To mark the spirit of International Volunteer Day, we celebrate solidarity through volunteering. For the future of our planet, we must act together, and we must act now. We want to recognize the invaluable contribution of our global colleagues that have volunteered and inspired action to drive positive change.

Volunteering is where compassion meets solidarity. Both share the same root values – supporting each other from a position of trust, humility, respect, and equality. Rising inequalities throughout the world implore that we work together to find common solutions.

This year the Global Volunteering Initiative was launched to support employees to dedicate time to a cause close to their heart to have a positive impact through volunteering. Below are some highlights from our global colleagues who volunteered with our partners.

Thailand

The Swarovski Foundation came together with Swarovski Group employees and partner Teach for Thailand to share their expertise as part of a network of leaders who support equitable education opportunities in Thailand. These volunteering initiatives included an English class and Career workshop for over 100 students aged between 12-15 years old from Nong Yai Siri Worawat Witthaya School in Chon Buri, Thailand.

Volunteers shared their knowledge through both practical and theoretical approaches. Access to quality education should be available to all irrespective of socio-economic backgrounds, therefore these initiatives enable students to meet people from different backgrounds and inspire students to dream big for future career goals and opportunities.

Stefano Giacomelli, Managing Director of Swarovski Business Services Manufacturing Thailand shares:

“Promoting human empowerment through education, shoulder to shoulder with the inspiring Swarovski Foundation colleagues, makes me proud to be part of the Swarovski company. The visible joy of the students from the Teach for Thailand English class and the career workshop filled my heart with hope, and I gain even more confidence on the long-term impact of Teach for Thailand’s program on igniting the children’s dreams for a better future.”

‍Australia‍

Our colleagues volunteered at the Swarovski Waterschool Flagship event at the Georges River Environmental Education Centre in Sydney. Colleagues contributed to a global water conservation effort by supporting students who held a series of peer teaching workshops with topics ranging from water conservation to biodiversity protection using their voices to inspire their peers as well as learning from First Nation Elders on how to connect to country.

Tom Tran, Managing Director Business Services ANZ shares:

“It’s great to be part of a meaningful event and having the opportunity to interact with our young environmental leaders. The event gave the students opportunities to showcase their deep knowledge and ability to convey the message about water conservation. We witnessed a high level of passion and positive energy from everyone involved and were so proud to be part of the flagship event.”

‍Get Involved

Everyday around the globe, millions of people take action on issues that matter to them, volunteering with communities, organizations, companies and alone.

We hope these stories highlight the power of our collective humanity to drive positive change through volunteering and inspire you to take the opportunity to volunteer too so that you can share your drive to create a positive impact with your friends and family.

Together, act now. Volunteer for a better tomorrow.