Corporate Social Responsibility
BackVantage Leads on a Mission to Keep the Streets of Kandy Clean
A brisk jog down the streets of Kandy should take you along the regal architecture, treating you to colorful sights and immaculate smells as you breathe in the deep history of this island nation. The last thing you would want to see is waste polluting the pristine streets of the ancient kingdom that is a traditional bedrock to the veneration of Buddhist culture. It is important to preserve the World Heritage Site for millions more wide-eyed visitors to truly appreciate the history and majesty of Sri Lanka. This is why the Rotaract club of Katugastota, along with Vantage as a silver sponsor, took the initiative to organize a PLOGGA event that would prompt the citizens of Kandy to take responsibility on keeping the city clean.
A Swedish movement that caught the world by storm, PLOGGA was founded in 2016 by the Swedish environmentalist, Erik Ahlström. Meaning “to pick up while you jog”, PLOGGA involves organized running groups equipped with gloves and garbage bags, with the objective of picking out as much trash as you can from the trail or sidewalk. It was based on the brilliant idea of mixing the rewarding feeling that comes with jogging, with the feeling of doing something good for the environment and the planet. Although plogging events are not competitions, many participants can’t resist the urge to pick up the most amount of trash in the shortest amount of time. In addition to helping the environment, it also gives naturally competitive runners an outlet for one-upmanship.
Organized by the Rotaract Club of Katugastota, the Kandyan Plogga was held on the 2nd of August 2019. Rotaractors carry out hands-on service projects; engage in networking and social activities; gain professional development opportunities and become part of an international network of young leaders.
A brand that believes in the importance of being responsible towards the country and its people, Vantage, the silver sponsor of the event, invested in the event organized by the Rotaract Club of Katugastota to ensure it came to life. Focused on cleaning up the city of Kandy, identified as being a polluted neighborhood over the past years, this event was different in comparison to other clean-ups. The participants, who were members of social clubs, students, corporate personnel, members of NGO’s, tourists, and bystanders, all contributed towards cleaning up the city. Over 250 individuals were divided into teams of 05, each tackling a different part of the route. The goal was to complete cleaning up within two hours. Dressed up in eye catching lime green tops showcasing PLOGGA on them, Kandy was swept up in a whirlwind of joggers that left no mess behind.
On the road to promoting the importance of taking responsibility, when it comes to keeping your surroundings clean, Vantage lead by example. Participating on behalf of Ebony Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, a team of employees from Vantage also took part in the PLOGGA event this year. Along with the other participants, they were able to accumulate a total of 681 kilograms of garbage, which then was sent for recycling.
Vantage also sponsored an awareness session after the event, which focused on the history of PLOGGA and rewarded complimentary gifts to the participants. This activity further established a responsible mindset amongst the participants and onlookers at the event. A leading Sri Lankan clothing manufacturer, Vantage is an iconic brand represented by Ebony Holdings (Pvt) Ltd. Committed to setting the latest trends in fashion, the company has a portfolio of dynamic brands that promises the highest quality when it comes to apparel.
Having been in operation for a period spanning over two decades, the company has truly grown, with continuous additions to the comprehensive portfolio of brands they represent. They have introduced a collection of men’s fashion, which is on par with international standards. The collection includes shirts, trousers, and innerwear, appealing to the fashion-conscious individual who craves luxury and comfort without compromise.
Vantage, the silver sponsor of the PLOGGA ‘19, is an iconic label represented by Ebony Holdings that promises an exceptional fit and truly fashion-forward look for the men who like the finer things in life. Vantage, under its sub label, Vantage Blue offers a range of formal shirts tailored with pure cotton and Giza cotton – the luxurious cotton fibers ensuring comfort. Another label under this brand, Vantage Uber is made with rich cotton fabric that is perfect for the tropical climates. Vantage Linen, which is also popular amongst users, is designed to give an aesthetic outlook on top of the prestigious comfort. Vantage Business is made for the modern executive, designed with an active lifestyle in mind. The poly-cotton fabric ensures you look crisp and stay comfortable throughout the day. Vantage Sport is characteristically casual with a class of its own.
Ebony Holdings is a responsible organization that believes in building a socially conscious environment. Therefore, it places a premium on prioritizing corporate social responsibility (CSR). Having taken part in a massive Beach Cleaning Project at Mount Lavinia Beach back in February 2018, the investment in PLOGGA ‘19 can be considered another phase of efforts to drive the mindset of public for the greatness of society. Recognizing the pressing need for environmental conservation, especially with global warming and the increased pollution of the oceans, Ebony Holdings intervened to improve the state of its community’s environment.
Sri Lanka is an island gem that boasts a rich history of culture and tradition. It also has an abundance of flora and fauna that we must strive to conserve. With initiatives such as PLOGGA, Ebony Holdings has made undeniable progress in establishing itself as a brand that understands the value of taking responsibility for its country and people. Cleaning up the pollution along the beaches of Mount Lavinia and the streets of the metropolis that is Kandy, Ebony Holdings hopes that it has instilled the mindset that we truly are responsible for our own surroundings.
