Since its foundation, Irkutsk Oil Company has been a good corporate citizen, supporting local non-profit organizations and communities based in areas where the company has operations.

Since it has been in business, Irkutsk Oil Company has signed ten agreements to provide social and economic support to Irkutsk region municipalities. The Regional Association of the Blind, Ust’-Kut, Kirensk, Katanga and Nepsky municipalities, the ‘Tokma’ and ‘Ilel’ communities, the union of indigenous ethnic communities, the Evenks cultural center, the association of ‘Ure’ communities, the World War II veterans’ organization of the Ust’-Kut district, the charity fund for disabled children’s rehabilitation, and many others have been recipients of Irkutsk Oil contributions.

In August 2007, the company entered into a social and economic partnership agreement with the Irkutsk regional government by which the company commits to keeping its headquarter in the region, meaning that all local taxes will fund local budgets.

In 2009, the company spent more than 9 million rubles on social assistance, and 10.6 million rubles will be allocated for 19 various socially-oriented activities to be performed in three municipalities in 2010. Despite financial difficulties, Irkutsk Oil Company continues to render assistance to those whom it has traditionally helped.

 

PARTNERSHIP WITH MUNICIPALITIES

Since it began operation of oil and gas fields in 2000, Irkutsk Oil Company has focused on social issues.

Honoring its social partnership agreements, the company endeavors to employ Ust’-Kut municipality laborers. The current and future activities of INK and its subsidiaries go along way in helping to bring stability to the municipality’s social and economic life and that of other Irkutsk region districts: some 80% of the company’s workforce lives in Ust’-Kut or Verkhnemarkovo. Not only does the company directly employ many Irkutsk region residents, many other local residents are engaged in contracts to provide Irkutsk Oil Company with various services.

The Markovo field is located very close to the village of Verkhnemarkovo with a population of some 3,000, for whom Irkutsk Oil Company is the main employer. Gas produced at the Markovo field is used for power generation and heating for the village itself and close-by settlements. Irkutsk Oil delivers heating oil to Ust’-Kut boiler stations, providing the city with a steady supply of power in winter.

In addition to regular tax payments to regional and district budgets, Irkutsk Oil Company is also implementing various social activities in the framework of partnership agreements: repairing road infrastructure, constructing children’s playgrounds, funding sports events, assisting hospital restoration, installing fire alarms in local schools, and conducting many other projects. The company is striving to provide various types of social support: education, health, sports, and care for children and retired people.

 

PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

Settlements of the indigenous Evenks community are located in the Katanga district. The native population, struggling to preserve its ethnic culture and traditions, accepts the help of Irkutsk Oil Company. Under a partnership agreement executed annually with the union of indigenous communities, the company purchases print media materials, leaflets, and calendars in order to promote Evenks culture.

INK has developed and adopted a code of conduct for its personnel which takes into consideration indigenous ethnic communities’ places of worship in the industrial zone. Following the principles of the code enables the company to develop and maintain good-neighborly and respectful relations with the local population.

The company also helps the ‘Tokma’ and ‘Ilel’ local indigenous communities in the organization of traditional celebrations, it provides sponsorship for Evenks orphans, and it endeavors to support the native community’s social and cultural traditions.

 

SUPPORT FOR tHE ASSOCIATION OF BLIND PEOPLE

A partnership with the regional division of the All-Russian Association of Blind People began in 2004. In the framework of the partnership agreement, the company provides charity support and financial assistance amounting to 300,000 rubles annually.

Through the sponsorship, all local organizations are supplied with computers, printers and necessary office supplies. The disabled people are successfully adopting computers and internet communication. Participation in chess tournaments, festivals, competitions, and rehabilitation programs organized in the countryside helps blind people feel care and support, and makes it easier overcome communication difficulties and become socially active.

 

SUPPORT OF LOCAL RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary located in Ust’-Kut was restored with the help of Irkutsk Oil Company. In 2009 and 2010, the company donated 400,000 rubles to purchase literature, assist in the organization of children’s celebrations, and repair the Cathedral. Providing financial assistance, Irkutsk Oil Company contributes to the revival of religion in the northern regions.

Sponsorship was also provided to other religious organizations: the “Manla” Buddhist community and the Jewish community of Irkutsk region (repair of a synagogue in a city of Irkutsk and daycare facilities).

The company’s charitable contributions are primarily directed towards religious education of young people.