MDS in the Community
The fundamental objective of our Corporate Citizenship program is to make a distinctive contribution to the health and well-being of people around the world. We do this by supporting initiatives, both financially and through direct involvement, at all levels - globally, nationally and locally.
Our core purpose encompasses all of our stakeholders, and our values drive our commitment to strong corporate citizenship and social responsibility. What we achieve through our businesses is important for all stakeholders and for society, and we take great pride in the achievements of charitable organizations and community groups that share our purpose.
Our Single Focus – Cancer
The focus of our Corporate Donations Program is cancer. Cancer touches everyone and is relevant on a personal level to all stakeholders. As well, each of our businesses is involved in some way, through the products and services we provide and the technology we develop, in the fight against cancer.
MDS will select a Major Cause, on which to focus a significant portion of our charitable giving. The Cause chosen will:
- be global in scope
- be a research facility or institution dedicated to fighting cancer
- provide opportunities for financial, in-kind, service and sponsorship involvement for employees as well as the company
- provide MDS with an opportunity to make a significant difference in the fight against cancer
- be consistent with MDS Core Values and Core Purpose
Our Commitment - Employees
At MDS we take great pride in encouraging our employees to contribute to their local and global communities by recognizing and supporting their volunteer efforts through our Employee Volunteer Program and other initiatives.
Employee Volunteer Program: The charitable and community-based causes that are important to our employees are also important to MDS. Employees who volunteer a minimum of 75 hours in a year are entitled to a $250 grant, payable to their chosen charity. Since 2001, the MDS Employee Volunteer Program has made donations to cultural and sports organizations, health-related causes, humanitarian projects and a wide variety of children's activities.
Dr. William Anderson Memorial Award: Dr. William Anderson joined MDS in 1970 and, among his many accomplishments, was instrumental in establishing the first MDS Medical Advisory Board. After his death in 1987, the Dr. William Anderson Memorial Award was created to celebrate the contributions and passion for knowledge and life of this remarkable individual, and to assist MDS employees who want to make special contributions to our local or global communities. This annual award consists of a paid sabbatical, as well as funding of up to $10,000 US to be used towards a qualifying study or project. To date, Dr. William Anderson Award recipients have been involved in a wide range of humanitarian and other initiatives, from providing safe drinking water in Central Africa, to developing literacy programs, to conducting medical research.