Instituto Aço Cearense celebrates its 11th anniversary with more than 81,000 people benefiting throughout its history

The Aço Cearense Institute contributes to the social development of the communities of Ceará, Pará and Tocantins, where Aço Cearense Comercial, Aço Cearense Industrial, SINOBRAS and SINOBRAS FLORESTAL, Group companies, are located, by supporting initiatives of social institutions, strengthening people's engagement in actions that contribute to their growth and the growth of the communities where they live.

With over R$1.4 billion invested in these initiatives, 174 institutions have already benefited, benefiting over 81,000 people. Supported projects include assistance to children and young people in socially vulnerable situations, associations for people with disabilities, and organizations that care for the elderly, as well as those with diabetes and hypertension. The Institute also sponsors athletes from Ceará who excel in the local and national sports scene.

According to Rosemeire Matos, president of the Institute, reaching 11 years of work with communities is the reward for a dream that many people dreamed of. "Our efforts are reflected in smiles every time we successfully carry out an initiative through the Instituto Aço Cearense. We are very proud of our trajectory, which drives the nonprofit sector, not only economically but also by providing a better quality of life for countless people in need," explains the president.

Eleven years of history

In 2010, the Instituto Aço Cearense began as a welfare service, providing internal initiatives for employees. The initiative later transformed into the WMA Institute, which, due to the need to further strengthen the brand, was renamed Instituto Aço Cearense. Today, it serves several underprivileged institutions and develops communities surrounding the Group's companies by fostering sports, education, the arts, and entrepreneurship.

Actions during the Covid-19 pandemic

In 2020, the Instituto Aço Cearense celebrated its tenth anniversary when it was surprised, amid its celebrations, by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many activities were suspended, and many others adapted to the new situation the world still faces today. However, with the strength and perseverance of those who keep this machine moving, many actions were taken to minimize the impact of the pandemic on the lives of many vulnerable people.

To mitigate the effects of the pandemic, basic food baskets were donated to needy families and workers directly affected by the pandemic, such as musicians and event professionals. Hygiene kits containing shampoo, bleach, soap, toothpaste, disinfectant, detergent, and laundry detergent were also distributed to communities in Pará and Ceará, along with 1,000 masks for families in Ceará. The institute also donated ten oxygen cylinders to the Marabá Health Department through SINOBRAS to aid the recovery of infected individuals.