Corporate Social Responsibility
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Sharing our passion, and giving back to the world
One of the key things that helps to drive our teams forward is our passion to help and serve the communities local to us. We pride ourselves on open communication, breaking down barriers in both community and industry, treating everyone with the same values of quality of service and respect.
We feel it is vital to put back into the communities where we operate, this takes many forms from larger formal organisations such as The Princes Trust, through to low key direct action such as shipping clothing to children in Grenada, a life boat to Tortola, play equipment to Bequia, and much needed aid in the aftermath of disasters.
KESTREL SPONSORS SAILABILITY VLAANDEREN THE SAILING CLUB FOR DISABLED PEOPLE
Kestrel was delighted to be able to help when our valued principle FedNav contacted us to ask if we would be interested in sponsoring Sailability Vlaanderen. Etienne De Vel from FedNav has been instrumental in organising this weekend bringing the fun of sailing to all abilities no matter what sort of physical or mental disadvantage they have to face on a daily basis. Sailability Flanders does exactly what it says – it makes Sailing possible for everyone, and you can read much more about the weekend in Etienne’s own words below and see the photos from the fantastic time had by all. Much more information is also available on their website www.sailability.be, where you will also find the details on how to sponsor or donate to this worthwhile cause.
The first 3 pictures gives you an example of how far we can go... This gentlemen is paralyzed for 80 pct. He was so thrilled the first time (when we put him in a boat for 4 people that he asked to go on a smaller boat afterwards). Notice the joystick he is holding in his hands when he went into a boat for only 1 person. Thanks to this small box, he has full control of the boat. One of our guys was following him in an other boat to give him guidance of what to do etc...
A family... parents with their 2 kids. Needless to say how tough it was for all involved at SV... so much strong emotions going up and down but at the end it all paid off with very lucky, laughing people.
My son (3rd from left to right) with 3 of his friends who came out to help. Last picture before the last ones went back home ...
6 papers sent photographers down, 3 TV stations ... whereof the VRT (which is be biggest channel in the North of Belgium. Usually about 1.5 million people following on average every day). After the world news on economics and politics, they had a next topic ... Sailability Vlaanderen. You can view it here.
It's in Flemish, but at least we made it right to the main channel. Again, without your commitment, all of this would not have been possible.
After this weekend, we all need to digest what we went through.
The Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust, founded in 1976, is one of the United Kingdom's most successful funding organisations. We at Kestrel never fail to be inspired by their ongoing efforts to uplift the younger generations.
In January 2017, we partnered with the Prince's Trust International, a new International arm launched in 2015, to deliver their 'Get into Logistics' programme. The 'Get into' is an employability scheme in Barbados with the aim of helping disadvantaged young people on the island gain vital sector-specific skills. Our first wave of students on the 'Get into Logistics' programme all graduated with flying colours.
Mark Davidian from Kestrel had the pleasure of giving the participants of 'Get into Logistics' their graduation certificates. He heard first-hand the benefits of the programme to the young people involved.
I was very honoured to attend the Prince's Trust International Event and to meet this first wave of students – an inspiring group of enthusiastic, energetic young people looking to find a start and hopefully building a career in logistics. As the future of their industry they need to be given a chance. The benefits from this programme are already being realised in Barbados and we look forward to seeing the programme expand across the Caribbean region.
Mark Davidian
One of the biggest success stories of the 'Get into Logistics' programme was our trainee Orian. We were so impressed with her commitment and enthusiasm, we offered her a job in our offices in Barbados. We're pleased to report that she accepted, saying:
Six weeks ago I knew nothing about shipping! In five weeks I have learnt so much. I am looking forward to finding out so much more about the shipping and logistics industry. I am particularly looking forward to seeing a product on the shelves in Barbados knowing that I played a part in importing it.
We have also had the pleasure of working with the Prince's Trust International to sponsor their very successful 'Get into Hospitality' programme. This is an intensive 12-week programme which supports 15 young people who are not yet ready to enter employment and works with them to develop not only their confidence but also other key skills they will require through a residential week, community project and work placements. This programme also boasts a high degree of success with helping young people to find opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Here at Kestrel, we owe our success to the many different communities around the globe, so we are proud to support those who support us. We remain aware of the many different issues that these communities face, and are eager to help them however we can as it is part of the Mission Statement that Kestrel is built upon.