Page 12 - Reaching New Heights - Volume 5

CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility

What It Is & Why We Do It
What It Is & Why We Do It

O ver the past few years, business the call. Several donations were made in-kind and cash donations, sponsorships,

leaders worldwide have realized the
donation of six iPads to Portage Service
increasing importance of corporate social to local not-for-profits, including a scholarships, and community
partnerships. Southport and its staff also
responsibility (CSR). Organizations are for Seniors, allowing local seniors to support a wide variety of community
increasingly considering their activities stay connected with loved ones while functions every year including sponsoring
within the framework of CSR, which remaining apart. programs, volunteerism and being visible
is driven by factors including ethical, Donations are ongoing and Southport is and involved in local events
environmental and social concerns. pleased to support the community through and celebrations.
At Southport, CSR is a commitment to its commitment to philanthropy. Southport Southport is proud to partner with
philanthropy, in an effort to support the is devoted to helping local businesses and local organizations that give back to
community and region as a whole.
not-for-profit organizations continue to the community, including its two main
By voluntarily integrating CSR within overcome the challenges they have been partners, Community Foundation of
business operations and interactions presented with, not only through monetary Portage and District (CFPD) and United
with internal and external stakeholders, donations, but also with the provision of a Way Central Plains.
organizations can demonstrate a positive business incubator program. Southport supports the CFPD through its
force for change. With the COVID-19 What is a business incubator? A business Endowment Fund that currently exceeds
pandemic, the economic realities facing incubator program acts as a catalyst for $38,000 and continues to grow through
businesses, such as Southport, put them business growth through the provision of annual contributions.
to the test. Would CSR remain a priority, various supports. Southport’s program
or temporarily take a back seat? Southport’s partnership with United Way
provides subsidized office space, Central Plains includes participation in
Southport Steps Up shared-use facilities and resources such an annual payroll deduction donation
as office supplies and equipment. With
Southport stepped up to the challenge these supports and tools, the goal is campaign where all funds donated by staff
and brought forth increased CSR for businesses to grow and overcome are matched by Southport. This initiative
efforts. As the pandemic progressed, obstacles that are limiting sees great involvement from staff, often
Southport recognized the impact on their development. exceeding $10,000 annually.
local businesses and not-for-profit When it comes to the environment,
organizations whose operations were Why We Do It Southport works to establish
hindered by capacity and hour reductions Establishing a sense of community long-term policies and procedures
and closures in compliance with Public and supporting local businesses, aimed at preserving and enhancing
Health Orders. the quality of the environment through
especially during this challenging time,
When local not-for-profit organizations, is a commitment that Southport proudly its commitment to environmental
whose operations depend on annual upholds. Along with this commitment, stewardship and certification as a
fundraising initiatives, reached out to the Southport dedicates 1% of all annual Climate Smart organization. Events
community for help, Southport answered revenue to CSR through community
involvement, environmental stewardship,

Volunteerism
In-Kind Donations

Scholarships
Community Partnerships

Sponsorships Environmental Stewardship

12 Southport: Reaching New Heights