Originally published on Walk Free
The Bridging ESG Silos: The Intersection of Climate Change and Modern Slavery report from Walk Free and AllianceBernstein is designed to help investors understand and act on the links between material risks related to climate change, the transition to renewable energy and modern slavery.
Learn more about AB’s approach to responsibility here.
1 in 10 people around the world don’t have clean water close to home, and twice as many people still don’t have a decent toilet of their own. According to the nonprofit WaterAid, 1 in 4 schools in South Africa don’t have a reliable water supply.
Every school deserves clean water, decent toilets and handwashing facilities to keep students healthy and safe with proper conditions to be able to learn. Change is only possible if we work together. That’s why we’re proud of our BabySoft® South Africa partnership with WaterAid. We have built 255 toilets across 15 schools in South Africa so far. And together, with the help of our consumers, we will continue to build more!
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Kimberly-Clark and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, Kimberly-Clark is committed to its purpose of Better Care for a Better World. The company’s portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, holds No. 1 or No. 2 share position in approximately 80 countries. Kimberly-Clark use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure its business thrives for decades to come.
To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com or follow Kimberly-Clark on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
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PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Power plant employees at Cayuga Station, Edwardsport Station and Gibson Station are awarding $60,000 in Duke Energy Foundation grants to eight charitable organizations in the communities where they live and work.
“Giving back to our communities is deeply embedded in everything we do,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “I’m proud of the way our plant employees demonstrate genuine care and compassion for their neighbors, and we’re pleased they’ve chosen to support a wide array of causes that are making a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Employees at each power plant were invited to nominate charities of their choice to support. Those nominations were then brought before a committee of plant management and employees who ultimately selected the organizations that would receive Foundation funds.
“Many of our employees dedicate their time and talents outside of work to various causes in the community,” said Bill Luke, vice president of Midwest generation at Duke Energy. “And while each of our teammates has a unique cause they’re passionate about – be it building safe and affordable homes for families in need or supporting children entering foster care – each is an opportunity for us to drive change that will have lasting benefits for our plant neighbors.”
Duke Energy employees have a long tradition of supporting their communities, not only with their dollars, but also with their time. Last year, Duke Energy Indiana employees and retirees contributed nearly $360,000 to charitable organizations and nearly 11,900 hours of volunteer time.
“We believe it’s important to give back to the communities that we’re a part of,” said Jeremy Price, technical and maintenance manager at Cayuga Station. “Each of these nonprofit organizations has a great history of supporting our employees and the surrounding communities. We’re eager to see how these funds benefit our neighbors and the places we call home.”
Cayuga Station employees awarded grants to the following organizations:
Cayuga Volunteer Fire Department – $5,000Ivy Tech Community College – $5,000Parke County Community Foundation – $5,000Vermillion County Community Improvement Fund – $5,000
Edwardsport Station employees awarded grants to the following organizations:
City of Bicknell – $10,000North Knox Social Ministries – $10,000
Gibson Station employees awarded grants to the following organizations:
Habitat for Humanity of Gibson County – $10,000The Isaiah 1:17 Project – $10,000
Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually in charitable gifts to Indiana and is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. More information about the Foundation can be found at duke-energy.com/Foundation.
Duke Energy Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 890,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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ISEAL’s Credibility Principles define the core values and critical attributes of credible and effective market-based sustainability systems.Businesses can use them to identify credible sustainability tools that help address environmental and social issues within their supply chains.
October 26, 2023 /3BL/ – As the world’s sustainability challenges intensify, the demands placed on business have never been greater – from developing science-based net-zero strategies, to aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to disclosing their risks, impacts and dependencies on nature as required under the new Global Biodiversity Framework. Whether it’s to comply with new regulatory requirements, protect their public reputation or guard against supply risks, keeping on top of social and environmental issues is increasingly central to business success.
