COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITIES DURING THE PANDEMIC
In the first months of the pandemic, we became aware, as a company, of the importance of reacting to the circumstances. The effects of the pandemic would be devastating in many of the countries in which we operate, especially in those in the developing world.
For this reason, we quickly suggested reorienting our priorities in terms of corporate responsibility to address the COVID-19 pandemic, taking into account-together with other social figures-the needs of the communities in which we operate. All of this, without forgetting our commitment to environmental sustainability, always aware of the impact of all business activity. Our CR actions have been carried out on 3 continents with the same spirit: to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
These are some of the corporate responsibility initiatives we have deployed in 2020 in this regard:
BRAZIL
Help for truck drivers, flu vaccination and prevention campaigns
Lack of resources, population density and planning alongside scepticism have made Brazil one of the countries with the highest number of COVID-19 infections and deaths worldwide. ROADIS operates and develops 681 kilometres of infrastructure in the state of Bahia.
During this year, ROADIS assisted more than 15,000 people in the North-east of the country, through a programme with 10 different corporate social responsibility actions, and around 1000 hours of voluntary work.
Truck drivers' campaign
This group is essential in the supply chain and guarantees the transport of essential products where necessary. The importance of their role has been further evidenced in the context of the pandemic, with rapid action due to product shortages in supermarkets, the transport of vaccines... This campaign to support a key sector in industrial development, with the support of the PRF (Federal Road Police) and medical authorities, sought to raise awareness among the community about the importance of maintaining prevention and hygiene measures in the face of coronavirus. looking out for more than 10,000 drivers, offering disinfection of vehicles and basic hygiene prevention kits.
Commitment to health
The ROADIS concessionaire in Brazil, together with the ANTT (National Transport Agency), has helped over 1,000 drivers with rapid detection tests for COVID-19. Together with the health authorities, they have also organised vaccination sessions against the common flu. Because reducing flu infections also helps to free up resources in the healthcare infrastructure.
Road safety campaign
As part of our road safety campaign, we included specific content dedicated to COVID-19 prevention, in line with the new reality around us. The campaign reached more than 15,000 users.
MEXICO
Having launched the truck drivers' campaign in Brazil, ROADIS noticed the opportunity we had to apply a similar strategy in Mexico, where we operate two concessions and manage 163 kilometres of roads, in Nuevo León and Veracruz.
Truck driver service
Firstly, we launched a truck driver service campaign, with medical check-ups, and various talks on awareness and disinfection of truck cabins.
Distribute basic baskets
Within the areas of influence of the concessionaire's motorways, a campaign was carried out to distribute basic baskets with hygiene kits and food for local residents with the greatest needs.
Road Safety Campaign
We also carry out a Road Safety campaign, which focuses on road traffic safety prevention messages, reaching more than 20,000 users. This campaign has become one of the central lines in the corporate social responsibility policy of ROADIS. A strategy followed in all countries where we operate, in order to provide the user with relevant information and recommendations for road travel, including health and road advice.
EUROPE
Although Europe has not suffered the effects of the pandemic to the same extent as other continents, consequences are being experienced in countries where we operate - Spain and Portugal. The worsening economic situation in general has led many families to food banks and a vulnerable situation. ROADIS has therefore carried out a series of specific actions:
SOS Children's Villages 2020
We responded to an appeal by SOS Children's Villages 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, donating the funds traditionally earmarked for the celebrations of our company's anniversary in April to this organisation.
Connected in the classroom
The ROADIS team joined the solidarity initiative of the Villaverde Municipal Council, of the City Council of Madrid. Organising a donation of materials and computers to help schools with limited resources access their online training during the pandemic. Because, in these circumstances, the digital divide is even more evident. In total, ROADIS delivered 25 laptops, in addition to other computer materials such as screens, keyboards, bags, desktop computers, printers and chargers.
Donated toys
Our concession holder A-4 donated toys and food to Refugio de las Hermanas de la Caridad “San José Obrero” in Aranjuez.
Protection and preventing the spread of COVID-19
In Portugal, some actions were also carried out in the context of protection and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Initiatives including members of our teams, like at Austostradas do Atlantico (AEA), in support of a community project related to the production of protection material for the local community, including social and public institutions, in collaboration with the Parents' Association of Escuela Santo André.
INDIA
Since the beginning of the pandemic, India has recorded more than 26 million infections and more than 300,000 deaths; there are currently 2.5 million active cases. The population density in the country and the effects of the health crisis have exposed the deficiencies and inequalities amongst much of the population. At ROADIS we have been working actively, collaborating to minimise the impact of this major crisis on the communities in which we operate. The pandemic was also accompanied by natural disasters such as Super Cyclone Amphan, which have required a special effort in working with communities. These are some of the COVID 2020 campaigns:
Help to domestic migrants
After the announcement of total lockdown, there was a massive exodus from the cities to towns, which involved a movement of over 100 million people. Many of these domestic migrants even travelled on foot along the state's highways and motorways. The ROADIS team in India turned toll booths into supply stations, providing hot food, aid packages with hygiene, tea and water supplies for all those who travelled on the motorways..
Fundraising
Our team in India supported the fight against the pandemic by developing an innovative idea to raise funds for PM CARES (Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund). Our team members contributed voluntarily to this noble cause; and ROADIS also matches the total contribution made by all employees. With this idea, the company collected 15.83 lakhs from employees and contributed 15.78 lakhs from its own funds. Thus, we have contributed a total of 31.61 INR lakhs (around 36.000 euros) to the PM CARES fund to help the nation in difficult times.
Road Safety campaign
As part of the campaign "Your safety, our priority", the four motorways owned by ROADIS in India distributed over 200,000 leaflets, raising awareness of the main dangers faced by drivers. In addition, within this campaign, an awareness unit was organised for COVID-19 prevention.
Real Madrid Foundation
As part of our collaboration with the Real Madrid Foundation, ROADIS has continued to work closely with the IIMC (Friends of the Indian Institute of Mothers and Children). They have continued to work, on the ground, together with local communities, to alleviate the devastating effects of the pandemic.
