Diageo’s Volunteer Day Brings 300 Employees to Lower Manhattan

Throughout all of September, nearly 1,000 Diageo North America employees have been giving back to communities near their offices around the country. On Thursday, Sept. 24, more than 300 employees from Diageo's New York City and Norwalk, Connecticut offices took part in the second annual Diageo Community Activity and Relief Efforts ("Diageo CAREs") day to restore and beautify Lower Manhattan. The location holds particular significance after the company announced earlier this year plans to relocate their primary North America office location to the area.

Diageo partnered with three local organizations to make a greater impact: New York Cares, Partnership for Parks, and Billion Oyster Project. Via New York Cares, volunteers assisted in the restoration of historic buildings on Governors Island, working to clean, paint and garden.

"Many of our city's public spaces would fall into disrepair without the work of New York Cares volunteers," said Gary Bagley, the Executive Director for New York Cares. "Through our partnership, Diageo volunteers are creating new bright spaces to enjoy and use for art studios, historical tours, and galleries."

A different team of employee volunteers worked with Partnership for Parks on horticulture and painting projects at two Lower Manhattan parks.

"Partnerships for Parks could not do the essential work of caring for New York City's green spaces without the help of our partners," said Sabina Saragoussi, the Director of Partnerships for Parks. "Today, Diageo brought out over 130 volunteers to weed, plant and mulch garden beds, and paint fencing and retaining walls at both City Hall Park and Columbus Park in lower Manhattan.”

Those volunteering with Billion Oyster Project helped by building oyster reefs, preparing shells for baby oysters and monitoring biodiversity.

"Every BOP volunteer becomes part of our journey to restore New York Harbor, and we are thankful for the enthusiasm of Diageo's staff,” said Montana Jernigan, the Donor Relations Manager at Billion Oyster Project.

In addition to the 300 employees volunteering in New York City, close to 700 Diageo North America employees have also coordinated efforts in their respective communities across Canada and the United States. Across 15 separate locations, Diageo employees has continued to roll up their sleeves to assist with a variety of causes, including hunger, community beautification, economic independence for underserved communities and helping military families in need.