Voluntary sustainability standards and similar systems can help businesses to navigate this challenging terrain. But there’s a sometimes bewildering range of labels, standards and accreditations out there, with more than 200 ecolabels in use in the EU alone. So how are businesses supposed to identify which sustainability systems will make reliable, trustworthy and effective partners?
The answer is to look for systems that follow the ISEAL Credibility Principles. Developed through global consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, the 10 principles define the core values and key attributes of credible and effective sustainability systems, and outline why these matter for improving sustainability performance and delivering impacts. They cover areas such as multistakeholder engagement, impartiality and transparency, along with demonstrating measurable progress, ensuring continual improvement and adding value.
Businesses can use the Credibility Principles to benchmark different systems and tools, and select those that will help them deliver against their sustainability objectives and drive real impact and value. Research has shown that, as well as contributing to positive environmental and social impacts, credible sustainability systems provide multiple business benefits – from risk management and monitoring, to market access, to increased revenue and reputational benefits.
To help put these principles into practice, ISEAL will soon be releasing its newly updated Code of Good Practice. Developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, the Code outlines how sustainability systems should apply the Credibility Principles in key areas such as assurance, impacts measurement and standard-setting. It also covers emerging areas of good practice that are particularly relevant for businesses.
One of these is due diligence – an increasingly important concern in the light of new legislation in the EU and elsewhere. While they are not a substitute for corporate due diligence, credible sustainability systems can provide many of the building blocks – such as providing information to help analysis of human rights and environmental risks in supply chains, and a means to engage suppliers and support smallholder producers.
Claims management is another important area, as sustainability claims come under increased scrutiny from regulators and the public. Systems that follow the ISEAL Credibility Principles and Code of Good Practice enable businesses to communicate about their sustainability initiatives and impacts in a transparent, trustworthy way, while avoiding greenwash and misleading claims.
ISEAL’s Executive Director, Karin Kreider, said: “For businesses that are serious about sustainability, credibility matters. We’ve worked with multiple stakeholders from all over the world to define the principles behind credible sustainability systems, and demonstrate how the principles can be applied in practice. We believe our Credibility Principles can help businesses meet the many demands they face while playing their part in tackling the biggest social and environmental issues of our time.”
Notes to editor:
ISEAL supports ambitious sustainability systems and their partners to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. With a focus on credible practices, it advances scalable and effective solutions that make a lasting impact. Through its work to drive collective efforts, ISEAL makes markets a force for good.
ISEAL defines credible practice for sustainability standards and similar systems through its Codes of Good Practice and guidance materials. Read these on ISEAL’s website: www.iseal.org.
ISEAL’s 10 Credibility Principles cover sustainability impacts, collaboration, value creation, measurable progress, stakeholder engagement, transparency, impartiality, reliability, truthfulness and continual improvement. These principles are explained in this short video.
The ISEAL Credibility Principles were first published in 2013 and revised in 2020 through a global consultation process. The principles have become an international reference for defining the foundations of credible practice for sustainability standards and other market-based sustainability initiatives.
October 26, 2023 /3BL/ – Annual analysis from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reveals 1.6 million acres of grasslands across the US and Canadian Great Plains were destroyed in 2021 – continuing a steady, devastating trend across the region. The Plowprint report once again identified row crop expansion as the primary driver of plow-up, erasing the equivalent of an area greater than the state of Delaware from the map in only 12 months.
“What would you say if I told you there’s a critical climate solution that we can implement right here in America that doesn’t require massive investment, new technology, or a huge shift in behavior? Let’s stop plowing grasslands; just allow them to keep storing and sequestering carbon—and providing irreplaceable habitat for wildlife and pollinators—as they have done for millennia.” said Martha Kauffman, vice president for WWF’s Northern Great Plains program.
The Plowprint also found the Northern Great Plains region of the ecosystem—currently one of the world’s last four intact temperate grasslands—saw a slight uptick in acreage loss with the number of plowed acres increasing to 400,000 up from 385,000 thousand acres in 2020.
