What’s Your Favorite Way to Give Back and Find Fulfillment?
Ever wondered how giving back to the community can transform your life? In this article, insights from an owner and a president reveal their most fulfilling volunteer experiences. Learn how designing community gardens can bring immense joy and read about the rewards of participating in the Angel Tree Program. Discover the four remarkable stories shared by our experts.
- Designing Community Gardens Brings Joy
- Organizing Tree-Planting Events Brings Fulfillment
- Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity Rewards
- Participating in Angel Tree Program Brings Joy
Designing Community Gardens Brings Joy
Volunteering to help design and build community gardens and parks has brought me tremendous joy over the years. For example, donating our services to help renovate William Hawrelak Park—a popular park in Edmonton—allowed my team to connect with community members and feel proud of the end result.
Beyond company efforts, I personally find fulfillment in teaching gardening and landscaping workshops at local community centers. Helping others find a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces is rewarding. Recently, a woman who attended my fairy-garden workshop told me how she and her daughter now bond over tending to their garden. Hearing stories like this makes the extra effort worthwhile.
Though revenue doesn’t directly increase from volunteering, giving back boosts goodwill and word-of-mouth marketing for my business. Community members appreciate a company that cares about more than profits. I encourage other business owners to find ways to support causes or organizations important to them. The benefits to your community and company culture are well worth it.
Josh Payne
Owner, Classic Landscape
Organizing Tree-Planting Events Brings Fulfillment
One experience I have had was organizing a community tree-planting event in Dallas. We partnered with local schools to teach kids about the importance of trees and the environment, and seeing their excitement while planting their first tree was incredible. It reminded me of why I got into this business in the first place: to care for our environment and help others appreciate it. Giving back in this way not only strengthened our ties with the community but also brought me immense personal fulfillment. Moments like these make all the hard work worth it.
Amaury Ponce
Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity Rewards
As a long-time roofer, I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, helping build new homes for families in need. Providing a safe roof over someone’s head, knowing the security and shelter it will provide for years to come, is an incredibly rewarding experience. We’ve donated materials and labor, installing high-quality, durable roofs that will stand up to the elements.
Personally, I also volunteer at my local church, organizing fundraisers and helping with building improvements and repairs. Recently, we re-roofed an old wing of the church that was leaking and in dire need of replacement. The congregation’s gratitude and relief in having a watertight roof again made all the time and effort worthwhile.
For my employees, I organize an annual fundraiser and team competition to re-roof the home of a family in need. We cover all costs so the family receives a complete, professional roof replacement at no charge. My team loves the chance to give back using their skills and trades, and it builds camaraderie being able to work together for such a good cause. The impact we can have by simply doing what we do best is genuinely life-changing.
Justin Kalcevic
Owner, C.Kalcevic Roofing and Contracting
Participating in Angel Tree Program Brings Joy
I’ve found that giving back through community service and volunteering has brought me enormous joy and fulfillment over the years. For example, our company participates in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program every year by collecting gifts for underprivileged children in our area. Seeing the smiling faces of the families receiving these gifts is incredibly rewarding.
Personally, I volunteer my time as an elder at my local church, providing spiritual guidance to members and assisting the pastor during services. Our church also organizes food drives, provides financial assistance to those in need, and offers space for adult-education classes. It’s humbling to help in whatever way I can.
One of our store managers, Phil Reesey, has been involved with the Boy Scouts for over a decade, helping hundreds of young men develop leadership skills and confidence. Many of his former scouts have gone on to earn college scholarships. Phil says that while volunteering requires patience, the rewards of seeing these boys grow into responsible young men make it well worth the effort.
I’m extremely fortunate to work for a company that encourages its employees to give back. We believe that volunteering strengthens our community and helps create a spirit of goodwill. For me, there’s no better feeling than knowing I’ve made a positive difference in someone else’s life.
Thomas Lee IV
President, Lee & Cates Glass
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