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This was a story I wrote for Coast Capital's monthly "Life at Coast" employee newsletter. Some photos & real names have been removed for employee privacy.
Annilee Booth, Operations & Supply Chain Associate, had been looking for a team volunteer opportunity that would power her purpose and make a positive impact. She knew about the Help Heroes Employee Volunteer Program, which provides employees with paid time to volunteer during work hours, supports staff who want to volunteer during their own time, and designates time for employees to volunteer together as a team.
The project was inspired when Annilee received an urgent email from United Way B.C. asking for support for Ukrainian refugees. Annilee sent the email to the Social Purpose Office, asking if her team could create welcome kits for refugees with their $300 annual Team Power funds.
"Although this initiative was inspired by the events in Ukraine, we were aware there are many people entering Canada from other countries experiencing great loss and with great needs," said Annilee. "They have next to nothing when they arrive, not even basic necessities like a pair of socks or a toothbrush. So I started this project in the spirit of providing comfort to local refugees and creating meaningful partnerships within our communities."
Truly a One Coast effort
Annilee explains how an amazing team of 30 Help Heroes stepped up right away to take it on and make it happen. "Our volunteers were led by four regional team leads (Mike in Victoria, Jane in Vancouver, Lucy in Surrey, and Ben in Toronto). Each team was given a budget to assemble 206 welcome kits in total, packed with personal hygiene items, healthy snacks, feminine products, cozy socks and other items that make a real difference. Many of our volunteers added even more specialty items with their own funds."
The kits were delivered in person to Matthew House in Toronto, United Way B.C. in Vancouver, DIVERSEcity in Surrey and Inter-Cultural Association in Greater Victoria.
"I want to give a heartfelt thank you to our Surrey volunteer group for their efforts," says Lucy, volunteer team lead. Lucy, working alongside her surrey colleagues, organized the supplies, assembled over 60 kits in our HHQ 9th floor café and hand-delivered them directly to DIVERSEcity.
"At Coast, we're known for being active sponsors in our communities," Lucy says. "This experience was humbling, and it reminded us that we are so fortunate to live where we do. There are people who don't have necessities like a toothbrush, socks or a pen to write."
"Life is busy, we all have so many commitments. It's imperative to remember to make time to help those in need - if not, who else will?"
"The collaboration of volunteers at the Toronto office truly demonstrated our partnership and trust in one another – even though many of us have never met in person," says Ben, Toronto volunteer team lead. "When our team learned that most refugees only arrive with one pair of shoes, we worked together to purchase more than 50 extra pairs of slippers as our own personal donation."
Dropping off the kits at Matthew House, Ben describes feeling complete satisfaction that the team's hard work had paid off. "I highly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to lead a future volunteer project. Not only will this give you great exposure to colleagues from across the organization, you'll have a better appreciation of the work being done across your city by different community organizations."
Meet our mini Help Heroes
In an effort to build deeper connections and pass on their passion for giving back, our Help Heroes recruited their families to pitch-in. These 'mini Help Heroes' were eager to assist their parents with shopping and assembling kits. Some of them decorated pictures and cards for the recipients. Kate's daughter even recruited her school sewing club to sew bags to hold the kits. The project became a teaching opportunity as they asked questions and learned about the refugee experience.
"Mary and I did all the shopping and packing together. She went through all her stuffed-animals and donated two large bags. Mary was so happy to see them bring a little bit of joy to another child."
"My daughter is in grade two and helped me do all the shopping, prepared kits, and made many beautiful 'welcome to Canada' cards! I am so proud of her," says Mandy.
Feeling inspired? Become a Help Hero!
Volunteering is a rewarding experience and an important part of our corporate culture. If you are interested in purposeful volunteering in your local community, check out our Help Heroes Employee Volunteer Program and learn how we can support you in powering your purpose and making a difference.
Did you know? For every hour you volunteer through the Help Heroes program, you can receive 10 reward dollars to donate to a cause of your choice (to a maximum of $1,000 reward dollars for all volunteering during the calendar year).
Doing a Team Power activity? Make sure to reach out to the Volunteer Team Inbox to notify us of your plans and request budget to support your project or donate to the organization that is hosting your team.
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