The report points out that much of the land most suited for agriculture was plowed up decades ago, with newly plowed land unlikely to produce significant yields. Destruction of grassland habitat is driven by economics often underpinned by well-intentioned government policies that incentivize conversion rather than protection.
“We can no longer ignore the fact that these landscapes, which have sustained people and wildlife since time immemorial, are being destroyed by the acre,” added Kauffman. “With 32 million acres lost since 2012, steady elimination of grasslands year in and year out is cause for urgent action. This year we have an opportunity to change course and address policies that can help curb this destruction.”
Policies like the reauthorization of the next Farm Bill and the impending North American Grasslands Conservation Act, which, if passed, will allocate resources, and develop strategies that can support the livelihoods of producers and farmers across the Great Plains and across the US. Incentivizing grassland stewardship through smart policies is a win-win and will have lasting positive outcomes for rural communities, Native Nations and wildlife.
World Wildlife Fund’s 2023 Plowprint Report is available at plowprint.org
About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in nearly 100 countries for over half a century to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat the climate crisis. Visit http://www.worldwildlife.org to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following @WWFNews on Twitter and signing up for our newsletter and news alerts here.
Media Contacts
Lorin Hancock / Lorin.Hancock@wwfus.org
Susan McCarthy / Susan.McCarthy@wwfus.org
ATLANTA, October 25, 2023 /3BL/ – Southern Company today issued its 2022 Sustainability Summary report.
“Southern Company and our subsidiaries remain committed to serving customers with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. For our company, sustainability means effectively engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to develop strategic solutions that will enable our transition to a new energy economy. Our sustainability pillars reflect the work that we are doing across the company and in our communities to create long-term value,” said Chris Womack, CEO and president of Southern Company. “We have worked diligently through our state regulatory processes and with customer groups, communities, policymakers and other stakeholders to develop customer-focused plans that are allowing us to prudently invest in new infrastructure, reduce environmental impacts and support our communities. This important work would not be possible without what I believe to be one of the best workforces in America.”
Southern Company’s 2022 Sustainability Summary highlights the company’s five sustainability pillars:
Serve Our CustomersAdvance Clean EnergyLead Through InnovationInvest in Our PeopleElevate Our Communities
The report serves as a short-form report and road map for stakeholders who want to learn more about Southern Company’s sustainability efforts and is a companion to the robust sustainability section of the company’s website. In addition, a full suite of sustainability-related documents is available on the company’s Data, Downloads and Reports page.
Key takeaways from the 2022 Sustainability Summary include:
46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2007 levels.Industry-leading reporting of Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.Continued emphasis on investment to further strengthen the reliability and resilience of the Southern Company system’s electrical grids and pipeline systems.$120 million in community investment, including $76 million invested in advancing racial equity and social justice.Demonstrated commitment to being a leading employer.
To view the full report: 2022 Sustainability Summary.
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
SOURCE Southern Company
For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333, 1-866-506-5333, www.southerncompany.com
ATLANTA, October 25, 2023 /3BL/ – Southern Company today issued its 2022 Sustainability Summary report.
“Southern Company and our subsidiaries remain committed to serving customers with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. For our company, sustainability means effectively engaging with a broad range of stakeholders to develop strategic solutions that will enable our transition to a new energy economy. Our sustainability pillars reflect the work that we are doing across the company and in our communities to create long-term value,” said Chris Womack, CEO and president of Southern Company. “We have worked diligently through our state regulatory processes and with customer groups, communities, policymakers and other stakeholders to develop customer-focused plans that are allowing us to prudently invest in new infrastructure, reduce environmental impacts and support our communities. This important work would not be possible without what I believe to be one of the best workforces in America.”
Southern Company’s 2022 Sustainability Summary highlights the company’s five sustainability pillars:
Serve Our CustomersAdvance Clean EnergyLead Through InnovationInvest in Our PeopleElevate Our Communities
The report serves as a short-form report and road map for stakeholders who want to learn more about Southern Company’s sustainability efforts and is a companion to the robust sustainability section of the company’s website. In addition, a full suite of sustainability-related documents is available on the company’s Data, Downloads and Reports page.
