Volunteering and Giving Back

Thermo Fisher Scientific employees contribute thousands of hours annually to a broad range of volunteer causes that support health, education, and communities. Local Community Action Councils are being set up at three locations to provide even more guidance to employees in organizing their community projects.

Cycling to Combat Cancer

The "Thermo Fisher Flyers" from the Scientific Instruments business in Altrincham, United Kingdom, participated in the Manchester 100 charity ride to raise money for The Christie, one of the largest cancer research and treatment centers in Europe, and the American Cancer Society. Each team member — about one third of the site's 60 employees — rode either 100 miles or 100 kilometers.

Through raffles, lunches, contests and online pledges, the team raised funds, some of which were matched by the informatics business. "It's very motivating, as not only are we raising money for cancer, but we are pursuing a healthy activity," said Kevin Smith, Director of Sales and Site Leader for Altrincham. "It certainly captures the essence of our mission of enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer." Toni Crosthwaite, Support Analyst, added, "Wiping out cancer completely may be a long way in the distance, but the more money we raise the closer we get to that goal."

The ride was personal for many participants and one team member had even received treatment at Christie. Partner Manager Steve Kemp, who rode for the first time this year, was treated several years ago for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Since his return to work, the Altrincham site has held several fundraisers to support the center. "It was great to get back to work," said Steve. "And it was made even more memorable by handing a check for £4000 [more than $6,000] to Christie, raised by my colleagues and supported by Thermo Fisher."

Inspiring Science Education

The Fisher Science Education team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, hosted an innovative teacher workshop that introduced new tools, technologies and applications to more than 50 science teachers. The workshop allowed teachers to learn about and test the latest scientific products.

The workshop allowed teachers to test many of the new products and learn from product representatives themselves how they work. "They get exposed to new technologies, new methods and ways of approaching science in the classroom," explained Charlie Lang, National Director of Sales for FSE. "The positive effect is not necessarily what you read out of a textbook. Fisher Science Education has strength in being hands-on, and teachers — just like students — want to get their hands on the products."

Among the devices and applications explored during the workshop were SkyScout™, Personal Planetarium™ and the portable FirstScope Telescope, all of which help teachers bring the night sky into the classroom. Others included NeuLOG™, which converts raw data into graphs, tables, text and video; laboratory imaging software for microscopes; chemistry kits; and a board game based on National Science Education Standards. Teachers also benefited from a demonstration of electrophoresis techniques (see photo) that will enrich students in their advanced biology classes.

Supporting Healthier, Cleaner, Safer Communities through United Way

U.S.-based employees showed their support for individuals, families, and communities in need by generously contributing to United Way. Despite the difficult economy, employees donated more in 2009 than in previous years, demonstrating their strong commitment to supporting valuable programs in their communities. Total contributions from more than 2,000 employees in all U.S. locations and the company reached $555,000. Some sites held fundraisers — like this car wash — to raise additional contributions and employees at 10 sites generated total donations of $10,000 or more.

United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories that creates opportunities for a better life by focusing on education, income, and health. Thermo Fisher's yearly donation helps United Way create lasting community change by addressing the underlying problems that prevent progress in these areas.

Read more about our volunteering.