Case Study
Voluntary Olive Harvest by Greek bank employees from the Historic Olive grove of Mt. Hymettus Aesthetic Forest.
Contact name
Nikos Pangas - Marianna Basoulou (Philodassiki Enossi Athinon)
Institution name
Philodassiki Enossi Athinon
Region & country
Greece - Athens / Mt. Hymettus Aesthetic Forest
Summary
The active participation of the employees and associates of the bank in the process of harvesting the olive fruit in the most traditional way. Strengthening the company’s actions in the context of Corporate Social Responsibility in matters of environment and volunteering. Promoting the aims of Philodassiki Enossi Athinon for the development of environmental awareness. Harvesting the olive fruit from the olive trees using scallops and sticking, separating the leaves, and concentrating the fruit in sacks. At current points, appropriate signage has been provided for the event.
The active participation of the employees and associates of the Greek private bank in the process of harvesting the olive fruit in the most traditional way.
Philodassiki
Harvesting the olive fruit from the olive trees using scallops and sticks.
Philodassiki
Separating the leaves and the olives, and then concentrating in sacks.
Philodassiki
Transporting olives with the donkey, a very traditional way used.
Philodassiki
Background of the project
The situation before the action can be characterized by the necessity for the picking and collection of olives as well as the production of olive oil for charitable purposes.
The needs that were observed were the need for labor and the help that the staff of Philodassiki needed for this action.
Solution and actions taken
The Corporate Social Responsibility department of the private Greek bank expressed interest in contributing to the protection and conservation of the Mt. Hymettus Aesthetic Forest. Thus, with a great willingness on both sides, the cooperation of many years began with the specific company that had now undertaken the annual picking of olives.
The actions of the Philodaski Association of Athens to achieve the solution are to immediately identify the problem and present it to the company along with the actions that had to be done to have the desired result. The corporate social responsibility, department of the bank responded immediately by preparing the voluntary action group consisting of employees and their families.
Other institutions or parties involved
During the process, the bank’s employees were involved in the context of Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as the staff of the Philodassiki Enossi Athinon.
Results
The situation after the action of the volunteers of the bank is that the fruits were picked from the olives and in this way the oil was produced that was offered to institutions with children in need. This action was also awarded by the Ecopolis Award 2011: SPONSORSHIP OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT.
Challenges
No particular problems arose during the actions, although there were many people, 100 employees of the Bank, members of their families, and associates. However, there was a complete desire on the part of the employees and a complete organization on the part of the Philodassiki Enossi Athinon so that all the actions could be carried out successfully.
Lessons learned
Enhancing the environmental awareness and behavior, on the occasion of a traditional activity that took place in a rural landscape with a strong history, in the center of the forest. The revival of a traditional activity such as the olive harvest, free of artificial elements, enhances contact with the environment and highlights the timeless cultural values associated with rural life and economy in our country and in the Mediterranean.
Contact name
Nikos Pangas - Marianna Basoulou (Philodassiki Enossi Athinon)
Institution name
Philodassiki Enossi Athinon