Hi,
As a new initiative we are currently launching a new benefit for employees which will help with building alongside our CSR. We will be giving employees 1 or 2 days, (yet to be decided) paid volunteer work, working alongside a social enterprise firm called benefacto which is website with volunteering opportunities all in one space specifically for companies.
I trialled the day on behalf of the company and here's my piece on how the day went.
“On Wednesday I spent a day with Solomon the owner of the Brixton soup kitchen volunteering. They have been serving lunch for the unfortunate and homeless for 3 years and I was so grateful to take part in that experience for the day, but that’s not all there is also a food bank, a clothes bank and games for the youth to take part in. I can honestly say this is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had and it made me appreciate all the small little things that I have. What was more surprising is what we see as unfortunate they saw as beauty, togetherness and happiness. Giving people food that they so desperately need but can’t have for various reasons left an overwhelming sense of peace and fulfilment in my heart (I also learnt I do a good patty and chips from the feedback received J ). I would definitely recommend it.”
Thanks for reading
Andrew
Comments
Hi Andrew
This sounds like a great initiative and its fantastic to hear your company will provide opportunities to do paid volunteer work. Is this going to be mandatory and can employees choose where and for whom they volunteer for or can they choose not to get involved?
If anyone is interested in learning more here is the website http://benefacto.org/
Mike
Hi Mike,
We haven't launched it just at yet, but we want to make it mandatory however we know this will be difficult and not everyone will take their day.
Also we want to help team cohesion by ensuring that people do it in groups of 3-4 which the website allows
Thanks
Andrew