Corporate Social Responsibility
At Courts we believe in generating value for our society, and we know that each interaction carries with it the possibility of creating something great, of leaving a mark on the lives of one or more people.
As part of our Sustainability strategy, we continue to provide support to communities, under our Social Pillar, assuming our role as a change agent and thus being able to continue fulfilling this important responsibility. In addition, our social responsibility and sustainability strategy we developed activities that build social, economic, and environmental value.
We continue taking giant steps through the implementation of various Corporate Social Responsibility Programs, some of which are:
Social Value
MAY 2023
BRIGHTER VIEW
This initiative is dedicated to improving eye care and visual health in our communities by offering eye exams, frames, lenses, and other vision products to students in vulnerable situations or settings. Brighter View is the flag ship CSR program for the Courts Optical brand.
MAY 2023
ROAD SAFETY
After taking stock of the havoc Tropical Storm Erika wreaked on the Nature isle of Dominica, the management of Courts OECS pledges support of over $50,000 in products to the victims who need them most. The recipients were identified by the Red Cross Organisation and over the next week, Courts will be working closely with the organisation, to get the items to those persons identified.
The donation will come in the form of mattresses and table-top cookers. Residents of Petite Savanne, who had to be evacuated as a result of the damage caused by the storm, will be amongst the recipients of this huge donation by Courts. The donation comes at a crucial period where sleeping comfort and food emergences are of paramount concern. Courts will be shipping mattresses from its operations in Antigua and St.Vincent via the Red Cross in these islands to get to Dominica early next week. The donation of stoves was handed over to the Red Cross in Dominica this week.
Employees of the superstore were not left without assistance as those affected were visited by Senior Management and received assistance in the form of household essentials and groceries.
Courts would like to extend condolences to the families of persons who lost loved ones as a result of the storm as it pledges this support to the people of Dominica. Together we can work to help our country return to some level of normalcy and we encourage all to join the efforts and pledge support to Dominica.
Courts Bringing Value Home!
Courts Dominica Limited continues its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the Dominican public. On Friday 15th of March, 2013 we will continue our CSR program under branding C-CAP Courts Community Action Partnership, this project was launched in August of 2011.
We want to undertake a new project on an annual basis outside of the company’s regular Donation budget. Courts will put aside an undisclosed sum of money to do a major project in any one community.
Community Action Partnership (CAP) is expected to bring communities and Courts together engaging both parties in community building partnerships for the greater good. The company will make available the funds and the staff will provide the labour/support for the project. Courts hopes by venturing into that area of social responsibility that they will be able to foster greater bonds of unity with the community and complement socialising among staff and community while fostering change within its environment.
Over the years we have gone through great lengths to assist the less fortunate in our community through day-to-day donations, “Big Hearts” and most recently “Christmas Hampers and “Courts Wish List”, these gestures on our part have undoubtedly made a big difference in the lives of our fellow men but this year, we will be going more in-depth, taking a hands-on approach with a repeat of Big Hearts.
This year, we have selected the:
1. Colihaut Primary School
2. Alpha Centre
Both institutions are well-deserving of a make-over and assistance .
The Objective of this project is to work in partnership with local communities to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty as well as to promote Courts, as not only number one in furniture and appliances but number one in community service support.
MAY 2023
SOLIDARITY PROGRAM
The Solidarity Program aims to support our communities in situations of national emergency that affect their quality of life and physical integrity.
Our commitment to our communities moves us to aid our staff members, people and/or vulnerable groups who have suffered material damage, giving them what they need to get ahead in times of crisis.
MAY 2023
READING AND PUBLIC SPEAKING PROGRAM
With the objective of contributing to the reduction of illiteracy levels in the Caribbean countries, we develop inter-school reading and public speaking programs, allowing students opportunities for learning and academic growth. During these programs' development, students participate in different activities that strengthen their reading and speaking skills.
APRIL 2016
UNICOMER (SAINT LUCIA) LIMITED, TRADING AS COURTS, CELEBRATES VOLUNTEER WEEK 2016
Employees of St. Lucia’s leading retailer of the world’s best brands in Electronics and Furniture products, Courts, made time to volunteer their time and skills as part of activities surrounding the company’s “Volunteer Week 2016”.
