Tag: 3BL

PHILADELPHIA, July 28, 2025 /3BL/ – Subaru of America, Inc. today announced an extension to its Subaru: Gear for Good initiative to expand access to soccer by collecting and redistributing new and gently used gear to youth in high-needs communities around Philadelphia and the automaker’s hometown of Camden, NJ. The campaign kicks off as Philadelphia prepares to host some of the biggest matches of the world’s favorite sport in 2026 and builds upon Subaru and its retailers’ ongoing commitment to community and youth development. To help more kids fall in love with the game, the automaker will also donate soccer equipment to the community-driven campaign.

Through partnerships with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and youth sports non-profit Leveling the Playing Field, Subaru aims to collect at least 2,026 pieces of soccer gear, which will be distributed to local programs in coordination with Leveling the Playing Field and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. Recipient groups will be announced in December 2025, coinciding with the official group stage draw of the international tournament, revealing where soccer teams will be playing in the summer of 2026.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America: “Every child deserves the chance to play, and sometimes all that stands in the way is the need for a pair of cleats. This initiative is rooted in the belief that access to sports can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting connections. As the excitement for the world’s most popular sport focuses in on our region, this is one way we’re helping to strengthen the communities we call home.”

Official Subaru: Gear for Good collection bins will be installed at five new locations across the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey region in addition to the donation bins currently available at 17 local Subaru retailers and at Subaru Park. Donations will be accepted through April 3, 2026, and items should include new or gently used cleats, soccer balls, shin guards, goalie gloves, or other soccer-specific equipment in adherence with Leveling the Playing Field donation standards.

To launch the expanded initiative, Subaru and the Philadelphia Union will host an employee volunteer day at Leveling the Playing Field’s Philadelphia warehouse. Volunteers will sort through donated sports gear collected from Subaru Park and other Gear for Good drop-off locations to make space for new donations. Union defender Frankie Westfield will participate in the volunteer event, highlighting his personal connection to the cause through his experience playing soccer as a youth in Northeast Philadelphia and his journey to joining the MLS team. In addition, Subaru will hold a National Soccer Day employee gear drive on July 28 at its Camden, NJ headquarters.

Frankie Westfield, Defender, Philadelphia Union: “Soccer has the power to unite communities, inspire individuals, and bring people together around the world. I’m proud to join Subaru and represent the Philadelphia Union in support of this initiative, helping make the game more accessible for families and giving more kids the chance to play, just like I did.”

Community members across the Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area are encouraged to participate by donating new or gently used soccer gear for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a grand prize trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend. The Gear for Good Sweepstakes (official rules) is open to legal U.S. residents at least 18 years of age who reside within a seventy-five-mile radius of Subaru Park.

This initiative will help provide donated soccer equipment to over 100 unique youth programs, giving more kids access to the equipment they need to join teams, stay active, and enjoy the game. While not all donated items will go to the same number of recipient organizations, any surplus will be shared with additional beneficiary programs during the distribution window. For more information, including donation locations, eligibility details, and official rules, visit philadelphiaunion.com/SubaruGearforGood.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise®, which is the company’s vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $340 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 115,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube

About Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union is an innovative, forward-thinking professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS) and one of Philadelphia’s five major league sports teams. Driven by unprecedented fan support, MLS awarded the Philadelphia expansion franchise rights to Jay Sugarman in 2008 and the Union kicked off its inaugural season in 2010. The club has reached the finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and has appeared in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2020, the Union were awarded the club’s first Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular season record in MLS. In 2022, the Union reached the MLS Cup Final for the first time in club history. In 2023, the Union reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, becoming the only Eastern Conference team to reach the semifinals in four of the last five seasons.
The Philadelphia Union is part of parent company Union Sports and Entertainment LLC, which also operates Philadelphia Union II, the Philadelphia Union Academy, Philadelphia Union Foundation and Philadelphia Union Youth Programs. With a commitment to developing youth, the Union has signed 25 academy prospects to homegrown player contracts.
The Union play at Subaru Park in Chester, PA on the banks of the Delaware River. The custom-built stadium is part of the Union’s unique waterfront campus, featuring a historic power plant rebuilt into a 400,000 sq. ft. creative office building, a state-of-the-art Training Complex, over seven acres of professional-grade practice pitches, and the newly announced WSFS Bank Sportsplex, a world-class, 365-day-a-year sports and recreation complex featuring indoor fieldhouse and seven outdoor fields. For more information about the Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com and follow @PhilaUnion on Twitter or Instagram.

