Volunteer Office then selected activities and recruited volunteers based on the requests from the preliminary questionnaire. The questionnaire showed that many were interested in activities related to the environment, sport, art, and children. Here are some of the activities.

Shoveling Snow

In February 2024, snow shoveling was carried out in an area of Kyoto with heavy snowfall, with the guidance of local people.

Through this activity in this area where there are only three residents, they realized that small support could make a significant difference.
 

Picking Horse Chestnut Seeds

Volunteers picked up and harvested horse chestnut seeds (Tochinomi) in a depopulated area in Kyoto. The seeds are transformed into a local specialty.
 

Comments by Morishita of Shimadzu Volunteer Office who plans and participate in these activities: “As a volunteer, I believe that the experience of determining what is needed on the spot and immediately implementing it not only helps people in need, but also broadens our perspective and leads to our growth.” 
 

From the left: the office members, Tonami, Oku, and Morishita. Tonami says, “It is okay even if each one is a short time or small action. When they come together, it becomes a great power.”