Panasonic Cares: Giving Back This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for celebration around the world – friends, family, and festivities. It is also a time to uplift our local community and support those who are in need.  

Since our founding over 100 years ago, being able to make a positive impact on society and give back to has been at the core of our organization. Panasonic employees across the globe are coming together to support the causes that mean the most to them in partnership with our Office of Social Impact and Inclusion.   

As we kick-off this holiday season, we’re taking a look at a few of the ways in which our employees are giving back. Learn more about “Why We Give”, below.  

Providing Food for Those in Need  

This holiday season the Panasonic Foundation has teamed up with YouGiveGoods to provide meals for families in need through organizations like Feeding America, Foodbank of the Rockies, the Community Foodbank of New Jersey and more.  

Thanks to employee donations and fund-raising efforts, Panasonic was able to donate over our initial $1,500 goal.  

Social Good in Remembrance of Steven Cox  

Thirty-two years ago, Steven A. Cox, a former colleague of Panasonic Systems Solutions North America’s Susan Campbell, passed away from cancer at the age of 32. Following his passing, Steven’s loved ones came together to organize the annual Cox Charity Golf Classic to help raise money for charity.  

Susan was among the colleagues leading the fundraiser that grew to become the largest one-day charity golf outing in the country. After more than three decades, the fundraiser has helped those battling cancer throughout New Jersey. 

Building Community in More Ways Than One  

When Hussmann’s Andy Stoltman first learned about Project FIAT through their Missouri-based church, he was eager to try something new that would allow him to support those in need.  

A team of 25 volunteers, including Andy and his wife, flew to a small village in El Salvador called Las Delicias, where they were able to support the underprivileged community by building homes and digging trenches to provide access to fresh water.  

“I went to El Salvador to give my time and work, and what I got in return was so much more. I’m going to keep returning as long as I can, but the gift I’ve received through this work is something I’ll never be able to repay,” Andy shared about his experience.  

Why I Give: Supporting Causes Close to the Heart 

At Panasonic, we encourage our employees to give back to the charities that mean the most to them. Below, a few members of our team share about the causes closest to their hearts.  

“I love how I am empowered to give back through company-wide volunteer opportunities, but also Panasonic supports its employees with additional time off for volunteering. In this way, it’s nice to work for a company with values that align closely with mine. About five years ago I had the privilege of meeting a group of incredible breast cancer survivors at a Zumba class. Each year I participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. I really enjoy walking to raise awareness and funds for cancer programs and research,” shared Justine Hunter, Panasonic System Solutions Company. 

“Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we’ve been working remotely, the Panasonic team has become very creative when it comes to planning virtual events so that we can continue to volunteer. I have always felt that we have a responsibility to give back whenever we can, and I often gravitate to working with children since I have kids of my own. They are able to watch and participate in some of these activities with me, so being able to nurture their desire to give back and making a positive change in the world has been great thanks to Panasonic,” Aki Abe, Panasonic System Solutions Company, shared. 

“Panasonic encourages and supports employees in their efforts to volunteer in the community. As a Co-Chair of Panasonic Canada’s volunteer committee, I love that I can liaise with local partners including Habitat for Humanity and Eden Food for Change to create exciting and educational volunteer opportunities for my colleagues. These events not only improve our teamwork and help us build stronger relationships with our coworkers, but they also encourage a culture of empathy, cooperation, and compassion, which are more important than ever in today’s society,” said Ashna Haji, Panasonic Canada. 

Learn more about who we are as an organization and how our employees are contributing to society here.