Deloitte Shoebox Initiative Sees 750 Hygiene Kits Supplied to Red Cross Asylum Seekers

As part of the traditional 'Operation Shoebox' initiative, Deloitte Luxembourg has transformed 1,250 shoeboxes into hygiene kits, more than 750 of which have been distributed to shelters for asylum seekers managed by the Luxembourg Red Cross.

The 'Operation Shoebox' concept was developed by Deloitte in collaboration with the Luxembourg Red Cross and is now held each year, with 550 more kits provided this winter compared with the last. The kits contain hygiene necessities such as shower gel and shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpast and cotton swabs.

Over 700 employees helped in the financing of the Shoeboxes, whilst around thirty were involved in the preparation thereof. Nearly 40 Deloitte volunteers then participated in distribution, which was carried out across six stages and took place in various establishments managed by the Luxembourg Red Cross. Three other deliveries were made by employees and volunteers at the Luxembourg Red Cross.

"Following the large influx of refugees in Luxembourg we wanted to benefit more people through our action," explained Elisabeth Layer, Audit Partner and Corporate Social Responsiblity Leader at Deloitte. "A challenge which was more than successful as during our Klengemaart we managed the financing and distribution of 1,250 hygiene kits of which 250 were distributed to the residents of Luxembourg Red Cross shelters. They arrive in Luxembourg with nothing. Our goal was to provide them with essential hygiene products but also to establish human contact."

The Migrants and Refugees service of the Luxembourg Red cross hosts, accompanies, informs and assists international asylum seekers and migrants throughout their stay in the Grand Duchy, with the objective of providing them with a place to stay, food and clothing and coaching in administrative procedures as well as specific support tailored to the needs of each. The Red Cross currently operates eleven facilities in the Grand Duchy, with the most recent having opened its doors to refugees in Dudelange.

Photo provided by Luxembourg Red Cross