Volunteering might prove habit forming

Almost 70 employees working for Imperial Tobacco subsidiaries in Madrid have taken part in the company’s first community help day held in the city.

The initiative was launched as part of the company’s corporate responsibility framework and co-ordinated through the Altadis Foundation.

Volunteers carried out tasks such as weeding and decorating to help spruce up two rundown areas in the Spanish capital.

The volunteers included the general manager for Iberia, Juan Arrizabalaga, and Premium Cigar Director Fernando Dominguez.

Sandra Maynegra, marketing manager for Cuban cigars, described the day as a “great experience,” while Rodrigo de Carlos, finance controller for Altadis, said the day’s activities might encourage some of the people involved to start volunteering on an individual basis.