A MORAY DISTILLERS is to use National Volunteers Week to ram up its own efforts to support community projects locally and around the country.
Chivas Brothers say that they will use the week to form part of their seventh ‘Responsib’All’ day, a global day of action hosted annually by parent company Pernod Richard
Chivas Brothers’ 1600 employees will join forces to help support and develop their local communities with dedicated projects – including restoring a children’s play area through to revamping shared spaces for vulnerable children and adults. The events will take place near Chivas Brothers’ sites in London and Scotland on Thursday, June 1.
Dozens of green-fingered employees from Chivas Brothers Speyside and Miltonduff distilleries will descend on St Rufus Park in Keith for the second year running to help spruce up the park’s grounds.
Armed with paint brushes and tools, the team will help to paint and install additional fencing and create install a basketball hoop in the pavilion area. The activity forms part of a long-term legacy set up by St Rufus Regeneration Group and Moray Council to inject life into the park.
The aim of the project is to create an area that will suit all abilities and ages with plans to install an outdoor gym, a wooden trim trail for young children, an exercise path around the outskirts of the park and an improved picnic and sitting area.
The distillery teams will also partner with a local food bank, where they will be encouraged to donate food items for those most in need.
Jim Kirk, who works as a SHE Specialist at Chivas Brothers’ Miltonduff Distillery, said: “It’s amazing to see all of the hard work that’s gone in to making St Rufus Park great again.
“I live nearby and it’s really important for us to have a fun and safe green space to enjoy the great outdoors. A lot of us volunteered at the park last year so it’s fantastic to come back and help improve the facilities even more.
“There’s always a real sense of teamwork and community spirit during Responsib’ALL Day. It gives us an opportunity to work together and make a real difference in our community.”
Gail Smith, Chairperson at St Rufus Park Regeneration Group, added: “We are delighted once again to be chosen by Chivas Brothers – the ongoing support is very much appreciated.
“Currently we are working hard to apply for funding which is taking up all of the group’s time so the support is a very welcome boost for us. The plan is that about 30 volunteers will help to paint the road side fence and along the tennis court. The team will also help to re-edge paths and install a basketball hoop in the pavilion area.”
Investing in and developing local communities is just one of Chivas Brothers business priorities along with, promoting responsible drinking, protecting the planet and empowering its people.