International Volunteer Day: Spotlighting Our Volunteers

International Volunteer Day, introduced in 1985 by the UN General Assembly, is a day that celebrates the heart and soul of community spirit. It underscores the immense value of volunteering, not just in supporting communities and enhancing governmental efforts, but also in cultivating personal growth and fulfillment. Volunteering is a vital step towards achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which align with our internal ESG goals and TRUE Values, and it brings profound rewards both to those who give and those who receive.

In recognition of this important day, we are honoured to highlight the incredible volunteering efforts of our colleagues across the business. Their dedication to giving back to their local communities creates safer, healthier, and cleaner spaces, enriching lives and building stronger, more connected communities. Their stories inspire us all to embrace the joy and fulfillment that comes from making a positive difference in the world.

Benny Santoso, Indonesia

Following his heart, Benny became a volunteer and head of Karang Taruna (youth organisation) to be involved in humanitarian action. With a high social spirit, he is driven to help people in need. On November 21, 2024, he, along with the joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team, searched for a small child who was swept away in the Ciluar River, Bogor, West Java. Their volunteer team also followed emergency first response training guidance last July, which trained them to be faster and more responsive when disasters occur. Aside from being a volunteer, he is also involved in Karang Taruna Tanah Sareal Bogor, which actively holds religious activities and Independence Day commemorations. These volunteer activities have helped him grow his self-confidence and pride in leadership, humanity, and teamwork.

Ryan Examen, Account Manager, OCS Philippines 

Ryan is an active volunteer with two non-governmental organisations: The Storytelling Project and LoveYourself. The Storytelling Project (TSP) aims to cultivate hope, inspiration, and imagination through storytelling, making reading an enjoyable experience for children, starting a reading habit, and instilling the love of reading and learning in all TSP kids. They’ve tirelessly crossed rivers and excitedly conquered mountains to reach remote communities, bringing their own brand of happy learning. LoveYourself (LYS), his other volunteer activity, is an organisation leading in HIV awareness, testing, and treatment in the Philippines. LYS assists 50,000 people yearly, with around 50% of the newly diagnosed persons living with HIV in Metro Manila and 20% in the Philippines coming from LoveYourself clinics—a feat made more impressive considering the non-profit organisation is mostly powered by 1,800 volunteers. He teaches kids in far-flung areas like Navotas and tests and counsels HIV testing clients in Metro Manila. These volunteering works are close to his heart because he believes education is vital to one’s growth and success. He also underwent multiple training courses to become an official counselor, expert in handling people living with HIV (PLHIV), and clients tested for HIV. 

Olimpia Dordea, Security Officer, OCS UK 

Walk the Walk, a breast cancer charity, organises an annual night walk to raise funds for those affected by the illness and their families. The event is supported by dedicated volunteers, many of whom return each year. Inspired by a veteran volunteer friend, Olimpia Dordea joined as a bicycle marshal, assisting along the route to ensure safety and enjoyment. She plans to volunteer again next year and hopes to inspire colleagues to join. Additionally, Olimpia volunteers at her local rugby club in Acton, painting changing rooms and supervising events. She has applied to volunteer at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025, coinciding with her 40th birthday. Her past volunteer experiences include Tough Mudder events and organising guided walks during the 2012 London Olympics, promoting local heritage and natural beauty. She was awarded the Most Sustainable 2012 Ambassador Award by Sustrans for her efforts. 

Simon Gordon, Account Manager, OCS UK 

Simon Gordon, an ambassador for the Foundation of Light’s “Game of II Halves” programme, has been instrumental in promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. With funding from the NENC Suicide Prevention Network, Simon has used his role to support colleagues and direct them to appropriate mental health resources. His efforts have had a significant impact, including helping a team member who had attempted suicide find support through Andy’s Man Club. Simon’s work highlights the importance of community support and the power of conversation in addressing mental health issues. 

Faras Nuranisyah, OCS Indonesia

For Faras, sharing is a spirit call to create happiness and smiles with people around us. She first volunteered in the fire-affected area around Manggarai, South Jakarta. They helped to entertain the victims and recover their trauma, especially the children, by arranging games and singing together. They also distributed food and basic necessities needed for the victims. Her team did not stop there; they formed a youth organisation called Youth of Sharing to continue their volunteer activities by going to orphanages and sharing kindness with the community.

Stewart Cross, OCS UK 

In 2020, Stewart Cross was offered an amazing opportunity to coach a local youth team, taking on the junior under-5 age group and focusing on the fun side of the game. In 2021, he was asked to manage an under-6 team consisting of children with disabilities and/or from diverse backgrounds. At first, it was a challenge for Stewart; however, he soon built a rapport that focused on positive mental health, new friendships, and teamwork as the core values. He is now in his fifth year of managing (now under-10s) and, having been given the opportunity to see the development of these amazing and dedicated young individuals, he feels privileged to have been given this opportunity to help and support their development. 

Conclusion 

The stories of our colleagues highlight the profound impact that volunteering can have on individuals and communities. Their dedication and passion for helping others not only contribute to the well-being of those they serve but also inspire us all to engage in acts of kindness and support. As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, let us recognise and appreciate the efforts of volunteers worldwide and encourage more people to join in making a positive difference.