Community and Education
Mexico: Outreach
In 2007, through our 51-percent-owned joint venture, Grupo OfficeMax, OfficeMax committed to spearheading efforts to upgrade and eventually rebuild a public school in an economically challenged area of Mexico City. They also sponsored the first in a series of events to raise money for el Bosque de Chapultepec, one of Mexico’s most important national parks.
Grupo OfficeMax also encourages associates to participate in volunteer work and to become “godfathers” to one or more school-aged children by donating $20 (USD) a month to cover such necessities as tuition, uniforms and supplies.
Upgrading and Rebuilding Luis Donaldo Colosio Primary School No. 056
Luis Donaldo Colosio Primary School No. 056, operated by Mexico’s federal government, is located in Chimalhuacán, an area in northwest Mexico City that is among the city’s most economically disadvantaged. Most of the 300 students attending this school are the children of Mexico’s working class. It is not uncommon for many of the children to leave school prematurely because of financial problems, often to help their parents provide basic necessities for their younger siblings. Some fall prey to lives of crime. To help ensure that these children get the education they deserve, Grupo OfficeMax committed to raising funds to upgrade the school in stages, resulting in a completely new facility within three years.
In 2007, associates raised $50,000. Facility upgrades in 2007 included the completion of three fully equipped classrooms, including a technologically sophisticated multimedia room. The multimedia classroom includes 14 computers, a server, scanner, printer, Internet connectivity and full access to special educational software developed by Microsoft Corporation and the Latin American Educational Communication Institute (ICLE). ICLE is an organization dedicated to harnessing the application information and communication technologies for education and institutions in Latin American societies. Teachers will receive full training on this software.
This initiative was the first volunteer activity promoted throughout Grupo OfficeMax. And, since the school is government-operated, a number of State of Mexico authorities were invited to the opening of the new classroom facilities, helping the company to strengthen its relationship with government officials.
Bicycle Race to Benefit el Bosque de Chapultepec
In November 2007, Grupo OfficeMax sponsored a bicycle race to raise funds for el Bosque de Chapultepec, a 1,600 acre park in Mexico City that is home to woodlands, lakes and springs, as well as outdoor cafés and some of Mexico’s most prominent museums.
This effort was the first cycling event in Mexico City to gather both amateur enthusiasts and elite cyclists, including elite Mexican athletes such as Olympic medalist winner, Belem Guerrero. The race was conducted in four different categories, from elite to family ride.
In addition raising funds to preserve el Bosque de Chapultepec, the event also promoted the benefits of sports and healthy lifestyles and supported environmental sustainability. Over 700 people participated, including the mayor of Mexico City, raising approximately $100,000. The race was viewed live by some 10,000 spectators.
Building on the success of this first event, two more races are planned for 2008.