About Leveling the Playing Field 

Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding access and equity in youth sports by redistributing new and gently-used sports equipment to under-resourced communities. Founded in 2013, LPF addresses the growing gap between those who can afford to participate in sports and those who cannot, recognizing the high cost of sporting goods as a major barrier. 

Through a network of community donations and volunteers, LPF collects and sorts sports and recreational equipment, then supplies it to schools, community programs, and youth organizations across several regions. This philanthropic model not only provides gear but also empowers organizations to redirect limited budgets toward transportation, nutrition, staffing, and program expansion—making youth sports more inclusive and accessible for all. 

With LPF’s support, youth programs are able to stretch their resources further. By removing the barrier of equipment cost, LPF helps create more inclusive and enriching opportunities for young athletes. Together, we’re building a future where every child has the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sports. 

For more information, visit levelingtheplayingfield.org and follow us @lpfsports on Instagram.

Contacts

Diane Anton
Corporate Communications Manager
(856) 488-5093
danton@subaru.com

Adam Leiter
Corporate Communications Specialist
(856) 488-8668
aleiter@subaru.com

Jim, senior infrastructure engineer

• Work passion: Optimizing cloud cost efficiency
• Volunteer passion: Keeping his community theater thriving
• Bringing productions to life

As a volunteer for Carousel Theatre of Indianola, I take on a wide range of responsibilities that contribute to the success of each production and the overall operations. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my time and skills—whether I’m balancing the books, building a set, or managing a show—help bring these productions to life.

Harnessing the power of community arts

Volunteering with the theater is more than just a commitment—it’s a passion. I believe deeply in the power of live theatre to bring people together, tell stories that inspire, and create shared experiences that resonate far beyond the final curtain. Supporting community theatre means nurturing creativity, giving people of all ages a platform to express themselves, and keeping the arts vibrant and accessible in our local area.

Doubling my impact

I’m grateful to work for a company that supports and encourages community involvement. Work-life balance allows me flexibility to dedicate meaningful time to my volunteer role with Carousel Theatre without compromising my professional responsibilities. Principal Foundation also amplifies my efforts through Dollars for Doers—a generous initiative that directly benefits the theater. And they’ve donated equipment, helping ensure our productions have the tools and resources needed to succeed. Giving back to the community is not just encouraged—it’s celebrated.

Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal^® Foundation^“) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.

© 2025 Principal Foundation.

Principal^® is an equal opportunity employer and an E-Verify participant. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion or religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic partner status, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also prohibit harassment on these bases.

Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (dol.gov)

If at any stage of the employment application process you need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, contact Human Resources at MyHR@principal.com or 1-866-524-6947. Read our employment policies for more information.

Recruitment fraud is a scheme that offers fictitious job opportunities to people. This type of fraud is normally done through online services such as bogus websites, social media, or through unsolicited emails/SMS texts claiming to be from Principal or Principal employees. Only applicants who have filled out an official application on our career site (careers.principal.com) will be considered for employment opportunities. Principal will never ask for money during any stage of the employment application process. If you receive a communication (e.g., LinkedIn message, Facebook Messenger, SMS text, personal email, etc.) asking for money or personal financial information, don’t engage or respond. Please contact our Human Resources team at MyHR@principal.com or 1-866-524-6947, and your local law enforcement. For more information, review our recruitment fraud information.

You can review our U.S. workforce privacy notice (PDF).

Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company^®, a member of the Principal Financial Group^®, Des Moines, IA 50392.

4589987-062025

 

By Kim Borges

“Why did I get myself into this?”

Chanda Jenkins has occasionally asked herself that question the past 14 years.

One thing snaps her out of it every time.

“When you’re at the event and people say, ‘This is the only time I see a doctor,’ I remember my why,” Jenkins explained. “We see anywhere from 2,700 to 3,500 people in two days.”

