Leading Change, Delivering Impact: Snoonu’s CSR Strategy in Action.

Snoonu, Qatar's fastest growing tech startup, has woven the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the fabric of its operations, setting a powerful example of corporate social responsibility in the tech industry.

This commitment is evident across multiple facets of their business operations, from poverty alleviation and economic empowerment to health and education. Here's a closer look at how Snoonu aligns its CSR initiatives with these global goals to effect tangible change.

Combating Poverty with Technology (SDG Goal #1: No Poverty)

Snoonu has employed its technological resources to combat poverty effectively. During Ramadan, the partnership with Qatar Charity for the Night 27 Challenge leveraged Snoonu’s technological capabilities to facilitate donations towards building the "City of Life." This initiative aimed to provide the largest city for orphans, and will be housing more than 2,000. This demonstrates how digital platforms can streamline and enhance the impact of charitable efforts.

Furthermore, the collaboration with Education Above All for the ‘Keswet Al Eid’ campaign allowed Snoonu to use its app, logistical network, Snoosend, to deliver new clothes to children during Eid, ensuring that the festivities were inclusive globally. Additionally, Snoonu's financial contribution of one million Qatari Riyals to support the people of Gaza, as part of its sponsorship of the "Match for Hope", underlined its commitment to addressing global poverty and crises, making direct impacts on improving lives beyond its immediate community.

Snoonu collaborates with charitable organizations for marketing campaigns within the Snoonu app itself. A marketing campaign runs for two weeks within a specific category, featuring the campaign name, the logo of the charity partner, and a donation of 2 Qatari Riyals from every sale to the charitable organization.

This initiative has been done numerous times, including in October, with the Qatar Cancer Society, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with the Qatar Red Crescent Society in December for their Gaza donations drive, among many others.

Snoonu also participated in the "Goals4Good" initiative, a football tournament by Education Above All held among 50 schools to raise funds for children's education worldwide.

Promoting Health and Well-being (SDG #3: Good Health and Wellbeing)

Snoonu's commitment to health and well-being is multi-faceted, addressing both the physical and mental health of its community and employees.

The "No Riders Under The Sun'' campaign, which restricts bike deliveries during the peak heat hours of summer, showcases Snoonu’s proactive approach to protecting its riders from extreme temperatures. Transitioning to an air-conditioned car fleet during these hours ensures that deliveries continue smoothly while prioritizing rider safety.

On the mental health front, Snoonu’s policies are equally robust. The company offers flexible remote working options to its employees, acknowledging the diverse needs and well-being of its workforce. Additionally, employees are entitled to five extra days off for mental health and work-related stress, a policy aimed at preventing burnout and promoting mental well-being. The allocation of a monthly budget for departmental team-building and leisure activities further underscores Snoonu’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment.

The application has a feature offering 24/7 free pharmacist consultations, highlighting Snoonu's dedication to ensuring accessible health services for its users.

Enhancing Quality Education (SDG #4: Quality Education)

Snoonu's contributions to quality education are demonstrated through its comprehensive internship program, which offers hands-on experience in various tech sectors, including IT, software development, data analytics, product design, and marketing.

This program not only aligns with Qatar’s 2030 vision of a knowledge-based economy but also equips the younger generation with necessary skills and industry exposure. Additionally, Snoonu’s collaboration with Ehsan to teach older people how to use technology, and partnerships with local schools like Tariq bin Ziyad School, further expand its educational impact across different demographics.

Snoonu's commitment to quality education extends beyond its community outreach; it is deeply ingrained in its corporate culture and employee development strategies. As part of its dedication to lifelong learning, Snoonu offers substantial support for its employees' higher education, covering tuition fees and related expenses. This initiative empowers employees to pursue further studies, enhancing their skills and qualifications in fields relevant to their professional growth and the company's innovation trajectory.

Furthermore, Snoonu provides all employees with access to Udemy, an online learning platform with a vast array of courses ranging from technology to business management. This access not only allows employees to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and expand their knowledge base but also encourages a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement within the company.

Through these educational benefits, Snoonu not only invests in the personal and professional development of its workforce but also strengthens its overall contribution to SDG #4, ensuring that education remains a cornerstone of its growth and success.

Snoonu also has multiple partnerships with schools, like their "Be a Positive Impact" event held at Tariq Bin Ziyad School, where Snoonu provided training workshops for students on corporate social responsibility, investing, saving, and starting small projects. At the end of the event, a competition was held to showcase all projects.

Fostering Economic Growth (SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Snoonu's "Homegrown" initiative is a cornerstone of its efforts to foster economic growth and decent work in collaboration with the Ministry of Family and Development. By creating a dedicated platform within its app for home-based businesses, Snoonu provides these enterprises with crucial market exposure and access to a wider customer base.

This initiative not only supports local entrepreneurs but also contributes to the economic diversification of Qatar, empowering individuals to sustain their livelihoods and participate actively in the economy.

Building Partnerships (SDG #17: Partnerships for the Goals)

Snoonu signed partnerships with several institutions, including Qatar Foundation, Qatar University, the Ministry of Family Development, Qatar Charity, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Qatar Cancer Society, Education Above All, Qatar Museums, alongside numerous schools and ministries.

Conclusion

Snoonu’s CSR strategy exemplifies a profound commitment to leveraging corporate resources for sustainable development. By aligning its initiatives with the SDGs, Snoonu not only enhances its corporate reputation but also plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of Qatar. Through targeted programs and strategic partnerships, Snoonu stands as a beacon of how businesses can integrate corporate responsibility into their core operations, championing sustainable and inclusive growth within and beyond Qatar’s tech landscape.