Eternit supports local social initiatives that contribute to the socio-economic and cultural development of surrounding communities. In addition to carrying out campaigns for the donation of products, foodstuffs and toys and hiring local workers, the Company, in some cases, makes cash contributions.

The process of selecting which themes and initiatives are able to receive the Company’s support, are based on an analysis of the needs of the public audiences benefited. In 2012, investment for the good of society totalled R$3.5 million, 55% more than in the previous year.

Below are some of the projects supported.

• Dorina Nowill Foundation for the Blind: the company sponsors the budget for the publication and distribution of of the foundation’s books printed in Braille and talking books, aimed at public libraries and schools in various municipalities throughout the Country.
• São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Assis Chateaubriand (MASP): Eternit and SAMA sponsor MASP in its conservation of its collection of 7800 works of art, and 60,000 rare books that specialise in the history of art.
• Hospital Art Project: Eternit, Precon Goiás and other companies have signed partnership agreements with the institutions Image Mágica and Doutores da Alegria, which, with a professional team of clowns, share artistic creations, art and comedy for children in hospital. This helps the children to recover more quickly.
• Cultural Inclusion Project – Olga Kos Institute: Eternit and SAMA have signed a partnership agreement, together with other companies, with the objective of providing Down’s syndrome children and the youngsters with cultural inclusion through art. At the end, the artist will select the best works and compile a book for sale, with part of the resulting income reverting to the institution.

Through SAMA, during the year a number of educational and quality of life initiatives work carried out to benefit the community in Minaçu (GO):

• Team of Talent and Athletes of the Future: through an agreement with the Social Service for Industry (SESI), SAMA invests in projects for the social inclusion of young people through sports, and the development of new athletes.
• Educational projects are carried out in partnership with Sesi-Senai, training 2,200 people from the community and qualifying of 40 arts and crafts workers.
• Attributing worth to sport and culture, through events and projects carried out based on ICMS reallocation and the Rouanet Law, with the participation of approximately 10,000 people.
• Support for the town’s commemorative anniversary event, with the participation of 12,000 people.
• Remodelling of hospitals and the providing of medical consultations at the unit for approximately 15,000 people.
• Awareness initiatives for farmers in surrounding rural areas to highlight the risks of fires, with visits to 22 farms and the donation of promotional gifts that encourage the practice of environmental conservation.

Open Doors Program

Since November 2004 Eternit has had an Open Doors Program, to enable those interested to gain and knowledge of the production process, and the installations at the units. This initiative involves the mining company SAMA and the manufacturing plants of Eternit and Precon. During the visits, participants gain a better understanding of the extraction and processing of chrysotile asbestos, and the manufacture of fiber-cement products in a sustainable manner, in addition to learning about the health and safety practices which ensure the controlled use of chrysotile asbestos. The program received 5,636 visitors in 2012, bringing the total visitors since 2004 to over 55,000. To schedule a visit, readers should access the following website link: www.eternit.com.br/portasabertas.