Physical exams, vision and hearing screenings, dental check-ups, even car seat installations are all part of the Community Assistance and Resource Event – or CARE Fair as it’s known – conducted by the Junior League of Salt Lake City each June and July. And thanks to multiple hospitals, medical clinics and 20-plus community agencies that donate their help, every bit of it is free to those in need.

Jenkins, a Marketing Project manager with Regions Home Improvement Financing, had no medical background before getting involved with CARE Fair.

We see anywhere from 2,700 to 3,500 people in two days.”

Chanda Jenkins, Marketing Project manager with Regions Home Improvement Financing

“I’d moved back to Salt Lake from Oregon and wanted to make some friends,” she said. “When I joined the League, they asked if I’d be willing to serve on the CARE Fair placement, just as a placeholder until they moved me to another group. I initially responded, ‘No,’ not wanting to own any big projects.”

But no one else was raising their hand.

“I kept saying, ‘OK, I can do that; OK, I can do that,’” Jenkins recalled.

She left that night co-leading the League’s largest initiative.

“I had to learn quickly because one of the things I took on was the recruitment of doctors,” she said. “I was calling hospitals and community outreach groups. I remember asking, ‘What’s an otoscope cover?’ I’m trying to Google what that is, and I can’t even spell it.”

Thankfully, a nurse practitioner was assigned to help. They worked together for three years.

Jenkins gained more confidence as she settled into the role – so much so, she was invited to take on another role she never imagined.

“One of the doctors we worked with shared a community position was open on the University of Utah’s Medical School board of directors,” she said. “He encouraged me to interview, telling me I could be the voice of the community.”

How did the person who initially said ‘no’ to leading CARE Fair respond?

“I could do that.”

During her two-year term, Jenkins helped implement changes like making it a requirement for physician assistants at the school to help with taking vitals and doing exams and physicals at CARE Fair.

We typically have about 15 to 20 associates who volunteer. They’ll often come back a second day and bring their families to help.

Chanda Jenkins

Four years ago, Jenkins stepped away from overseeing CARE Fair’s medical aspects. But before you think she’s eased up on her responsibilities, you should know she’s now overseeing facility details – things like security, food, logistics, even ensuring there’s enough privacy draping ordered and staged to fill an entire five-story high school.

“We use every bit of available space, including the parking lot,” she said.

It also takes a lot of people to cover CARE Fair, so Jenkins recruits her Regions teammates to help.

“We have a lot of caring people in our office, and Joel (Cannon) has been so supportive,” she said. “We typically have about 15 to 20 associates who volunteer. They’ll often come back a second day and bring their families to help.”

Those volunteers include Amanda Craner, a Senior Event Marketing manager, who signs as a certified interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing.

“The Deaf community often faces situations where writing back and forth is their only way of communicating, which leads to misunderstandings,” Craner explained. “People who realized I could sign met me with a smile on their face and a sense of relief and assurance. Everyone deserves to have a voice and be heard in the way most comfortable for them.”

CARE Fair helps ensure accessibility to health care is available to those who need it most.

Brittany Valentine, Customer Outreach manager

Brittany Valentine, Customer Outreach manager, and Rachel Richardson, Relationship manager for Regions Home Improvement Financing, are both Junior League members who now also pitch in.

“CARE Fair helps ensure accessibility to health care is available to those who need it most,” said Valentine. “The Junior League has given me chances to show up in many ways to support my community.”

Jenkins uses her “What a Difference a Day Makes” volunteer day each year, a benefit she encourages fellow bank associates to leverage, too.

“Some people might go into it thinking it’s a day off,” she said. “But to the people they’re serving, it’s a game changer; a life changer.”

This year’s CARE Fair is barely over, but Jenkins already knows she’ll be back in 2026.

“I never, ever, had any interest in the medical field before this,” she said. “But I’ve discovered where the gaps are in community service, where the need is. Those days can be chaotic and stressful – but all the hard work is worth it.”

Originally published on Kenvue.com

Having allergies can be frustrating, whether they’re making your eyes itch, your nose run, or a combination of symptoms. Thankfully, this Kenvue brand is an allergy medication grounded in pioneering research and science, designed to help relieve your allergy symptoms and get you back on track.

Here are five facts you need to know about Zyrtec^®.

