Tech Citizenship

Genzyme Corp.’s philanthropy efforts have three fronts: patients, community and the environment. And it likes to stick to the three of them.

“Philanthropy is a part of how we do business,” said Judy Ozbun, associate director of community affairs.

On the patient front, the goal is accessibility. “It is important to us as a drug company that patients have access to our drugs,” said Ozbun.

To accomplish that goal, the Cambridge-based company has teamed up with organizations around the world, such as the partnership with Project HOPE that brings treatments to patients suffering from Gaucher disease who live in developing countries, or the renal patient assistance program with the American Kidney Foundation, which has provided free treatment to 16,000 patients.

The company has also created an environmental affairs group that oversees initiatives to reduce the company’s impact on the environment.

In addition to multiple programs to bring awareness on environmental issues — such as reducing paper use — one of the most visible is the company’s environmentally friendly headquarters in Cambridge, a so-called “green” building that has won several architecture and design awards. The company is now working on a “green” laboratory in Framingham, expected to be completed in the fall of 2007.

Giving back to the community is the third leg of its philanthropic efforts.

As a way to put together all the volunteer efforts its employees develop, the company launched the GIVE (Genzyme Invests in Volunteer Efforts) program.

The program empowers employees to choose and lead charitable efforts. In addition to the volunteer work that employees choose to do, the company donates grants between $1,000 and $10,000. Some of the recipients include AIDS Action Committee, Sudbury Valley Trustees, American Canter Society, East End House and Greater Boston Food Bank.

“Employee participation is increasing every year,” said Ozbun. &dquo;The types of employees we have are very committed to helping other people, and that kind of spirit translates into the community.”

In addition to the GIVE program, the company is now piloting a new program called Scientists in the Schools, which encourages employees to register their activities and share best practices and tools with local schools. Activities include tutoring, mentoring, guest lectures, science-fair mentors or judges, classroom lab leaders and career day panelists.

Also in relation with the community effort, early this year the company gave a $2 million gift to the Museum of Science Boston — the largest single corporate gift in the museum’s 175 years.

The gift will create the Genzyme Biotechnology Education Initiative, a variety of programs to educate museum visitors about discoveries in biotechnology.

Citizenship Facts

Genzyme Corp.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2005: $10M

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2005: 3,751

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England: $63.7M

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2005: AIDS Action Committee; Sudbury Valley Trustees; American Cancer Society; East End House; Greater Boston Food Bank; Cambridge School Volunteers; Little Brothers; MA State Science Fair

Interesting philanthropic activities: Genzyme Invests in Volunteer Efforts (GIVE) empowers employees to choose and lead charitable efforts that result in unrestricted funds for the charitable organization. Genzyme is also piloting a new program called Scientists in the Schools, which encourages employees to register their activities and share best practices and tools.

• 
  Host Sponsor
• 
  Platinum Partner
• 
  Patron Sponsor
• 
  Patron Sponsor

Become a Sponsor »