To mark the publication of WIKA’s first external sustainability report in 2024, our company’s Corporate Sustainability department organised a digital scavenger hunt. It was aimed at the employees of the EMEA region. The various activities included questions, the answers to which eventually resulted in the solution word “change”. For three employees, participating actually brought an exciting change to their everyday lives: they were drawn by lot to take part in a corporate volunteering programme during their working hours. This meant that they were able support a charitable project of their choice for two days.
Supporting a school project to build an insect hotel
For his corporate volunteering, Stephan Handke went to a school. There he supported a project to build an insect hotel (see featured image). On the first day, the agenda included a forest excursion. The children learnt about the forest and the insects that live there. They also collected materials such as bark, branches and other wood for the insect hotel. Stephan contributed further materials such as wood, screws and the roofing. On the second day, the insect hotel was assembled and filled together.
The children really enjoyed the project. The success has led the school management to consider including craft subjects such as drilling, sanding and sawing in the art curriculum. The project also showed that such activities are often not possible without the help of parents or volunteers.
Corporate volunteering at an animal park – outside in all weathers
An unfamiliar task: Marlen Völker cleans out a stable at the Elsavapark, a home for abandoned, mistreated and surrendered animals.
Marlen Völker chose the Elsavapark in Elsenfeld not far from the WIKA headquarters for her corporate volunteering because she likes animals. The colleague also knows that the animal park is in need of support. At Elsavapark, abandoned, mistreated or surrendered animals can spend the rest of their lives. Respectful treatment of animals is a key philosophy of the park, which is also taught to children.
For Marlen, it was an exciting experience to work outside in all weathers and to carry out unfamiliar tasks. She was able to push her boundaries and jump over her own shadow. The best thing for Marlen was the gratitude of people and animals. Her conclusion: “A great programme and a real benefit. You can simply get a taste of community service and do something good! It usually doesn’t work out between work, children, hobbies and everyday life.”
Getting a taste of “Open Sozial” turns into
long-term commitment
Lisa Ludwig chose “Open Sozial” for her corporate volunteering. It is a campaign day in the district of Miltenberg that focuses on exchanging ideas about volunteering. Another main topic are opportunities for improvement, for example, support with care, strengthening democracy as well as child and youth work. Work then continues in small groups on various projects.
Lisa not only helped preparing the campaign day but is now also planning to get involved in the long term and inspire others to volunteer. After two days of volunteering, she says, “I think a community thrives on everyone doing their bit. I thought it was a great opportunity to start – especially as WIKA, as an employer, supports its employees in this regard.”
Valuable experiences for day-to-day work gained through corporate volunteering
The raffle has brought volunteering into the focus of WIKA. Also, the programme has shown what can be achieved in just two days. Engaging with new topics, learning new things and making new contacts are experiences that are also valuable for day-to-day work at WIKA.
Note
Find out more about our company’s social commitment on the WIKA website. Further information on this topic can also be found in our sustainability report.
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