1. Zyrtec^® can provide allergy relief for children

From syrups to chewables to dissolvable tablets, with flavors such as bubblegum, grape and citrus, Children’s Zyrtec^® has a line of products made specifically with kids in mind, beginning at age 2.

Children’s Zyrtec^® Allergy Syrup can be taken by kids 2 years and older, whereas Children’s Zyrtec^® Dissolve Tabs are for ages 6 and up. As the #1 Pediatrician recommended brand for children’s allergies, Zyrtec^®* provides a full 24 hours of allergy relief for children.

2. Zyrtec^® helps you understand allergies so you can conquer them

The Zyrtec^® website has a comprehensive allergy guide with useful articles to help you understand your allergies and discover treatment tips. You can filter by category, age, symptom, treatments and allergy type for knowledge tailored to you.

3. Zyrtec^® has an app that generates custom allergy forecasts

Looking for even more personalization? Download the Zyrtec^® AllergyCast^® mobile app, which can help identify your local allergy forecast and predict how allergies may impact your day.

If you experience seasonal allergies, knowing the pollen count and which allergens are high each day are crucial for helping you stay on top of your allergies.

You can also visit the brand’s website and take the Pollen Prediction Quiz, which allows you to get an allergy assessment for yourself, another adult or your child.

4. Zyrtec^® developed packaging that supports a healthier planet

In support of the Kenvue commitment to innovation and sustainability, Zyrtec^® has developed new outer packaging that’s 100% plastic-free along with other enhancements—a modern, flat-front design, contrasting colors and enhanced readability—that help clearly communicate product benefits.

5. Zyrtec^® created ZyrTalk^™ to help demystify allergies

Science, efficacy and credibility are fundamental to Zyrtec^®—and the ZyrTalk^™ platform is where those values meet education. Designed to make allergy science more accessible, ZyrTalk^™ features expert-led videos that help people understand their symptoms and treatment options.

It’s more than just content—it’s an informative (but not boring) learning tool that prioritizes evidence-based care. So, whether you’ve been an allergy sufferer for a while now or you’re new to the world of allergies, there’s truly something new to discover for everyone.

Check out the brand’s latest videos on Instagram and YouTube.

* Among OTC oral antihistamines.

EMERYVILLE, Calif., July 28, 2025 /3BL/ – SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is pleased to announce that the established SCS-115 Certification Standard for Product Carbon Intensity and Reduction for Chemicals and Co-products has been expanded to include two new modules that cover requirements pertaining to renewable energy (Module D) and asset efficiency improvement (Module E). Both modules are now available for public review.

Introduced in April 2024, SCS-115 provides a methodology for third-party certification of the greenhouse gas intensity and reduction in carbon dioxide equivalents of a chemical material. SCS-115 is modular, allowing for different decarbonization levers. Draft SCS-115 Modules D and E are the last two planned modules and should be read in tandem with the core SCS-115 standard.

The public is welcome to comment on SCS-115 Modules D and E, until September 5, 2025. To request a copy of the draft and submit comments, please reach out to standards@scsstandards.org, or visit our website here.

About SCS Standards

SCS Standards and Assurance Systems is an organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent, and collaborative approach. SCS Standards is the official standards development body for Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. For more information, visit www.SCSstandards.org.

Media Contact

Victoria Norman
Executive Director
Send an email

CLEVELAND, July 28, 2025 /3BL/ – KeyBank Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its $5.4MM special grant program designed to strengthen Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). In celebration of KeyBank’s (NYSE: KEY) bicentennial, the KeyBank Foundation launched a national grant initiative to support CDFIs across its 27 markets, with a focus on affordable housing and small business growth. In markets where no eligible CDFI proposals were received, KeyBank is establishing a $200,000 donor-advised fund to ensuring each of its communities are a part of this historic celebration.

Selected CDFI grant recipients are driving bold, community-rooted solutions in affordable housing, economic inclusion, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization. Their work is reshaping what is possible for the places and people they serve.

“We are thrilled to announce the awardees of KeyBank’s CDFI grant program,” said Chris Gorman, Chairman and CEO of KeyCorp. “Their work reflects what it truly means to invest in communities and it is an honor to recognize their impact as part of our bicentennial celebration. These awards are more than a financial investment; they are a statement of partnership and belief in what is possible when we work together to uplift communities.”

