DHL, a subsidiary of postal and logistics group Deutsche Post DHL, is rolling out its volunteerism initiative dubbed Global Volunteer Day 2011, which aims to inculcate the passion of volunteerism among its employees.

Between September 1 and September 10, 2011, approximately 27,000 DHL employees across Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, along with their business partners and customers, will help over 47,000 beneficiaries through some 160 community programs. In the Asia Pacific region, nearly 20,000 employees from 40 countries will give back to local communities. The efforts are part of the company's global drive to inculcate a passion for volunteerism among employees.

"Riding on the success of previous Volunteer Day activities started in Asia Pacific in 2008, DHL has taken this initiative from regional participation to a global volunteerism drive. As the world's leading logistics company, we feel it is important to involve our colleagues from all over the world and give back to communities that we operate in," said Jerry Hsu, CEO, Asia Pacific, DHL Express. "We are touched by the commitment and support of our colleagues, as Volunteer Day brings to life our company's corporate culture of going the extra mile and making a positive contribution to our world."

"Our employees are our greatest asset. Global Volunteer Day 2011 gives employees across the region the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get involved in community projects. Through the various programs and activities planned, we hope to spur our employees to be of one mind as they contribute in their own way to society," said Amadou Diallo, CEO, Africa and South Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding.

Dr. Kelvin Leung, CEO, North Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding said: "Our commitment to give back to the community is supported by three pillars -- GoGreen, GoHelp and GoTeach. Each pillar focuses on key issues that affect our community, be it environmental protection, humanitarian efforts or promoting education opportunities among children and youths. Our approach to corporate responsibility demonstrates DHL's goal of advancing and promoting sustainable development and plays an integral part in our Strategy 2015 initiative."

"DHL's commitment to reach out to local communities is reinforced annually through our employees' volunteering effort. Through Global Volunteer Day 2011, we aim to not only inspire a spirit of volunteerism but also to directly create a positive impact on local communities," said Paul Graham, CEO, Asia Pacific, DHL Supply Chain.

Volunteer activities in the Asia Pacific cover a wide range of efforts including the following:

In China, DHL volunteers will visit the DHL Chunlei School, a school that was affected by the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, and that DHL helped re-build through donations. Volunteers will play games with children, and deliver stationery to them.

Volunteers in Hong Kong are organizing a goods donation drive to deliver reusable items to the underprivileged, while volunteers at the 'Green Living Outing' will help underprivileged children to learn more about and experience an organic green lifestyle, as well as interact with the elders through various activities at an organic farm.