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September 29, 2005
Alcoa's PEACH helps Parkinson's WA
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Alcoa employees have donated their safety reward to Parkinson’s WA as part of their commitment to local community charities through Alcoa’s PEACH program.
PEACH (Personnel Employed by Alcoa Charity Help) raises funds through employee payroll deductions to assist a broad range of not-for-profit organisations.
The donation was made possible through the Alcoa Pinjarra refinery’s Safety Training Enhancement Program (STEP).
STEP recognition money is awarded to Alcoa employees who achieve a safety milestone due to excellence in workplace behaviour and procedures.
When Pinjarra refinery’s workshop employees recently achieved their milestone, the team decided to forego their award and donate the funds to Parkinson’s WA.
Workshop manager Les Harrison said the decision to donate to Parkinson’s WA was made after a co-worker had been diagnosed with the early stages of the disease.
“With our workforce getting older, the crew are interested in learning more about Parkinson’s, understanding the symptoms, what to look for and how the disease affects your body”.
Mr Harrison said this was not the first time that the team had donated their recognition money to charity, with organisations such as the Asbestos Council previous benefactors.
Parkinson’s WA Nurse Specialist, Jo Chadwick, said she was overwhelmed by the donation.
“Parkinson’s WA is a non-profit organisation that supports people and families affected by the disease by providing nurse specialists, educational and emotional support services, and other tools and advice”, said Ms Chadwick.
“Apart from the funding provided by the Health Department of WA for the Nurse Specialist Service, we rely entirely upon donations and fundraising to provide all other services, so this is really special for us.”
Parkinson’s WA has 16 support groups throughout the state. The Mandurah branch will directly benefit from Alcoa’s donation.
Parkinson’s is the second most common progressive degenerative neurological condition, with between eight and ten thousand people affected in WA.
For further information contact Melinda Bolt on 0404 800 050
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