With more than $5 million invested in this initiative, KeyBank is delivering on its purpose: to help our clients and communities thrive.

“At Key, we believe that being in community is more than just geography, it’s about deep relationships and shared progress,” added Eric Fiala, Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer at KeyBank, CEO, KeyBank Foundation. “These CDFIs are on the ground every day, expanding opportunity and access for all. It’s a privilege to work alongside them, especially as we mark this milestone in our company’s legacy”.

To celebrate KeyBank’s bicentennial, CEO Chris Gorman and senior leaders will visit communities nationwide to recognize awardees alongside clients, teammates, and partners. These events will highlight the organizations’ impact and strengthen KeyBank’s ties to the communities and clients it serves.

The CDFI Grant Awardees include:

• Akron/Canton/Mahoning Valley | Western Reserve Community Fund
• Alaska | Cook Inlet Lending Center
• Albany | Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
• Buffalo | Launch New York, Inc.
• Central Indiana | Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, Inc.
• Central OH | Freedom Equity Inc
• Cincinnati | Cincinnati Development Fund, Inc.
• Cleveland | Cleveland Development Advisors Community Reinvestment Fund, Inc.
• Colorado | Community Enterprise Development Services
• Connecticut/Western Massachusetts | Capital for Change
• Dayton | Dayton Region New Market Fund
• Eastern PA | Community First Fund dba Finanta
• Hudson Valley/Metro New York | Local Initiatives Support Corporation
• Idaho | NewWest Community Capital, Inc
• Maine | Coastal Enterprises Inc
• Michigan | Invest Detroit Foundation
• Oregon | Portland Housing Center
• Rochester | Neighborhood Housing Services of Rochester, Inc. (NHSR)
• Syracuse | Home Headquarters Inc
• Utah | Community Development Fund of Utah
• Vermont | Rutland West Neighborhood Housing Services inc. dba Cornerstone Housing Partners
• Washington | Seattle Economic Development Fund
• Western PA | Renewable Manufacturing Gateway dbs Community Growth Fund

KeyBank Bicentennial Community Development funds will be established at:

• Florida | Collier County Community Foundation
• Northern Indiana | Northern Indiana Community Foundation of Elkhart County
• Tacoma | Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
• Toledo | Greater Toledo Community Foundation

ABOUT KEYBANK FOUNDATION 
KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation that supports organizations and initiatives aimed at improving financial wellness, education, and community development. Through strategic philanthropy, KeyBank Foundation works to create thriving communities and drive meaningful, lasting change.

ABOUT KEYCORP 
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

###

As hurricane season intensifies across the Atlantic, preparedness isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a necessity. At Bacardi, the safety of its people is a top priority and with a regional office based in South Florida, hurricane season is top of mind, both at work and at home.

Bacardi welcomed the American Red Cross South Florida Region to its Coral Gables office for a Hurricane Preparedness Training Session, designed to equip people with the knowledge and tools to stay safe before, during, and after a storm.

The training, attended by approximately 50 people, covered critical preparedness tips including how to create emergency kits, develop communication plans, secure homes, and respond effectively in the event of power outages or evacuations. Participants also learned about the importance of community resilience and how to support vulnerable populations during weather emergencies.

“We’re grateful to Bacardi for prioritizing preparedness and helping their team build the skills needed to stay safe during hurricane season,” said Monica Rusconi, Regional Disaster Officer for the South Florida Red Cross. “Preparedness saves lives, and when companies engage in training like this, it strengthens our entire community’s ability to respond and recover in times of crisis.”

“We recognize that our people are not only essential to our business but also vital members of their families and communities,” said Kathleen Procario, Vice President of Human Resources for Bacardi North America. “By partnering with the South Florida Red Cross, we’re investing in their safety and well-being—at work and at home.”

Bacardi has a long history of supporting the Red Cross and its disaster relief efforts. Earlier this year, the family-owned company provided funding for Red Cross relief efforts across Southern California following devasting wildfires. In 2024, Bacardi donated to relief and recovery efforts following the impact of Hurricanes Milton and Helene across the Southeastern United States. 

Corporate responsibility has always been a priority for Bacardi. Company founder and BACARDÍ rum creator Don Facundo Bacardí Massó began this tradition in 1862 when he volunteered as the chief organizer of disaster relief in his hometown of Santiago de Cuba after a horrific earthquake. Since then, the company continues to build upon his commitment to assist in times of catastrophic natural disasters.

