Hitachi Metals Ltd. Community Action Committee (CAC) awarded Guiding Eyes a $10,000 grant for the general support of its Sights on College Program, a training curriculum specifically for adolescents who are blind or visually impaired.
“While visiting Guiding Eyes I had the opportunity to learn about the organization’s work and see firsthand the difference guide dogs make in people’s lives,” shares Peter Knight, Hitachi Metals Director of Human Resources. “It’s very gratifying to know Hitachi Metals America, Ltd. is able to help Guiding Eyes fulfill its mission.”
Pictured: Sue Dishart, Guiding Eyes VP of Marketing and Development with Heeling Autism service dog in training Belinda, Robert Joel, Hitachi Sr. Internal Auditor and CAC Treasurer, Laura Alexander, Hitachi Human Resources Supervisor and CAC Chairperson, Doris Ruth Barton, Stewart Barton, Hitachi Application Supervisor and CAC Secretary, Jean Gallagher, Hitachi Retiree, Peter Knight, Hitachi Human Resources Director and Tom Panek, Guiding Eyes CEO with guide dog Gus.
The Hitachi Community Action Partnership concept is simple and its approach is distinctive: provide employees with the training and tools needed to direct part of their company’s community engagement efforts. Employees form Community Action Committees and these become the vehicles to organize the talent, funds, and additional resources to make a difference in the community. The Hitachi Foundation developed the structure, provided training, matched the company’s support to community organizations, and connected the effort with the larger field of corporate citizenship. The program helps unify Hitachi’s group companies in North America around shared values of service and good corporate citizenship — lending credence to Hitachi’s motto of “One Hitachi.”