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Global Compact International Yearbook 2013
The key concerning CSR – for business
and community partners – is to take the
initiative to consistently identify and seize
opportunities to elevate the well-being
of humanity. It further implies that our
policies and practices must be ethical and
transparent at all levels of operations. As
an enterprise, we must be accountable in
our daily work as well as to our custom-
ers, employees, and the communities we
operate within. Hence, the obligation to
pass on these philosophies and actions
to our supply base is a fundamental and
ethical business requirement.
The TMS Group strategy for social compli-
ance and CSR is a holistic approach that
utilizes the combined framework and
participation within the United Nations
Global Compact and the Business Social
Compliance Initiative to create partner-
ships aligned with clear and measurable
global standards that are addressed in a
proactive way with suppliers. This pro-
gressive strategy toward implementing
ethical corporate business processes is
part of an overall CSR philosophy that
embodies philanthropy as a key element.
Philanthropy and CSR are indeed mutu-
ally inclusive. Philanthropy for the TMS
Group embodies the following three
key traits:
(
A) Protection: First and foremost uphold-
ing human rights and the respect of
dignity for all.
(
B) Community Service: Strengthen and
build the community ties and social
involvement of our suppliers.
(
C) Inspiring: Develop new and existing
methods to advance underprivileged
people’s socioeconomic status with
an emphasis on access to education
and healthcare.
Solely addressing operational CSR issues
within the confines of global supply
chains does not complete a true CSR
profile. A significant degree of social re-
sponsibility and compliance is inher-
ently manifested within the concept of
corporate philanthropy. “Giving back” to
the communities in which our global op-
erations reside – and to those in need –
also represents the “true heart and com-
mitment” of the corporate citizen.
Consistent with the core values of cor-
porate citizenship, the TMS Group con-
ceives, promotes, and sponsors interna-
tionally-based philanthropic endeavors:
Haiti: “I am Haiti” project
The Franca Art and Fashion charity
was founded by TMS Group CEO, Frank
Fleischer, and his wife, Caroline. This
charitable organization has a mission
to promote the global-wide education,
health, and welfare of disadvantaged
children.
In 2012, the charity was a key contributor
and sponsor of the “I am Haiti” project.
This project utilizes art created by chil-
dren, who are victims of long-standing
poverty and were devastated by the 7.0
magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti
in 2010. The children’s artwork, which
was exhibited in several charitable art
shows, was then transformed into an
Philanthropy As an
Integral Part of CSR
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) encompasses many different components across a
myriad of industries in both the public and private sectors. One of the most demonstrative
aspects of CSR involves philanthropy, which not only includes a commitment of monetary
support, but a personal involvement in volunteerism, too. These much-cherished values
represent the cornerstone of our year in 2012 and future CSR endeavors.
the TMS Group
By Jeffrey Revels, The TMS Group