International Olympic Committee news

Less than a year after hosting Olympic and Paralympic competitions, the Olympic Aquatics Centre has recently re-opened to the public – delivering on the Games’ long-term vision to bring lasting benefits to local communities, create opportunities for everyday sport, and make smart use of public investment. Designed from the outset to serve well beyond the Games, the Centre is now a permanent public facility in one of France’s most underserved areas for sports infrastructure.

Community first

During Paris 2024, the Centre staged Olympic and Paralympic diving, water polo and artistic swimming competitions. Located in Seine-Saint-Denis – a densely populated suburb in the north of Paris, and one of the youngest and most diverse areas in France – the venue reflected a core ambition of the organisers: to bring the Games closer to communities, and to invest in infrastructure with long-term local value. It also embodies the reforms brought forward by the IOC’s strategic roadmap, Olympic Agenda 2020, which places legacy, sustainability and long-term public value at the centre of the planning and delivery of the Olympic Games. Paris 2024 was the first Games edition to fully implement this roadmap.

“The Olympic Aquatics Centre represents our ambition to make the Olympic Games more useful and more impactful. It is a venue designed not only to host world-class competition, but also to serve the everyday needs of the wider community for years to come. It shows what is possible when the Olympic Games are planned and organised with a long-term vision in mind.”

Marie Sallois
IOC Director for Sustainability

Now reconfigured in its legacy mode, the Olympic Aquatics Centre includes four pools: a 50-metre competition pool, a diving pool, a learning pool for schoolchildren, and a leisure pool open to all. It also offers nine padel courts, a 1,000m² climbing hall, multiple fitness spaces, a restaurant and snack bar, and a sports “recyclerie” that includes co-repair workshops and a solidarity shop for used equipment.

More than 50 new jobs are being created to support the daily operations and programming of the Aquatics Centre, including roles in facility management, sports instruction and visitor services. Recruitment is being prioritised for local residents through partnerships with France Travail and the local authority, Plaine Commune. The venue also acted as a catalyst for local employment during its construction, generating over 80,000 hours of work and providing training opportunities for jobseekers and young people.

As the first completed facility in the broader Grand Pleyel redevelopment zone – a major urban project that will reshape this part of northern Paris through new housing, transport connections and public services – the Aquatics Centre anchors sport as a lasting part of the city’s future.

A new benchmark for sustainable design

With full stands and a dynamic atmosphere, the Centre was one of the most visually distinctive venues of Paris 2024. Athletes competed in world-class conditions beneath a striking timber roof that captured global attention and reflected the sustainable design principles of the Games.

Constructed in under three years on the former industrial site of Plaine Saulnier – adjacent to the Stade de France – the Centre was delivered on time and on budget. The building itself sets a new benchmark for sustainable venue design. Its 90-metre roof is made from 90% bio-sourced French wood from sustainably managed forests. Entirely self-supporting, the structure eliminates the need for internal pillars, providing clear sightlines and a strong architectural identity. The Centre uses 50% less energy than a typical aquatic facility, thanks to features like water recycling, natural ventilation and high-efficiency lighting – contributing to Paris 2024’s ambition to deliver Games with a reduced carbon footprint.

Blending high performance and public use

Looking ahead, the venue will continue to balance high performance with public use, as well as serve as an elite pole for the French Swimming Federation. In 2026, it will serve as a key site for the European Swimming Championships, reinforcing its dual role as both a high-performance environment and a community anchor.

In the coming weeks, the Olympic rings will be installed on the façade, and the venue will be formally named the Centre Aquatique Olympique Métropole du Grand Paris. As it reopens, it stands not only as a reminder of the Games, but also as a lasting asset for the community it was built to serve.

“The Olympic Aquatics Centre, an iconic venue of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will soon become the most popular pool in France.  In an area where access to sports infrastructure remains among the lowest in the country, and where too many children are unable to learn to swim, this facility meets long-standing needs.”

Marie Barsacq
Minister for Sport, Youth and Community Life, France

For the more than half a million Americans receiving dialysis, treatment doesn’t end when they leave the center. Many patients manage complex medication regimens at home, often taking more than 10 pills daily. This burden can impact adherence, outcomes, and overall quality of life.