The initiative which is being held for the first time by the super store was launched with the primary objective of mobilizing staff in every Country where they operate. Whilst the company is known and appreciated for their commitment to continue bringing value home, Courts sees this initiative as an avenue to strengthen relationships within the communities, improve employee commitment and retention as well as to reinforce the company’s corporate image.
The “Gordon and Walcott Memorial School”, “Marian Home” and “Comfort Bay” are the three institutions selected by the company for volunteer week 2016. The volunteers, whom included Unicomer employees, teachers and parents from the school, as well as members of the community, worked hand in hand to complete the selected projects. At the “Gordon and Walcott Memorial School”, the volunteers refurbished, repainted and pressure washed various sections in an effort to beautify the school. The residents of the Marian Home and Comfort Bay respectively, were treated to manicures and pedicures among other special activities scheduled for the day by the volunteers.
Volunteer Week 2016, was the platform that was necessary to give employees the space for them to use their time to benefit the community. This initiative coincides with the business’s strategic commitment to workplace volunteerism and civic engagement by offering outstanding services and programs.
The management and staff of Unicomer (Saint Lucia) Limited trading as Courts, would like to extend sincere gratitude to the principal and staff of the Gordon and Walcott Memorial School, parents and volunteers as well as the management and residents of the Marian and Comfort Bay Homes. The company would like to extend further gratitude to our employees who volunteered their time and skill in celebration of ‘Volunteer Week 2016”. Without your support, this initiative would not have been a success.
Courts Bringing Value Home
DECEMBER 2015
COURTS DONATE OVER $30, 000 WORTH OF PRODUCTS AND ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES AS PART OF ANNUAL “COURTS WISHLIST” INITIATIVE!
The Management and staff of Courts St. Lucia made true on their promise to provide continuous assistance to the needy and deserving around the island in time for the Season… Over 30 families were impacted!!!!
This venture forms part of continuous efforts by the company to implement and execute measures to aid in the fight against poverty in St. Lucia and across the OECS. The latest of such is the reintroduction of the company’s Wishlist initiative which was launched in 2010 to assist those persons directly affected by Hurricane Tomas. Since its inception, the Courts Wishlist has assisted over 100 families in St. Lucia by modifying and improving their current living conditions.
An initiative such as the Courts Wishlist came at a time when hundreds of St. Lucians relied heavily on the support of others for essential daily supplies. The level of humanitarianism displayed by the well-wishers as they wrote to Courts, seeking assistance for help on behalf of a family member, a friend or a neighbour for the season was heart-warming. This year, over fifty requests were received, all emotionally charged as they told of stories of hardships, obstacles, trials, above all, stories of resilience and perseverance as narratives and phone calls captured the determination of persons who lived with daily challenges and would be heartened by the joy and surprise of receiving a gift for Christmas.
On Sunday December 20th, a Courts team comprising the company’s staff and associates made the eagerly anticipated trip to deliver the items to the recipients as well as delivering hampers to the orphanages and elderly homes in St. Lucia. The crew covered various communities around the island heading first to Monchy in the north and reaching as far as Bruceville in Vieux Fort….. The “joy of giving” was indeed evident throughout that trip as recipients allowed their gratitude to be manifested in different ways full of joy and thanksgiving to the person who made the request on their behalf to Courts.
Courts St. Lucia would like to officially thank the well-wishers who wrote to us on behalf of someone in need… Your selflessness has not gone unnoticed. We thank you for making this initiative a resounding success!!!!!!!!
We at Courts, would like to take the time out to wish everyone the very best for the new year.
SEPTEMBER 2015
COURTS DONATES OVER $50,000 WORTH OF PRODUCTS TO VICTIMS OF TROPICAL STORM ERIKA
After taking stock of the havoc Tropical Storm Erika wreaked on the Nature isle of Dominica, the management of Courts OECS pledges support of over $50,000 in products to the victims who need them most. The recipients were identified by the Red Cross Organisation and over the next week, Courts will be working closely with the organisation, to get the items to those persons identified.
