Volunteer Canada has managed SAP Canada’s MoS for over ten years. Traditionally employees engaged in large group, hand-on activities completed in 4-8 hours. Due to the limitations on gathering during COVID-19, we proposed and implemented a mix of virtual and small, distanced group activities; activities that were done in a day and those completed over several weeks; hands on and skills-based activities. As well, SAP employees coast-to-coast could participate in a webinar to learn about the state of Canada’s charitable sector.
The expanded options for participation attracted 86 SAP Canada employees. Some of the impacts included: 27 YWCA Toronto clients benefited from interview prep; 1000 clients of Meals on Wheels London received letters of support from SAP employees delivered with their meals; visitors to the Centre for Additional and Mental Health (CAMH) were able to enjoy beautified flower beds and walking paths; two Ontario charities received written case studies reflecting their challenges and adaptations during COVID-19 which they can use in strategic planning.
The Challenge