Now, new research from DaVita published in Hemodialysis International suggests that one critical medication used to manage a common dialysis-related condition may not need to be taken daily — and may not need to be taken at home at all.

Reconsidering Cinacalcet: A Key Medication in SHPT Management

Cinacalcet is widely used to control secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), a complication of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) that disrupts calcium and phosphorus balance and increases the risk of cardiovascular and bone disorders. Traditionally, cinacalcet is prescribed for patients to take every day, outside of the dialysis center.

However, a recent study by DaVita’s research team evaluated the effectiveness of a different approach: administering cinacalcet three times a week during in-center dialysis treatments. The goal was to explore whether this change could maintain clinical outcomes while managing one piece of patients’ medication regimens.

Study Results: Equivalent — or Better — Clinical Outcomes

The prospective study compared two groups of dialysis patients with SHPT: One received daily oral cinacalcet at home while the other received in-center dosing three times per week.

Key findings included:

• Comparable control of parathyroid hormone (PTH) between both groups
• Stable calcium levels throughout the study period for both cohorts, with the in-center group showing slightly improved calcium control in select months

These results suggest that in-center administration may provide equal, if not superior, effectiveness compared to daily at-home dosing.

“These findings can help open the door to a more streamlined and reliable care model, one in which patients can lean into their care teams for support in managing their complex health needs,” says Steven Brunelli, MD, MSCE, vice president and medical director for health analytics for DaVita’s research team.

Supporting Broader Healthcare Goals

Medication adherence remains a persistent challenge in chronic disease management. For dialysis patients, the complexity of treatment regimens — including pill burden — can be a barrier to consistent, effective care.

Integrating cinacalcet administration into dialysis visits offers several potential benefits:

• Improved adherence through provider-administered dosing
• Reduced patient burden and simplified at-home routines
• Enhanced care coordination and clinical oversight
• Potential for lower medication waste and fewer adverse events

“Patients managing multiple medications daily may be more likely to miss doses or face complications. By shifting cinacalcet into the dialysis setting, clinicians can help provide more consistent delivery and potentially reduce variability in outcomes,” notes Vishal Ratkalkar, MD, FACP, FASN, of Georgia Renal & Hypertension Care. Treating physicians are ultimately responsible for leveraging scientific evidence and their personal expertise to make clinical decisions. To support clinical decision-making, this study exemplifies that in-center use of certain medications offers a valid alternative to daily use in the right setting.

As health systems and payors focus increasingly on value-based care, approaches that improve outcomes while reducing complexity and costs are in demand. Administering cinacalcet during dialysis aligns with these priorities by removing barriers to adherence and reinforcing care consistency — without requiring new infrastructure or patient behavior change.

“This research reflects how operational adjustments can translate to measurable improvements in care delivery,” says Dr. Brunelli.

By leveraging existing care touchpoints, this model may offer a better experience for patients, more confidence for providers, and more value for the healthcare system:
Fewer pills. Greater adherence. Same high standard of care.

July 25, 2025 /3BL/ – And-Co, a coworking and event space in Vancouver, British Columbia, is Canada’s first WELL Coworking Rated flexible workspace. Located at 1575 W Georgia Street, in a WELL Certified Platinum building, And-Co’s new office has achieved validation that showcases how a coworking space can meet evidence-based health measures and advance well-being for flexible workspace users.

The WELL Coworking Rating is derived from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)’s health strategies and integrated with The Instant Group’s platform to help occupiers searching for workspace and all those that enter the space know that the leadership benchmark for health and wellness has been met. In April 2024, IWBI and Instant announced a strategic partnership to spur health and well-being practices in coworking and flexible workspaces. This has culminated in the launch of the first-of-its-kind healthy buildings rating for coworking operators.

The WELL Coworking Rating integrates into The Instant Group’s platform, which is the world’s largest marketplace for flexible workspace offerings and used by more than 26,000 flex operators, landlords and investors. Prospective coworking and flexible workspace users can search for health and well-being focused workspace using the new feature as they access more than 350,000 flexible workplaces on Instant’s digital platforms.

