Gold Magazine February - March 2013, Issue 23 | Page 56

special supplement T hroughout its 38 years of existence, the Zorbas Group of Companies has been and continues to be highly active in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. Recognizing its role in the community and driven by its strong CSR awareness, the group has given priority to the environment, human resources, customers and society in general as part of its complete CSR strategy. ENVIRONMENT Environmental protection is achieved through a series of ecofriendly practices such as using biodegradable and multi-use bags, recyclable packaging, and implementing an optimal power and waste management policy, as well as through the enterprise’s cooperation with Green Dot Cyprus, of which Zorbas is one of the founder members. HUMAN RESOURCES The company offers its human resources a specially-formed benefits package. Furthermore, staff members are encouraged to engage in charitable activities, such as organized blood donations, fundraising and voluntary work. CUSTOMERS With regard to Zorbas’ responsibility towards its customers, the concept of healthy eating is promoted through the offering of healthy products. SOCIETY The company’s CSR activities continue through its contribution to society in general. Zorbas supports important institutions, foundations and organised groups which aid those in need. Wishing, however, to go one step further, the company has chosen to act more specifically on a sensitive and specialist health issue which is close to the heart of the company. In May 2010, MAZI – The Maria and Andrea Zorbas Foundation for eating disorders and obesity –named after the parents of Costas, Tasos, Demetris and Evanthia Zorbas, was formally established. MAZI is the pinnacle of Zorbas’ social contribution. The institution, which is supported both financially and administratively by the Group, is managed by a board of eleven personalities. Its primary purpose and objective is to inform and educate the public on issues related to eating disorders and obesity. The alarming upward trend of eating disorders and obesity and the low levels of awareness and treatment were what led the initiators of MAZI to its foundation. Today, the public sector is unable to meet the increased and specific needs of those suffering from eating disorders and the alternative to recovery within Cyprus is the treatment in specialized centres abroad, with the support of the Ministry of Health, a time-consuming and costly process for any family. Research data on the status of eating disorders is worrying. According to the Child Health program (2002), 26% of girls and 13% of boys are at high risk of developing symptoms of anorexia and bulimia. The figures showed that the potential for developing anorexia nervosa was 0.78% in females and 0.15% in males, numbers comparable to the disorders’ levels in neighbouring countries such as Greece and Israel and in other Western countries. These figures and the increasing rate should be of great