The donation will come in the form of mattresses and table-top cookers. Residents of Petite Savanne, who had to be evacuated as a result of the damage caused by the storm, will be amongst the recipients of this huge donation by Courts. The donation comes at a crucial period where sleeping comfort and food emergences are of paramount concern. Courts will be shipping mattresses from its operations in Antigua and St.Vincent via the Red Cross in these islands to get to Dominica early next week. The donation of stoves was handed over to the Red Cross in Dominica this week.
Employees of the superstore were not left without assistance as those affected were visited by Senior Management and received assistance in the form of household essentials and groceries.
Courts would like to extend condolences to the families of persons who lost loved ones as a result of the storm as it pledges this support to the people of Dominica. Together we can work to help our country return to some level of normalcy and we encourage all to join the efforts and pledge support to Dominica.
Courts Bringing Value Home!
2015
FIRE VICTIMS RECEIVE MUCH NEEDED ASSISTANCE FROM COURTS
On the 24th of February 2015, St. Lucians mourned with the Lastic Hill community as they came face to face with a tragedy which left six families comprising 15 adults and five children homeless.
Today, as the families try their utmost best to recapture some level of normalcy in their lives, local furniture and electrical superstore Courts, jumped to their rescue. Courts, upon receiving confirmation from NEMO that most of the victims had secured a place to live, happily arranged to furnish their homes with much needed and essential furniture and appliances. These included sofas, beds, refrigerators, chest of drawers and dining sets. Each family received products based on their current need as highlighted by the local NEMO representative.
Courts is known to have a “Big Heart” because of their interminable efforts to reduce poverty, providing direct assistance to disadvantaged families through community based and sustainable programs that offer the beneficiaries development opportunities and a better quality of life.
Courts Bringing Value Home
SAINT LUCY’S HOME – TRANSFORMED!!! THANKS TO COURTS ST. LUCIA
The management and staff of one the nation’s longest standing homes for the elderly, Saint Lucy’s Home, breathed a sigh of relief when Courts St. Lucia stepped in to facilitate remodelling work on the institution.
Courts made well on its promise to provide direct aid to the institution as part of the company’s on-going Corporate Social Responsibility projects for 2015. The Saint Lucy’s Home has played a fundamental role in providing shelter and care for the homeless and other marginalized persons of the society, raising the awareness of the needs of the poor and deprived in the society whilst promoting a sense of togetherness and sharing within the home and wider community.
Courts has been a constant partner in the fight against poverty engaging in various projects over the years to help tackle the problem head on. This year, the project at Saint Lucy’s Home is one of the many selected to upgrade the living conditions at the home making it more conducive for the residents. The project will cover plumbing the entire home, upgrading to LED lighting to save electricity costs and repainting of the entire building costing over $25 000. In addition to funding the project fully, employees volunteered their time and skills to assist with the painting.
Courts St. Lucia wishes to thank the board members and residents of the Saint Lucy’s Home for their cooperation in making the project a success. The company also extends sincere thanks to its valued employees for volunteering their time and skills and placing the needs of the under-privileged above their own. We appreciate your support.
Courts Bringing Value Home
COURTS DONATES DOUBLE DOOR FRIDGE TO THE CORNER STONE HOME
The residents, staff and management of the Corner Stone Home, situated in Vigie Castries, was the proud recipients of a brand new Whirlpool 22 Cu Ft refrigerator complements Courts St. Lucia.
The superstore, widely accepted as the nation’s largest retailer of the world’s best brands in Furniture, Electronics and Appliances received a request from the Ben Alcide Musical Ministries on behalf of the home. The request explained the day to day struggles faced by the staff at the home whilst they tried the utmost best to create the safest environment possible that is conducive for stay-in residents. The Corner Stone Home currently caters for socially displaced and needy persons who look to the home for night shelter and accommodation as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The need for a new fridge was great, and when the request was received, Courts happily agreed to assist. The news of this donation came as a surprise to Ms Juliet Brathwaite, when she was informed of the donation at a presentation ceremony held at the company’s new and improved Courts Marisule location on Friday April 10th.
