Parcel delivery company DPD Ireland, with a centralised hub in Athlone Business Park, received the prestigious Partnership with Social Enterprise accolade at the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards.
DPD Ireland was chosen as the winner for its partnership with the Access for All project based in County Roscommon. Access for All operates an innovative marine service, offering people with various disabilities exclusive access to lakes and rivers through a specially adapted boat.
DPD Ireland’s support extended not only in terms of funding for human resources but also in acquiring a new facility, enabling Access for All to expand its reach and impact. Thanks to this collaboration, over 3000 individuals facing challenging disabilities have been empowered to enjoy water-based activities and experiences.
Organised in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards celebrate initiatives undertaken by businesses that champion a sustainable approach to business development and social responsibility.
The Partnership with Social Enterprise Award award recognises excellence in working with a social enterprise to increase social, societal, or environmental impact.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive the Partnership with Social Enterprise Award at the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2023. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
“The Access for All initiative embodies our core values, and we are proud to have played a part in breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire DPD Ireland team, as well as our invaluable partners in the Access for All project,” DPD Ireland Sustainability Programme Manager Stephen Tummon, said.
Des Travers, Chief Executive of DPD Ireland, expressed the company’s dedication to addressing the barriers faced by wheelchair users in marine activities.
“We realised that in the past a wheelchair user with an interest in marine activities typically faced a myriad of challenges from accessing and boarding a vessel to the safe and pleasurable enjoyment of their experience,” he explained. “Our goal stemmed from a sense of inequality, but, for the 31,000 wheelchair users in Ireland, we feel we’re getting closer and closer to calming the waters for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Travers added.
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, commended the winning projects for their exceptional engagement with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising the importance of such efforts as we approach the 2030 deadline for achieving these critical global objectives.
The Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Impact Awards, now in their 20th year, serve as a platform for businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to Multinational Corporations, to showcase their sustainable initiatives. The winners of the individual award categories, including the overall award, will be announced at the awards ceremony.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals are at the heart of the Sustainable Business Impact Awards, which showcases best practice in sustainable business development and social responsibility undertaken by companies of all sizes across Ireland.
The Sustainable Development Goals are a compass to which companies can measure and align their strategies to, and in doing so the business case for the Sustainable Development Goals is at the core of the importance of transformative practices today.