Key takeaways from the 2022 Sustainability Summary include:
46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to 2007 levels.Industry-leading reporting of Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.Continued emphasis on investment to further strengthen the reliability and resilience of the Southern Company system’s electrical grids and pipeline systems.$120 million in community investment, including $76 million invested in advancing racial equity and social justice.Demonstrated commitment to being a leading employer.
To view the full report: 2022 Sustainability Summary.
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, The Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
SOURCE Southern Company
For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333, 1-866-506-5333, www.southerncompany.com
PITTSBURGH, October 25, 2023 /3BL/ – Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS), a global healthcare company, announced that it has been named to Forbes’ list of World’s Best Employers 2023. Viatris has received this recognition in each of its first three years since forming in 2020. This recognition is presented by Forbes and Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
“Being recognized again by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Employers is a real testament to the commitment our colleagues have for our mission of empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life and to each other,” said Andrew Enrietti, Chief Human Relations Officer, Viatris. “Everyone is deeply invested in making an impact together and it shows. Success takes all of us doing our part and I want to thank each and every one of our colleagues for all that they have done and continue to do to create the strong culture we have.”
The World’s Best Employers 2023 title is intended to reinforce companies that provide excellent employment opportunities at the local and international level. To determine the 2023 ranking, Statista surveyed 170,000 full-time and part-time workers from 55 countries working for multinational companies and institutions. The anonymous evaluations were based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees that were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employee evaluations also included other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively.
To learn more about Viatris’ performance-driven, highly engaging and inclusive culture please visit its careers site. You can also learn more by reading its 2022 Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s 2022 achievements and progress across key areas including Access and Global Health, Our People, the Environment and the Community.
Being named to Forbes’ List of the World’s Best Employers 2023 follows inclusion on 3BL’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. Additional accolades for Viatris include inclusion on Newsweek’s America’s Greenest Companies 2024, TIME’s World’s Best Companies 2023 list and USA Today’s inaugural list of America’s Climate Leaders 2023. The Company has also been included on Forbes’ list of World’s best Employers 2022, Fortune’s Change the World list, Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2022 list, a Great Place to Work® certification in India, Capital Magazine’s Best Employers in France list, and HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia (Taiwan), among others.
About Viatris
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale. In 2022 alone, we supplied high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world. With our exceptionally extensive and diverse portfolio of medicines, a one-of-a-kind global supply chain designed to reach more people when and where they need them, and the scientific expertise to address some of the world’s most enduring health challenges, access takes on deep meaning at Viatris. We have the ability to touch all of life’s moments, from birth to end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
SOURCE Viatris Inc.
For further information: MEDIA: +1.724.514.1968, Communications@viatris.com; Jennifer Mauer, Jennifer.Mauer@viatris.com; Matt Klein, Matthew.Klein@viatris.com; INVESTORS: +1.412.707.2866, InvestorRelations@viatris.com; Bill Szablewski, William.Szablewski@viatris.com
PITTSBURGH, October 25, 2023 /3BL/ – Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS), a global healthcare company, announced that it has been named to Forbes’ list of World’s Best Employers 2023. Viatris has received this recognition in each of its first three years since forming in 2020. This recognition is presented by Forbes and Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
“Being recognized again by Forbes as one of the World’s Best Employers is a real testament to the commitment our colleagues have for our mission of empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life and to each other,” said Andrew Enrietti, Chief Human Relations Officer, Viatris. “Everyone is deeply invested in making an impact together and it shows. Success takes all of us doing our part and I want to thank each and every one of our colleagues for all that they have done and continue to do to create the strong culture we have.”
