Through CANPACK’s CSR outreach, we don’t just give something back to communities where our business operates. We aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of everyone involved, including our own employees.
One of the ways we achieve this is through long-term charitable partnerships with local NGOs and grass-roots initiatives. The work done by volunteers from CANPACK Brazil, together with APAE Brasil and a community support project called De Mãos Dadas, is a heartwarming example.
Vulnerable children and adolescents
APAE (Association of parents and friends of the disabled) is the largest non-profit social organisation in Brazil. It is dedicated to promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities through free health care, education, and social assistance.
De Mãos Dadas (Helping Hands) was founded as a Christian response to problems faced by children and adolescents with a variety of vulnerabilities. The group’s aim is to allow every child and adolescent to lead a full and fulfilling life no matter what personal and social challenges they face.
Local projects seek to end social exclusion
The APAE centre in Maracanaú welcomes disabled children and their families from across the region. APAE Founder, Lúcia de Fátima N. Freitas, explains that
“The need is great, especially in the most distant and poorer areas. Parents see that there are no services available for their children, so they come together and create institutions like this where their children are no longer completely marginalised”.
At the Centro Espírita Caminho da Luz in Itumbiara, run by De Mãos Dadas, the focus is on supporting families in need — single mothers, children and young adults in socially challenging situations.
Stefany Gomes, a supported family member and volunteer, highlights the encouragement given:
“The NGO benefits children in several ways through donations such as food baskets, toys, and Children’s Day celebrations. On Saturdays, there are doctors who work here and provide help with medicine. Many children arrive needing shoes or other essentials, so we collect donations and pass them on to the families.”
More than hampers and handouts
With both projects, it’s about more than just food hampers and meeting basic material needs, important though these are.
One CANPACK volunteer who was herself helped by De Mãos Dadas as a child remembers what a difference it made to her life:
“The food baskets we received allowed us to overcome hunger, continue studying and trying to improve our lives. I received school supplies, and it was the first time I was given materials that were complete and beautiful. I was very happy because it kept me in school where I came into contact with literature, I learned to paint, to write, and to take care of myself.”
Planting seeds of faith, hope and love
In Maracanaú, a mother of an autistic child who was enrolled with APAE, now gives her time there as an educational psychologist. The children are encouraged to gain autonomy for themselves within their abilities, unlocking new opportunities for their journey through life.
Success may be measured in small achievements such as a child learning to tie their own shoes. Or it could be a young person with special needs entering higher education, then having a career and a family of their own.
APAE coordinator Charlenny Freitas describes the work as being “like planting a seed” — seeds of faith in a brighter future, of hope for a fuller life, of charity and social inclusion.
Such seeds of love make a decisive difference to these disadvantaged children, bearing fruit in happy human beings and flourishing communities.
Making a lasting difference
Through its corporate involvement and employee volunteers, CANPACK has become a key part of this human success story. Lúcia de Fátima Freitas is keen to emphasise the human side to the story:
“CANPACK has become one of our most valuable partners. This support has become indispensable for both the families and our organisation.”
At CANPACK, we are also keen to emphasise how the benefits work both ways. Volunteers receive as much, if not more, than they give.
As one CANPACK volunteer puts it:
“I came to volunteer thinking I would give love, affection, and service to others, and all of that does happen. But I receive so much in return. I leave here filled with love and affection from the children.”
Working together for a better tomorrow
Magdalena Pająk, Group CSR Coordinator sums up the Group’s ongoing commitment to this life-changing work:
“These partnerships help to change lives at the same time as building a culture of trust between the company and our local communities. The passion and dedication of our employee volunteers continue to bring hope and joy to others. We are incredibly proud of them”.
In the end, it’s not how much we have, but how much we give that makes for a better tomorrow.
