Hewitt Associates and OM Foundation come together to make the world a great place to learn
In early January, Mr. Russ Fradin, chairman and chief executive officer of Hewitt Associates, was in Gurgaon on a three-day business visit. During this action-packed visit, Mr. Fradin met with representatives from OM Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides children from urban slums with free first-rate education and basic health care. During this gathering, Russ Fradin; Jim Konieczny, president of Hewitt’s HR Business Process Outsourcing (HR BPO) segment; along with Hewitt’s Asia managing director, Mr. Arjun Singh; met up with Sanjay Dabru, founder of OM School Foundation, along with 13 children from the school. The children were specially chosen to visit the Hewitt premises as part of an outing organized by volunteers from Hewitt.
Hewitt has been associated with OM Foundation for the last year and has aided the school in building a new wing by donating Rs. 4,80,000/-. Hewitt employees from Glasgow, Scotland, and Gurgaon also donated Rs. 1,00,000/- for the children over a two-day collection. Associates from Hewitt have committed to support the foundation via the payroll giving program—Give As You Earn (GAYE)—where employees at Hewitt contribute any amount they elect, from Rs. 250/- onwards, on a monthly basis to the school from their salary. Hewitt also plans to contribute in-kind services such as coaching and mentoring through a dedicated volunteering program.
Speaking at this gathering, Mr. Russ Fradin said, “Hewitt is proud to be associated with an NGO that is helping children to access quality education. I strongly believe that education is the only bridge between success and failure. Every child should have access to solid education and the opportunity to broaden his or her skills.”
Sanjay Drabu, founder of the OM Foundation, commented, “Our school is delighted to be associated with a company that is focused on developing human capital. As a corporate sponsor, Hewitt is helping us shape the future of children from urban slums. Mr. Russ Fradin in particular has been very supportive of our efforts in providing quality education to children in our school.”
At Hewitt Associates, community Initiatives are run under the initiative named “Hewitt Cares.” Hewitt Cares was established in India in December 2003 with a mission to strengthen the community and engage associates through volunteer efforts in the areas of education and rehabilitation services. Hewitt Cares works with small and growing NGOs who are helping provide relief, rehabilitation and vocational training to the lesser privileged and needy.