The Company’s OECS Public Relation Officer, Ms Britney Jongue in her address to the guests said; “Courts St. Lucia is proud to provide assistance that can make a meaningful impact in the lives of the needy and disadvantaged in St. Lucia. The company is very humbled to have received a request for sponsorship on behalf of the Corner Stone Home and we view this as an opportunity to give back to the communities where we serve. This donation came at the most convenient time for the home and we are sure that by us taking this decision to render assistance, the lives of the residents and staff will be positively impacted.”
The new refrigerator will be delivered directly to the home by the company’s delivery team this week and will be a welcomed upgrade for the home. Courts St. Lucia is pleased to contribute to the overall development of Saint Lucia, focusing on education, health and sports. We support non-profit and non-governmental organizations around the island through sustainable programs that offer the beneficiaries development opportunities and a better quality of life.
UNICOMER (SAINT LUCIA) LIMITED, HOSTS “LIFE SKILLS OPEN DAY” FOR VALUED EMPLOYEES
The Caribbean’s leading retailer of the world’s best brands in Electronics, Furniture and Appliances, Courts hosted their first ever “Employee Life Skills Open Day” on Tuesday January 13th at the company’s head office in Bois D’Orange.
This initiative used a dynamic and educational approach to teaching basic life skills and focused on money management, academic and vocational opportunities and stress management. The “Life Skills Open Day” featured professionals from the following organizations: Bank of St. Lucia, Monroe College, the National Enrichment and Learning Unit and Wellness Innovators. The event, open to all staff, was one of the learning and development opportunities introduced by the company’s Human Capital Department in an effort to set employees on the right track to achieving their life long goals. The company’s Learning and Development Manager for St. Lucia and St. Kitts, Janelle Joseph, said; “The Learning and Development team at Unicomer is passionate about the development of the organization’s employees. We already provide top of the line training to our employees via our education centre, the “Unicomer Institute of Learning – UIL”, and we develop interventions which allow for employee development on both personal and professional levels.
The company is pleased to have received support from the four organizations who contributed significantly to the success of the event. The event was widely appreciated by the company’s employees who made it their duty to participate in the day long activity. They were satisfied with the information provided and many made appointments with the professionals to seek further advice.
The company’s Director or Human Capital, Mrs Julie Dantzie, added; “This initiative was held during an important period when many employees are still making plans for the New Year. We hope that the information that is gained today contributes significantly to the achievement of these New Year’s resolutions. The management team of Unicomer Group believes that this move was a step in the right direction towards the accomplishment of short and long term goals for our valued staff.”
BOY’S TRAINING CENTRE
The Care and Protect Unity of the Boys Training Centre, provides a home for those younger boys who need special care. The dwelling, although structurally sound, feels more like an institution as opposed to a home; which the boys are in dire need of. During assessments with the Director, his main hope was that we would in fact make the dwelling more comfortable for the boys, where they can feel at home. The project includes repainting of the facilities, re-staining of the wooden floors, creating a living room and dining space, replacement of bunks beds and more.
THE FAUSTIN’S HOME
The Faustin’s Home, has been in existence for more than 20 years, operated by the owner of the house Ms Eugenia Faustin. The Home receives a small stipend from the Government to take care of the day-to-day operations but the house was in need of a total make-over to assist in providing a more comfortable living space. Courts has decided to take on the project with the aim of addressing both structural and cosmetic changes required; replacing the ceiling throughout the house, improving the roof of the quarters of the older boys, re-wiring of the entire facility, building of cupboards, replacement of beds and appliances and additional refurbishment.
It has indeed been a rewarding experience thus far and we are truly committed to following through and creating long standing bonds with the children whose life will be impacted through these initiatives.
Making a Difference by Building Communities and Changing Lives.
Objective:
Our objective is to be a good neighbour and be the company that brings sustainable value to the lives of our shareholders, employees, suppliers, customers, business partners & countries. This ties into our Vision & Core Values.
For more information of Court’s, a Unicomer Group brand, social responsibility, and sustainability programs, please visit Unicomer Group’s website
