At Veolia in Birmingham, we encourage our staff to get involved in community projects within their local area.
Employees can help out with any local project that they feel passionate about, from helping clean up local communities to working with schools. This is to demonstrate our commitment to being a good neighbour. Not only does this make a difference to the communities we work in, but volunteering is also a recognised way of increasing employee engagement.
Sheldon Country Park
Veolia employees have been getting their hands dirty by using their volunteer days to help make improvements to Sheldon Country Park. The team of volunteers got involved by digging a small duck pond, installing fencing around the park, and improving communal areas enjoyed by visitors to the park.
The Transport Manager led the team of five volunteers on the day said, “It was a great day and opportunity to put something back into the community as well as bonding with the team.”
Sheldon Country Park were impressed with the work achieved and the chemistry of the team and have requested to have them back in the future. Watch this space!
Bishop Latimer Community Garden
Bishop Latimer Community Garden is a local group based in Winson Green. Although the community garden is adjacent to the church, the aim of the community group is to support and bring the local community together from all walks of life, regardless of their background.
The volunteers helped to cut back the bushes, mowed the lawn and generally tidied up the garden ready for visitors and members to enjoy in summer. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by the volunteers as it was an opportunity to bond together as a team as well as giving back to a worthy cause.
Bishop Latimer Community Garden commented on the difference Veolia volunteers had made to the garden and also on how lovely the team were.
SIFA Fireside
A team of five Veolia employees took on the heatwave as they travelled down to SIFA Fireside to help out with serving breakfast, preparing and serving lunch and tidying and sorting in the clothing store ahead of distribution of clothing and accessories the following day to disadvantaged clients who use the facilities at the charity.
One of the volunteers commented on the visit, Siobhan said, "I really enjoyed the time we spent at SIFA Fireside. It was a really positive community and it felt great to be a very small part of some of the wonderful support that is being provided. I definitely came away feeling incredibly lucky and appreciative for lots in my life including working for a company that gives me the opportunity to spend a day doing such an activity."
The charity co-ordinator, Maria Mcleod, said, “Wonderful support today from our fab five volunteers from Veolia who braved the heat and supported us to serve breakfast, prepare and serve lunch as well as some great tidying and sorting in our clothing store. We look forward to having them join us again.”
The SIFA Fireside team were very thankful for the visit and the volunteers are very excited for the next opportunity to volunteer at the charity.
