Last week marked National Volunteer Week and we're so excited to share how Flight Centre Travel Group is embracing this year’s theme of ‘Something For Everyone.’ We believe it’s important to give back, which is why we’ve made an annual Volunteer Leave Day an item on our list of Employee Benefits here in Australia. This is a paid day off work, in addition to regular annual leave, where our employees can go and Volunteer for a worthy cause - be it a large organisation or a local community cause. (Volunteer leave is also available in a number of different regions check out our benefits by country here)
To recognise National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to four exceptional Flight Centre Travel Group employees, our very own change makers, who generously spend their spare time volunteering.
👨👨👧👦 Tell us about who you volunteer for and where?
Kincumber High School for the Year 10 Mentoring program.
👐 What type of volunteering do you do for them?
We have 1:1 time for 10 weeks, for an hour once a week we help students prepare for life outside of school. For school leavers it’s to assist with finding work. For those staying at school it’s to assist with finding work experience, resume writing and life skills. We are a confidant for them that has no direct involvement in their life, so it gives them an opportunity to open up and ask for help from someone who isn’t a teacher, friend or family member.
❤️ Why do you volunteer?
I really wanted to give back to the community that I’ve been a part of almost my entire life. This is my old high school, so it’s nice to be able to return years later and offer advice as someone who’s been in their shoes before!
🗓️ Do you use your Flight Centre Volunteer Leave Day? If yes, what do you like most about having this as an employee benefit?
I do! It’s actually so comforting to know that even within corporate life you are encouraged, and you can choose to give back to an organisation that means something to you.
❔ How can others help support this cause?
These programs are Australia-wide! Speak to your local high school’s Careers department on how you can get involved.
👨👨👧👦 Tell us about who you volunteer for and where?
Rev. Bill Crews - Ashfield, Sydney
Sydney Dogs & Cats Home - Strathfield, Sydney
👐 What type of volunteering do you do for them?
A number of years ago we decided to volunteer at The Reverend Bill Crews Foundation - this space provides food and outreach services 365 days a year to disadvantaged families - we soon found out that Christmas is something really special to be a part of with thousands of guests attending for lunch and gifts, Prime Minister and Media visits - we have even made the news a couple of times BUT that it's the rest of the year where they don't have as many volunteers so I try to do a few shifts during the year too.
At Sydney Cats & Dogs I am a kennel hand so getting in and cleaning up, feeding and walking all of the doggos!
❤️ Why do you volunteer?
To be part of my community but also to fill my cup.
🗓️Do you use your Flight Centre Volunteer Leave Day? If yes, what do you like most about having this as an employee benefit?
I haven't yet but will do - am hoping to do something with my team leaders in this space too!
❔ How can others help support this cause?
The Reverend Bill Crews Foundation: https://lnkd.in/gJn5eeGy
Sydney Cats and Dogs: https://lnkd.in/g2Sa9yGp
👨👨👧👦 Tell us about who you volunteer for and where?
Myself and a few fellow Flighties joined charity partner Greening Australia at the Native Seed Centre for Restoration planting event in Richmond, Western Sydney.
👐 What type of volunteering do you do for them?
We were able to get into the field with the team and get our hands dirty planting trees. We also had the opportunity to hear from Greening Australia's leadership team and hear about the initiatives they have in place to tackle both the climate and biodiversity crisis' we are facing in Australia.
❤️ Why do you volunteer?
I believe that volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to something that you are passionate about. For me, being aware of and working towards improving the impacts we as human beings have on the planet is crucial to living sustainability.
🗓️ Do you use your Flight Centre Volunteer Leave Day? If yes, what do you like most about having this as an employee benefit?
Yes, I most certainly do. The volunteer day provides the opportunity to get out of the office and back to community, which is so important.
❔ How can others help support this cause?
You can always find volunteer opportunities on your local community website or Facebook pages. Grab a group of friends or colleagues and find a shared passion; is there a way you can volunteer your time towards this passion together?
👨👨👧👦 Tell us about who you volunteer for and where?
I work full time within our Technology business (ETS), in the Project Management Office. Extending my impact as a representative of ETS to the wider FCTG community, I volunteer my time as the Board Secretary for the FC Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of our organization.
👐 What type of volunteering do you do for them?
In my voluntary role with the Foundation as the Board Secretary, I've had the privilege of assisting the positive impact we're making in the community firsthand. Whether it's organizing events or collaborating with charity partners, every effort contributes to creating a brighter future for those in need.
❤️ Why do you volunteer?
Giving is one of my personal values and as an organisation and an individual, I believe we have a social responsibility to give to those in need. This can be through our financial assistance, our time, or even through connecting skilled people within our network with those that need help.
🗓️Do you use your Flight Centre Volunteer Leave Day? If yes, what do you like most about having this as an employee benefit?
I love using my annual volunteer leave day with my team in ETS. We typically find these volunteer days advertised on Workplace or through word of mouth. They’re a wonderful opportunity for our Team to connect away from our desks. Additionally, I find that by giving back to our community we feel physically and mentally healthier, with lower levels of stress.
❔ How can others help support this cause?
(For FCTG Employees only) If you want to get involved with the Flight Centre Foundation, you can donate via Workplace Giving. FCTG matches all employee donations, which means you make double the financial impact to our deserving charity partners. The FC Foundation page on Workplace also lists volunteering opportunities as they arise.
For more information on the Flight Centre Foundation, check them out on LinkedIn and Website.