DESS makes a New Donation to SJD Hospital to Support Families of Patients
Commitment to Social Responsibility through ESG Initiatives
At DESS, we believe that corporate success should go hand in hand with social responsibility and ethical practices. As part of our continued commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, we are proud to announce another generous donation to the Help the Families Project at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (SJD). This initiative, which supports families facing financial hardship while caring for a sick child, aligns with DESS's values of fostering social equity and creating a positive impact on society.
About Hospital Sant Joan de Déu
Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, located in Barcelona, is one of the most prestigious pediatric centers in Europe. With over 150 years of history, it is renowned for its expertise in pediatric care, clinical research, and its commitment to serving families from diverse backgrounds. The hospital has become a source of hope for thousands of families, providing not only cutting-edge medical treatments but also essential emotional and financial support to those in need.
In 2023 alone, the hospital treated over 25,000 hospitalised patients, handled 322,842 outpatient visits, and performed 16,325 surgical interventions. The hospital’s dedication to advancing pediatric care is evident in its comprehensive support programs, which have been made possible through the generous donations of individuals and corporations alike.
The Help the Families Project
The Help the Families project is one of the hospital’s most vital initiatives. It provides crucial support to families who are struggling financially while their children receive treatment for severe or chronic illnesses. Many of these families face a sudden loss of income, as one or both parents must take time off work to be with their child during long hospital stays. The financial burden can become overwhelming, particularly for families who live far from the hospital and must cover additional costs like transportation, accommodation, and meals.
Thanks to the Help the Families programme, families in need receive assistance with:
- Meal vouchers and accommodation: The hospital covers daily living expenses for families who cannot afford to stay near the hospital or provide meals while caring for their children.
- Non-aesthetic orthodontic treatments: Children requiring orthodontic care that is not covered by public healthcare are supported through this program to ensure they receive necessary treatments.
- Transportation: Families are provided with bus passes or fuel vouchers to help them travel to and from the hospital, ensuring they do not miss critical treatment appointments.
- Interpretation services: Non-Spanish-speaking families benefit from interpreters, allowing them to fully understand their child’s condition and actively participate in their care.
- At-home care assistance: For families with highly dependent children, the hospital offers qualified in-home care to give parents a much-needed break from the constant demands of caregiving.
In 2023, the SJD Hospital dedicated over €370,000 to helping families in need, with part of these funds allocated to support 1,017 non-aesthetic orthodontic treatments. Despite these efforts, the demand for assistance continues to grow, making the role of donors like DESS crucial to sustaining these essential services.
DESS | A History of Commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact
At DESS, our commitment to social responsibility extends beyond the healthcare sector, as we have collaborated with numerous social organizations such as the FATEC Foundation (Federation of Associations for the Elderly in Catalonia) and the Fupar Foundation, an NGO that advocates for the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Additionally, since 2017, we have been at the forefront of sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental impact and promoting clean energy. These efforts include the installation of photovoltaic systems at our facilities, resulting in significant reductions in our carbon footprint. Our commitment to sustainable energy sources and efficient resource management reflects our dedication to both the environment and the communities we serve.
In line with our environmental efforts, DESS also values the importance of giving back to society. This year’s donation to Hospital Sant Joan de Déu underscores our belief in the power of corporate responsibility to create meaningful change. By supporting the Help the Families project, we are not only helping families in need but also contributing to a future where corporate actions lead to broader societal benefits.
Read more about our ESG initiatives:
- DESS® celebrates World Book Day
- DESS® Clean Energy Transition: Celebrating World Environment Education Day
- DESS Dental Goes Greener installing 106 New Solar Panels
- Meet Team DESS - Mireia Corral, ESG Manager
Our Future Commitment to ESG Principles
As we celebrate our first anniversary of joining the United Nations Global Compact, we remain committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable future. Our support for the Help the Families project is just one example of how we aim to translate our ESG values into tangible actions that benefit society.
We will continue to invest in initiatives that align with our principles, from advancing clean energy solutions to supporting communities in need, as well as implementing a crime prevention model within our company. By embracing sustainability and corporate responsibility, DESS is not only making a positive impact today but also paving the way for a better tomorrow.
To stay updated on our ongoing ESG initiatives, including future donations and community projects, follow us on instagram, facebook, linkedin and YouTube, and subscribe to our newsletter. Together, we can continue to make a difference.