The Estee Lauder Companies have announced the winners of the Third Annual Leonard A. Lauder Volunteer of the Year Awards. The awards, which recognizes Estee Lauder Companies employees for exceptional service to their communities, consists of four categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Leader of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year and Recognition for Outstanding Community Service.
The Aveda Global Education Team carried the Volunteer Team of the Year category for its work with Project Homeless Connectin Minneapolis—a local services agency which transforms the Minneapolis Convention Center into a one-stop-shop for the homeless. To date, the Aveda team has provided approximately 2,000 haircuts to those in need on a volunteer basis.
Nine other employees were also recognized for their efforts, including Douglas R. Wood, Vice President, Enterprise Architecture, Strategy and Security for his work with the Somaly Mam Foundation. The primary non-profit partner supported by the award winners will receive a $2,500 equivalent donation. “All it takes is one person’s vision and relentless determination to make a difference,” said Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of The Estee Lauder Companies in a statement. “These employees have done just that, and I applaud them for going the extra mile in unique and exemplary ways. My hope is that these Awards will inspire others, not just our employees but people everywhere, to take it upon themselves and lend their time and attention to improving the lives of others.”