Three is 100% owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited (HWL), a leading international corporation committed to innovation and technology. The Chariman of HWL, Li Ka-shing, is a noted philanthropist and because of this HWL takes pride in giving back to society.

In 2006, Mr. Li pledged to donate one-third of his fortune to charity and philanthropic projects throughout the world — a pledge estimated at over US$10 billion. To date, Mr. Li has given away well over US$1 billion in philanthropy via his Li Ka-Shing Foundation.

Through the Foundation, Mr. Li has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to serving mankind. He has pioneered and supported multiple philanthropic programs and initiatives with an eye toward social progress and reform, innovation and creativity, and, above all, charity.

"To be able to contribute to society and to help those in need to build a better life, that is the ultimate meaning in life. I would gladly consider this to be my life's work." – Li Ka-shing

As part of the Hutchison Whampoa Group, Three Ireland, following its parent company, also takes pride in giving back to the community. Three is a young and growing business but we are committed to supporting various charities nationwide as much as we can.

The John Giles Foundation ‘Walk of Dreams".

Since coming on board as primary sponsor of the Irish National Football team, Three has looked to introduce initiatives aimed at providing real support to all levels of football throughout Ireland so supporting the John Giles Foundation is a natural step in strengthening this commitment.

The John Giles Foundation was founded to use football as a vehicle for social change, to build community cohesion, increase participation and to improve health and education by providing funding to help football in clubs, schools and community groups in Ireland.

The John Giles Foundation in association with Three developed the ‘Walk of Dreams’ fund raising initiative. It brings together football clubs from all over Ireland to raise much needed funds for grass-roots football and the John Giles Foundation. The walks will take place nationwide in Letterkenny, Sligo, Castlebar, Galway City, Ennis, Limerick City, Tralee, Cork City, Athlone, Thurles, Waterford City, Enniscorthy, Dublin City (from Aviva stadium) and Dundalk.

Half of the funds raised are retained by participating football clubs while the other half goes to the Foundation for community football projects in clubs, schools and community groups throughout Ireland.

Action Breast Cancer – Irish Cancer Society.

Three and Umbro released a "Limited Edition" Pink version of the Ireland Home football jersey in December 2010. The jersey featured a special embroidery around the FAI crest and a pink ribbon on the sleeve. The Irish Senior International Team sponsored by Three, supported the cause by wearing the kit in the warm-up for an International friendly game against Norway at the Aviva Stadium. 10% of the retail value of each jersey was donated to Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society.

Make-A-Wish Foundation and Three.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation was the chosen charity by Three for the 3Irish Open 2010. Make-A-Wish Ireland grants wishes to children age 3-18 with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. One of the tournament days was called ‘Purple Day’ - a purple-themed day when all the players and fans were invited to wear purple. In addition, purple Three Irish Open caps were on sale with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Over €40,000 was raised for the charity during the tournament through various fund-raising initiatives organised by Three.

Age Action.

Age Action is a charity which promotes positive ageing and better policies and services for older people. Three teamed with Age Action Ireland to host the Three Silver Surfer Awards 2010 which is a nationwide search to find Ireland’s most inspirational “Silver Surfers”. It is a way to recognise those who are an example to us all, no matter what age, when it comes to the best use of IT and the internet. With the successful 100% roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme Three connected the remotest parts of the country so now neither age nor location is a barrier thanks to Three with people of all ages rapidly embracing new technologies through the National Broadband Scheme.

Marie Keating Foundation.

As main sponsors of the Three Irish Open in 2009, Three organised the Three Irish Open ‘Pink Friday’. In association with the Marie Keating Foundation, Three encouraged ladies and gentlemen to join a host of Pink festivities to support and raise awareness for breast cancer.
The Three Irish Open turned a radiant rosy shade of pink on Friday 15th May 2009 at Baltray with all visitors doing something pink for the day.

Tickets to the Three Irish Open Pink Day were €20 with donations going to the Marie Keating Foundation. In addition, Three donated 10 euros from every sale of its Pay Monthly price plans from the 28th of March through to the Three Irish Open in May to the Marie Keating Foundation.

JobFit.

JobFit aims to help people who have been unemployed and in receipt of social welfare for three months or more and are qualified to Junior Certificate level or below, to get a job or move onto further education or employment-related training.
Three supports their programme to help unemployed people back into the workplace or further education. Three is the first major multi-national corporation to become involved in the programme and offered work experience placements to suitable JobFit participants in our 3Stores nationwide. The JobFit programme, was free to participants and included training that leads to nationally recognised qualifications as well as tailored support and guidance to aid people in applying for jobs, and work experience placements with employers.

Achill Half Marathon.

To celebrate the successful rollout of the National Broadband Scheme in Achill, Three sponsored the Achill Half Marathon 2010. The event attracts people from all over Ireland to participate in the 13.5 mile run. In 2010, the chosen charities to support were the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and Mayo Roscommon Hospice with approx €60,000 raised from the event.

Charity 25 - 2WILLDO.

Charity 25 set up a subscription service allowing mobile users to donate €2 per month via text to over 25 Irish charities. Three waived our normal fees on this to ensure that all donated proceeds go to the chosen charity.

Not only is Three, as a business, focused on giving something back to the community, our employees are very passionate and supportive when it comes to fundraising as well. We are constantly thinking about how we can help raise much needed funds for various charities nationwide. Some examples include the following:

• Movember 2010 – over €6000 raised by Three employees for cancers that affect men.
• Three supported ‘Operation Christmas Child’ - this annual shoebox appeal is all about a gift, given to a child in need. ‘You wrap and pack it, the Samaritan’s Purse check and send it and their partners overseas deliver it.’
• Three has regular internal competitions and raffles with all proceeds going to a variety of charities – examples include Goal, St. Vincent De Paul, Simon Community and Muintir Na Tire.