Gyproc Fast-tracks charity event

When it comes to volunteering time to support local charities, Dubai-based drywall specialist, Gyproc Middle East, has found a unique way of helping its staff step up to the mark.

On 18th October, more than 120 of the company staff were invited to a special event at Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World, the world’s largest indoor Theme Park. Part of a programme of events taking place around the world to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of parent group, Saint-Gobain, the day saw staff put through their paces in a range of team games and activities, from go-cart racing to quizzes and puzzles.

The objective of the event, as well as testing competitiveness and team spirit, was to officially launch and organise a new company initiative aimed at encouraging staff to donate a total of 350 hours of their work time to supporting a number of local charities, such as Dubai Cares, Emirates Red Crescent, WWF, Al Noor and Gulf for Good.

The events were designed to generate team scores, with prizes and a special honour for the team scoring the highest total points – the opportunity to administer the charitable volunteering activities and decide which groups of employees will support each charity and how many hours of works time each will devote.

The day threw up some highs and lows for staff – from a Scavenger Hunt where individual team members had to take different rides to find the answers to questions, with disqualifications for those failing to complete the task on time, to the highlight of the day - a hair-raising, adrenalin pumping ride on Formula Rosso: D – the fastest roller coaster on the planet!

Commenting on the event, Gyproc Managing Director, Paul Button, said “Although part of the Saint-Gobain 350th celebrations, this has been an important event for Gyproc – helping us to launch the new initiative which will provide real support for local charities, as well as helping our staff to see what a difference they can make by volunteering. I am delighted at the way they have all taken the initiative on board and participated so enthusiastically in the day’s events.”