RPL enjoys success at RDP Ricoh Way Values Awards

Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) is proud to announce that the business was recognised in the annual RICOH Digital Products (RDP) Ricoh Way Values Awards earlier this week, following an employee’s social and charitable work.  

In the online awards ceremony, various Ricoh Group successes were showcased to a global audience. 

Alan De La Hay, Tool maker (Manufacturing & Facilities Engineering) was delighted to be the recipient of the Gold ‘Social Contribution’ award, following his extraordinary support following the conflict in Ukraine. By his own admission: “I was so shocked and moved by the invasion of Ukraine, so felt I needed to do something to support those in need.”  

With his partner, they decided to rehome an individual displaced by the war through a Facebook group called Help Ukraine Telford (or HUT) as part of the governments ‘Homes for Ukraine’ appeal.   

After an initial struggle with Visa applications, they were finally able to offer a home to Iryna from Kharkiv, who’s apartment was destroyed by a rocket. Iryna stayed with Alan for four months, during which time she was fully and successfully integrated into UK life, and now lives and works in London as a Nanny. Said Alan: “For Iryna, the UK is her permanent home now.”  

During this same period, Alan continued to collect funds and donations for HUT and, already being a committee member, became one of the directors.   

According to Scott Pardoe, Tooling Supervisor, who raised the initial nomination at RPL: “Alan took the opportunity to secure an empty shop in Bridgnorth from between October and December 2022 free of charge from Apley estate. In this brief spell, Alan and his partner raised around £5000 to buy essential aid for the approaching Ukrainian winter.” 

Dave Rogers, Team Leader, added: “Alan also used holidays from work so that he could ‘man’ the shop every Friday. He even worked Christmas Day! 

“Alan and his partner worked with local schools to get ‘shoebox’ donations with presents inside, so children caught up in the conflict could still experience some joy during the festive period.”  

Alan’s charitable efforts ensured ten 7.5 tonne lorry loads of supplies were sent to Ukraine, including food, warm clothing, children’s toys, medical supplies, chainsaws, petrol generators – and even a surgical portable wash station. 

In the event, RICOH Digital Products President, Katsunori Nakata said: “I would like to thank Alan and his partner for their vital social contribution activities, which highlights the importance of people connection.”  

“They put their hands up autonomously and voluntarily gave their time to support others. Alan is undoubtedly an asset to the Ricoh Family Group.” 

He added: “Such social contribution activities give hope and pride to our people – and so I want others to look at this contribution and follow suit, for wellbeing of wider society.”  

Reflecting on the award, Alan said: “I humbly accept this award on behalf of all the committee members and directors at HUT who so willingly give their time (and in many cases their spare rooms) in supporting victims of the Ukraine conflict, and the wider public who supported with fundraising and donations.”