At PEXA we believe in contributing positively to the communities in which we live and work. That’s why we choose to partner with charities like Homes for Homes and Housing All Australians that help connect people to place and deliver real social and community impact. Another way we deliver on our company purpose of ‘Connecting People to Place’ is through our volunteer leave entitlements offered to PEXA employees, and ongoing volunteer opportunities provided by our partnership with GoodCompany.
In celebration of National Volunteering Week, we asked PEXA staff to share their experiences with volunteering to show that even a small contribution can make a big difference in the lives of those in need.
Louise’s volunteering experience with Orange Sky
Louise Morcus, PEXA’s Senior Business Manager for Finance and Enterprise Support, felt inspired to give back after a volunteering-themed ‘Lunch and Learn’ session provided by PEXA, where she was struck by the words: “If you’re not giving, you’re not living.” She jumped on to browse Seek’s volunteering opportunities and decided on Orange Sky – an Australian charity providing support to people experiencing homelessness and hardship through access to free laundry and warm showers.
On a typical volunteer day, powered by her volunteering leave, Louise will spend the morning helping to set up Orange Sky’s big orange van equipped with washing machines, dryers and a shower. She and the team will do the laundry, clean the showers and provide some much-needed connection for the people who visit.
“Helping those in need puts things into perspective for the things we take for granted in life, something as simple as a hot shower,” says Louise. “Volunteering and charities make a bigger impact on people’s lives than you might think.”
Christopher’s volunteering experience with The Visionaries
PEXA’s UK Business Analyst, Christopher Nguyen, and his PEXA and Optima Legal colleagues, rolled up their sleeves to build a vegetable garden for a local school with charity ‘The Visionaries’. “We helped with some composting as well as getting our hands dirty building some large planters for the kids to use when they introduce some new plants to their school garden,” says Christopher.
For those considering volunteering, Christopher’s advice is that every minute counts; “I think even if you can’t volunteer for the whole day, I think it’s a good opportunity to come down for a couple hours or even just an hour.
“I’m hoping to attend the next volunteer day, and I’m looking forward to seeing an even bigger turn out!” said Christopher.
Helen’s volunteering experience with the Victorian SES
PEXA’s Customer Solutions specialist, Helen Eames uses her problem-solving skills to volunteer for her local SES. By day, she’s working with customers to develop innovative solutions to maximise productivity. But after hours, Helen volunteers with the SES in Chiltern, Victoria, keeping locals safe through emergency response such as swift water rescue.
“Volunteering is about helping people and finding out what they need and assisting them in that need, so not dissimilar to my work at PEXA. It teaches me how to be a team player, problem solve, manage different personalities and lead people.”
Not everyone can dedicate as much time to volunteering as Helen. But, for those keen to dip a toe, Helen’s advice is to just get started. “You’ve just got to make that leap,” she says.
“Pick something that piques your interest, go to an information night or use it as a team bonding day. There are simple things you can do. We’ll often have volunteers who will just do admin or make sandwiches for the volunteers.
“Every little bit helps.”
Get involved this National Volunteer Week!
It’s not too late to start giving back! If you’re keen to get involved, check out the ongoing volunteering opportunities available in your region via the National Volunteering Week website, Seek, or sign up to GoodCompany for more corporate volunteering and philanthropy opportunities.
