For two months, Pepco employees in 12 countries contributed to a common cause to support children who are not allowed or do not have access to sports activities by offering them alternatives to spend an active summer outdoors. Thus, through the ‘Better Move, Better Lives’ program, now in its fourth edition this year, every kilometer covered by the company’s employees was collected and then turned into money. In the end, more than 180,000 kilometers were covered by employees, which translated into a total of €30,000 donated by the company to NGOs in five countries, including “Ana si Copiii” Association in Romania.  

If in 2021 the first edition of ‘Better Move, Better Lives’ included just polish Pepco employees, the fourth edition reunited over 600 Pepco and Pepco Global Sourcing (PGS) employees. The kilometers driven during the program contributed to a reduction of CO2 emissions of about 973 kg.

‘Better Move, Better Lives’ represents an initiative that encourages Pepco employees to get involved in sportive activities during summer. Participants compete to collect as many points as possible when walking, jogging, or cycling, and each kilometer covered adds up to a sum of money the company donates to NGOs in five countries.  This year’s program collected points to support self-development opportunities for children and teenagers who are prevented from participating in sports activities, often due to discrimination, lack of resources or other social circumstances.

‘One of the key objectives of our company is to support children in their development and their journey to discovering their passions. We love to get involved in numerous educational projects and initiatives that give children from communities at risk of exclusion the opportunity to spend quality time in an active way. We believe that every child should have equal opportunities to play and learn, and through projects like ‘Better Move, Better Lives’ we can continue our mission and reach as many children in need as possible”, says Bogdan Grigoriu, Head of Region at Pepco Romania, Bulgaria and Greece.

5 countries, 5 initiatives

Funds collected during this year’s “Better Move, Better Lives” program went to five projects supporting children in five European countries, namely Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Romania and Italy.

In Romania, funds were transferred to “Ana si Copiii Association“ to support 50 children at risk of social exclusion. Having their participation in recreational, sports and cultural activities sponsored, children can spend their summer holiday time actively.

“We believe that any sporting activity provides children with a balance in their physical and mental development. Sport frees the body from accumulated tensions and children begin to become more jovial, more serene, less burdened by negative emotions. Whenever we feel that the little ones are tired during

homework, we offer them a short break for recreation and outdoor play. We notice that when play becomes competitive, children start to have confidence in their own strengths and focus on success. We strongly believe that through sport we motivate children to be more determined, motivated, and persevering!”, says Cristina Enache, Center Coordinator “Ana si Copiii” Association.