Alcoa: News: News Releases: Alcoa Launches 2006 Worldwide Month of Service to Make Global Impact; Thousands of Employees to Volunteer in Communities Around the World

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October 3, 2006

Alcoa Launches 2006 Worldwide Month of Service to Make Global Impact; Thousands of Employees to Volunteer in Communities Around the World

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Over 25,000 people are expected to participate in Alcoa’s (NYSE:AA) first-ever Worldwide Month of Service being held during October to celebrate and recognize the company’s commitment to volunteering around the world. Events will be held in over 200 Alcoa locations in 33 countries, including new or expanded participation in Russia, Iceland, Ireland, Nepal, Egypt, Bahrain, and United Arab Emirates.

Volunteer community service events will focus on conservation and sustainability, featuring environmental activities and education programs to support community development and local initiatives. Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alain Belda has challenged business and resource unit leaders to take a visible “hands-on” role in the Month of Service.

"Volunteering and making a contribution is part of Alcoa’s Values, something we live each day in each country where we operate,” said Belda. "Our Worldwide Month of Service focuses our efforts globally, deepens our engagement with our communities, and allows us to partner with nonprofit organizations to make a real and lasting impact."

HIGHLIGHTS

Environmental and Community Sustainability: Large-scale environmental restoration of significant waterways, park rehabilitations, and educational events involving mass participation from Alcoa employees and local communities will take place in Europe, Canada, Australia, Suriname, and across the United States.

St. Lawrence River in Canada: waterside and park clean-up.
Anglesea in Australia: coastal and surf beach clean-ups.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA: riverside and park clean-up.
Beijing, China: environmental center revitalization.
Paramaribo, Suriname: “Take back the park” project.
Palos Verdes Nature Conservancy, Los Angeles, California, USA: trail maintenance, collecting native seeds, planting native plants, and removing invasive plants.
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA: refurbishment of exhibits and trails at the Knoxville Zoo, partnering with the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and Appalachian Trails Conservancy.

Community Sustainability Workshops: Alcoa leadership, employees, and local community leaders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will participate in workshops to define approaches to meeting long-term sustainability needs. Locations include:

São Luis, Brazil (involving the Alcoa Foundation Board of Directors)
Alicante, Spain
Zarand, Romania

Local Community Support: Activities will support local community efforts to meet the needs of citizens, including assistance for the less fortunate and disabled. Locations include Juaraz, Mexico; and numerous locations across the U.S. and Japan.

Health and Safety: Several innovative and participatory projects will address this important component of community sustainability; for example:

Across Australia, Alcoa will support a national “Injury-Free Day” promoting a safer school environment for children, and a community “Safety Fair.”
In China, Alcoa Bohai employees will conduct a “Bike Safety” program in partnership with Safekids International, reaching 15,000 students in 50 primary schools with curriculum, posters, and a bike safety exhibit and contest.

Education: A number of countries will provide local education and training opportunities, including a “Book Blitz” to distribute text books to primary schools in Jamaica.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

About Alcoa Foundation

Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries and communities where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in over 30 countries by partnering with Alcoa communities around the world to make a difference. In 2005, Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation invested a total of US$39.9 million in community programs in 30 countries, focusing on four areas of excellence: conservation and sustainability, global education and workplace skills, business and community partnerships, and safe and healthy children and families. Alcoa Foundation manages the Alcoa employee volunteer programs ACTION and Bravo! For more information, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.