A Year of Giving Back: Creating Lasting Change Together

A Year of Giving Back: Creating Lasting Change Together

At Roche, we are deeply committed to enhancing patients' lives, with our dedication extending beyond just offering innovative treatments and diagnostics. We aim to build a better future for everyone by positively impacting communities, safeguarding the environment, and upholding the highest ethical standards in our business practices. 

 One of the ways we show our commitment to the community is through our corporate philanthropy program. This initiative goes beyond financial contributions, encouraging employees to actively participate in community activities that resonate with them. It also offers opportunities for personal growth and building connections with like-minded individuals.

Celebrating Volunteerism

In recognition of the dedication and service of all our volunteers, we invited two of our volunteers, Emily Carvalhais, Clinical Trial Regulatory Lead, and Priscilla Fernandes, Graphic Design Lead, to share their perspectives and experiences of volunteering at Roche. 

What does working for an organization like Roche that supports and encourages employees to dedicate time to giving back to communities means to you?

Emily: I’ve been with Roche for just under two years, and I’m frequently asked about my experience so far. One of the aspects I always highlight is Roche's clear commitment to giving back to the community! I’m proud to work for a company that prioritizes community involvement. 

Priscilla: I am very proud to work for an organization that encourages and makes volunteering a priority in the community and globally. I truly believe in giving back, my father was a police officer, my sister is a social worker and my mother continues to volunteer in her late 80's. It definitely runs in my family. 

Every Roche employee who volunteers wears a "Roche Gives Back" t-shirt. How does wearing this t-shirt resonate with you?

Emily: It’s always a proud moment when you see the large group of Roche employees in the t-shirts knowing they have prioritized taking time to volunteer!

Priscilla: I'm very proud to wear the shirt. It shows others that Roche and its employees care about the community.

Could you share a memorable experience from your time volunteering at Roche? What advice would you offer to someone considering volunteering for the first time?

Emily: I had the pleasure of volunteering for The Riverwood Conservancy’s tree planting initiative this year and I was quite impressed by how welcoming and encouraging the staff were. We had approximately 20 individuals from Roche, and it was wonderful to see so many coworkers dedicated to giving back to the community! One piece of advice I would offer is to not be intimidated by the idea of volunteering alone! It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community and connect with people who share similar interests and values! 

Priscilla: I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was invited to the Family Presentation. It was truly heartwarming to see the family that will be living in the home that I helped build. I feel that volunteering is a way to contribute positively to society. I highly encourage others to volunteer. Every little bit helps.

Emily Carvalhais volunteering at The Riverwood Conservancy

Priscilla Fernandes volunteering at The Habitat for Humanity GTA

Highlights of Our Philanthropic Impact in 2024

As the holiday season and the end of another year draw near, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable impact our employees have made on the causes and communities they are passionate about. Their dedication and compassionate efforts have touched countless lives throughout the year and brought about significant positive change. We are deeply grateful for their efforts and proud of the difference they continue to make every day.

It was a record-breaking year for Roche Canada’s philanthropy program, with over 350 dedicated volunteers contributing nearly 1,400 hours to causes close to their hearts.

Our volunteers leveraged their STEM backgrounds by judging robotics competitions through FIRST Robotics Canada. They flexed their creative talents to produce banners and signs for activities at The Darling Home for Kids. On many occasions, volunteers got their hands dirty, removing invasive species at The Riverwood Conservancy. 

During our Roche Gives Back Week in April, our volunteers dedicated over 400 hours, significantly impacting our community in a relatively short time. They prepared over 500 healthy meals for Eden Food For Change programs (nearly 1,000 for the year!), filled 100 shoeboxes with essential items for women facing or at risk of homelessness through The Shoebox Project for Women, organized and decluttered donated items, toys, and children’s equipment at Halton Women’s Place shelters, nurtured the natural environment at The Riverwood Conservancy, and served breakfast and lunch to school children through The Children's Breakfast Clubs.

This year also marked a milestone for the Roche Children’s Walk, with a record-breaking 820 employees from Roche Canada Pharma and Diagnostics groups participating. Together with a corporate match, we raised over $30,898 to support global and local children's projects and initiatives. It's extraordinary to see how an employee-driven project initiated 21 years ago to help children in need has transformed into our most significant global employee engagement and philanthropic event.

 As we look back on this impactful year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the remarkable contributions of our employees. Their dedication to volunteering and philanthropy not only benefits the causes they support but also strengthens our sense of community within Roche Canada. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering this spirit of giving and look forward to achieving even greater heights together. 

Thank you to all our volunteers for your unwavering support and passion in making a positive difference.

#RocheProud