The World’s Best Employers 2023 title is intended to reinforce companies that provide excellent employment opportunities at the local and international level. To determine the 2023 ranking, Statista surveyed 170,000 full-time and part-time workers from 55 countries working for multinational companies and institutions. The anonymous evaluations were based on direct and indirect recommendations from employees that were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employers to friends and family. Employee evaluations also included other employers in their respective industries that stood out either positively or negatively.
To learn more about Viatris’ performance-driven, highly engaging and inclusive culture please visit its careers site. You can also learn more by reading its 2022 Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s 2022 achievements and progress across key areas including Access and Global Health, Our People, the Environment and the Community.
Being named to Forbes’ List of the World’s Best Employers 2023 follows inclusion on 3BL’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. Additional accolades for Viatris include inclusion on Newsweek’s America’s Greenest Companies 2024, TIME’s World’s Best Companies 2023 list and USA Today’s inaugural list of America’s Climate Leaders 2023. The Company has also been included on Forbes’ list of World’s best Employers 2022, Fortune’s Change the World list, Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2022 list, a Great Place to Work® certification in India, Capital Magazine’s Best Employers in France list, and HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work for in Asia (Taiwan), among others.
About Viatris
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale. In 2022 alone, we supplied high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world. With our exceptionally extensive and diverse portfolio of medicines, a one-of-a-kind global supply chain designed to reach more people when and where they need them, and the scientific expertise to address some of the world’s most enduring health challenges, access takes on deep meaning at Viatris. We have the ability to touch all of life’s moments, from birth to end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases. We are headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
SOURCE Viatris Inc.
For further information: MEDIA: +1.724.514.1968, Communications@viatris.com; Jennifer Mauer, Jennifer.Mauer@viatris.com; Matt Klein, Matthew.Klein@viatris.com; INVESTORS: +1.412.707.2866, InvestorRelations@viatris.com; Bill Szablewski, William.Szablewski@viatris.com
By Candace Higginbotham
Regions is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, when we honor the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots back to Spain, Mexico, and Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Leroy Abrahams’ role as head of Community Affairs at Regions Bank calls for spending a great deal of time out in the markets the bank serves.
On a regular basis, Abrahams meets with community and civic leaders, local government officials, corporate executives and customers. These encounters often result in conversations with interesting, inspiring individuals who have fascinating stories to tell.
Abrahams found a remarkable story when he met Mike Suco, president and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED in Birmingham, Alabama. Abrahams and Suco are serving as co-chairs of the recently launched Miles College fundraising campaign in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the college, which is a historically black college and university, or HBCU.
“My first impression of Mike was that he was a personable guy and an effective leader,” Abrahams recalled. “But when I got to know him better and learned about his family history and how it shaped his professional life – I was even more impressed.”
And he knew that others would find the story inspiring, as well. So, this summer Abrahams invited Suco to participate in a video interview and share his personal story for a Regions leadership meeting.
My first impression of Mike was that he was a personable guy and an effective leader, but when I got to know him better and learned about his family history and how it shaped his professional life – I was even more impressed.
Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Affairs at Regions Bank
In this video excerpt, Suco tells the story of his family’s migration from Cuba in 1962, shortly after the Communist Revolution took over the country. His family was not supportive of the Castro regime and his father and uncle were jailed for speaking out.
Forced out of their country, the family – grandparents, parents and 13-day-old baby brother – came to the United States with no money and only one bag of belongings per person.
Suco describes his family’s journey from Miami to Alabama. He reminisces about growing up in the small town of Jacksonville, Alabama, speaking Spanish and eating Cuban food at home and making the transition to “good southern English” when he went to school. “It was an interesting way to grow up,” he says with a smile.
Certain themes emerge from his family’s experience: the importance of education, family, community and a strong work ethic. These valuable lessons continue to influence his life today – and according to Suco, have played a direct role in his professional success.
“We’re not perfect, but we’re the best country in the world,” he said. “Anybody can come here from anywhere in the world and build a successful life, like my parents and grandparents did – and many others.”
Watch the above video to hear Suco’s inspiring story.