“And-Co is a place built for professionals and designed to bring people together,” said Ryan Dass, Director at And-Co. “We’re giving our community the keys to thrive—with a dedicated on-site team, thoughtful design, and spaces that spark real connection. The WELL Coworking Rating embodies everything we stand for, and we’re proud to be the first in Canada to earn it. It proves our commitment to well-being is tangible—and built into everything we do.”

“Canada continues to lead the way in creating healthier, more sustainable workspaces, and And-Co’s achievement of the first WELL Coworking Rating in Canada is a proud example of this,” said Olesy Alekseev, vice president and Canada country lead at IWBI. “This milestone not only builds on the building’s existing WELL Core Platinum Certification but also demonstrates how And-Co’s flexible working and event space goes above and beyond to meet the specific needs of coworking environments. It highlights how flexible workspaces can be designed to support well-being, setting a new standard for the industry in Vancouver and beyond.”

Sam Pickering, Executive Director, Head of Sustainability at The Instant Group said: “It is kudos to And-Co for committing to early adoption and setting out to achieve the WELL Coworking Rating, which is derived from health strategies in the WELL Building Standard. The process evaluates nearly 50 different features spanning 10 WELL concepts, from air and water quality to light and thermal comfort, and movement and nourishment. It was a pleasure to work with And-Co and their commitment sets them apart as a leader in healthy flexible workspace.”

Aligned with the growing demand for healthier places and spaces, research shows evidence-based health interventions in buildings help support workplace satisfaction, comfort and productivity, while also helping organizations better attract and retain talent. A 2022 study found that WELL Certified offices increase overall employee satisfaction by 28% and support a 10-point jump in median productivity. In addition, evidence behind the business case for healthy buildings shows that investing in people helps drive several economic benefits, including over seven percent higher rents per-square-foot in certified healthy buildings, longer lease terms, and eight percent increase in employee performance due to improved air quality. 

###

About And-Co
Built for Professionals, Designed for Connection.

And-Co is a purpose-driven workspace and event hub in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, created for professionals who expect more from where they work. With flexible private offices, shared workspaces, and beautifully designed event spaces, And-Co offers an environment where people can perform at their best—while feeling part of something bigger.

It’s home to a growing, engaged community, connected through regular member events, arts and culture programming, and initiatives that champion collaboration and solidarity. Wellness is built into every detail—from natural light and movement areas to the support of a dedicated on-site team—delivering a truly human-first experience.

Recognized as Canada’s first WELL Rated flexible workspace, And-Co proves that putting people first isn’t just a value—it’s how we operate every day.

About the International WELL Building Institute

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) is a public benefit corporation and the global authority for transforming health and well-being in buildings, organizations and communities. In pursuit of its public-health mission, IWBI mobilizes its community through the development and administration of the WELL Building Standard (WELL), WELL for residential, WELL Community Standard, its WELL ratings and management of the WELL AP credential. IWBI also translates research into practice, develops educational resources and advocates for policies that promote people-first places for everyone, everywhere. IWBI is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate citizenship initiative, and helps companies advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the use of WELL. More information on WELL can be found here.

International WELL Building Institute, IWBI, the WELL Building Standard, WELL v2, WELL Certified, WELL AP, WELL EP, WELL Score, The WELL Conference, We Are WELL, the WELL Community Standard, WELL Health-Safety Rated, WELL Performance Rated, WELL Equity Rated, WELL Equity, WELL Coworking Rated, WELL Residence, Works with WELL, WELL and others, and their related logos are trademarks or certification marks of International WELL Building Institute pbc in the United States and other countries.

About The Instant Group

The Instant Group has been rethinking workspace since 1999 with over 500 experts working globally across more than 175 countries. Instant’s digital platforms constitute the world’s largest digital marketplace for flexible workspace listing meeting rooms, virtual offices, flexible office space and coworking memberships. Its global team advises on commercial real estate solutions from serviced offices to fully customised managed offices, and consulting services for portfolio and net zero strategies. Instant’s approach enables agility, hybrid working solutions and improved operational resilience for more than 250,000 businesses every year. Clients include Prudential, Booking.com, Shell, Jaguar Land Rover and GSK. Instant has global offices including London, New York, Mexico City, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney. www.theinstantgroup.com www.instantoffices.com