Tech Citizenship

Darnell

It would come as no surprise that Genzyme Corp. would focus its charitable activity on the life sciences—after all, the Cambridge-based company is one of the biggest biotechs in the world. And its efforts promoting science education make sense: A company of its size needs a constant pipeline of new, technically trained employees. But sailing?

Genzyme is a big contributor to the Universal Access program of Community Boating Inc. In the Universal Access program, people with disabilities and their guests have the use of specialized, accessible sailboats and transfer equipment, dedicated staff assistance to get in and out of the boats, and sailing instruction—all for only $1.

Combining education and the life sciences is the 2009 Genzyme Life Sciences Biotechnology Award, recognizing outstanding teaching of biotechnology at the high school level. The award provides $10,000 to the first-place winner, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third, with up to seven other finalists receiving $1,000 in lab equipment.

“Genzyme continues to strengthen many of its long-standing partnerships with community health initiatives and education programs,” said Henry Darnell, vice president of corporate community affairs at Genzyme.

Citizenship Facts

Genzyme Corp.

Total cash contributions in New England in 2008: $15,546,790

Number of volunteer hours in New England in 2008: 7,000

In-kind contributions of equipment and services in New England in 2008: $144,000

Principal recipients of charitable activities in 2008: Museum of Science Boston, Biotech Institute, Community Boating Inc.

Interesting philanthropic activities: Genzyme encouraged employees across the state to raise funds and participate in the 2009 March for Babies. This was part of its Global Volunteer Event where the company mobilized employees to rally around finding “New Hope for Newborns.” Mass. employees raised nearly $22,000.

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