A cleaner river – thanks to China Telecom (Europe) and their staff

China Telecom Europe (CTE) takes its reputation as a responsible company very seriously. As a Chinese company keen to build strong local relationships, that responsibility includes caring for the local environment. To protect and improve the area close to their London Docklands offices, the CTE Corporate Social Responsibility Charity Group organised the second annual river clean-up around Millwall Dock, on 2 July 2019.

The clean-up campaign helped reduce water pollution in London and get rid of some of the waterborne rubbish that endangers the lives of the birds, fish and river animals that live in and near the river.

26 employees from all departments, led by CTE’s London management team, took part in the charity clean-up. Employees used litter pickers and nets to collect and clear debris from the water. More than two hours later, they were very wet, and they’d collected a total of 8 bags of rubbish, weighing around 5.1 kg.

It was a great opportunity for employees to make a real difference to the environment, while working with colleagues they might not normally see. Yang Shanyi, from Hong Kong, China, who works in the Human Resources Department, said: “The company organised this event to take care of our local area. And it helped enhance our company’s image. I really enjoyed working with my colleagues. I think now we’ll have a better working atmosphere and improved understanding between departments.”

CTE plan to make the river clean-up an annual event. They hope to organise and take part in more activities in the same spirit of serving the local community and protecting the environment, part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility.