Local community groups receive funding boost from Esso

12 November 2008

Mornington Peninsula community groups have received a funding boost thanks to the volunteering efforts of Esso employees from the Long Island Point (LIP) plant in Hastings.

ExxonMobil Australia, parent company of Esso, recognises the volunteering work of its employees by providing $1,000 grants direct to the community organisations nominated by its employees under the company’s Volunteer Involvement Program, known as ‘VIP’. Employees who have completed 20 hours or more of volunteering in one year can apply.

The efforts of six LIP employees has resulted in $6,000 being donated to six local groups, which include schools, a life saving club and Disability Opportunities Victoria.

Students at both Balcombe Grammar School and Botany Park Preschool will be enjoying some new playground equipment thanks to the donation, while Boneo Primary School will use its grant to purchase garden equipment. Tyabb Railway Station Primary School will put the money to good use on some planned school programs.

Mount Martha Life Saving Club will be able to purchase a new rescue board, and Disability Opportunities Victoria will use its $1,000 grant to purchase various pieces of equipment required by the group.

Collectively, the Long Island Point employees completed 269 hours of volunteering with the six community groups.

Stuart Jeffries, Long Island Point Plant Manager, said that the employee volunteering grants program is an example of one of the ways that the company supports local community groups in areas where it operates.

“Many of our employees are active community volunteers and we are pleased to recognise the time and effort they give to community groups,” he said.

“The grants program has certainly become very popular among our employees and the community groups that we support.”

Altogether, ExxonMobil Australia provided $120,000 worth of grants to community groups across Victoria and other states, thanks to the generous work of employees.  ExxonMobil employees in Australia gave over 8,500 hours of their personal time to support community initiatives.

Media contact: Rebecca Arnold 03 9270 3478 or 0400 511 247