Global Volunteer Day: Do We Make an Impact?
Since the inception of Global Volunteer Day in 1993, nearly 200,000 EDS volunteers have contributed more than 515,000 hours, participated in 3,800 community projects in 30 countries, touching the lives of more than 1 billion people.
In 2007, 6,300 volunteers donated 24,400 hours during 135 community projects in 25 countries.
Projects
2007 Global Volunteer Day, themed “Think outside the cube. Volunteer,” captured the dedication and innovation EDS employees bring to the communities where they live and work.
Australia
Nearly 100 EDS Australian Federal Government Account employees and family members in Canberra helped out at the Pegasus Riding for the Disabled of the Australian Capital Territory, performing stable and farm maintenance.
Egypt
A group of 18 volunteers prepared and served meals, and visited with 55 residents at the Dar El-Safa Elderly Home. A second group of 27 volunteers provided food and entertainment to 70 special needs residents, ages 5 to 35, and 30 workers at the Habat El Koloob Institute.
India
Thirty volunteers helped the Nivara Hakk welfare center, an organization that rehabilitates slum dwellers in Mumbai. It also runs schools – free of charge – for children and vocational courses to help underprivileged adults find employment. EDS Mumbai volunteers restored the school's exterior and interior and donated mats for students to sit on.
Mexico
Some 35 EDSers chose the Casa del Niÿo y del Anciano Mexico, A.C. (House of the Children and Elderly, A.C.) as their GVD project. They spent time repairing the building, conversing with the elderly and playing games with children. They collected food donations, medicines, personal care items, furniture, bedding and school supplies.
New Zealand
As many as 600 EDS volunteers throughout New Zealand participated in various ways. Teams of EDSers, often joined by family and friends, cleared beaches and nature sanctuaries; helped out at an Auckland Regional Council Farm Family Fun Day; assisted community groups such as the Hamilton North Soccer Club and the Wellington Boys Brigade; and fundraised for Save the Children and the Breast Cancer Foundation. Collection–boxes for the Christchurch City Mission, the Wellington Women's Refuge and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were set up in reception areas in various locations. EDSers who could not participate in an out–of–office activity were invited to contribute goodies.
Braintree, Massachusetts
Twenty–four EDS volunteers and EDS' client Ahold participated in a Habitat for Humanity project. They painted, pounded nails and made a house a home for its new owners.
Detroit, Michigan
Volunteers on the EDS GM account participated in a doll-dressing contest where 100 dolls were creatively dressed. The dolls – along with warm clothes, toys, books and candy – were included in gift packages. The holiday boxes will be distributed to children ages 5 through 13 by The Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit for its “No Kiddie Without a Christmas” event.