Amgen Canada staff have a long history of supporting United Way in the Peel Region of Ontario, with approximately 50 percent of the head office staff participating. Last year they collectively donated almost $40,000 to the organization. Whether organizing a chili cook off and other fun events to raise funds, cleaning up a local park or stocking shelves at a food bank, these dedicated staff are committed to improving their local community.
Last year, Amgen Canada staff joined over 150 volunteers to participate in United Way’s Spring Day of Caring. This annual event organizes efforts to fight poverty and improve lives by sending teams of volunteers into the community to work at participating non-profit organizations.
A team of Amgen staff spent the day volunteering at Interim Place, a shelter in Mississauga for women and children fleeing domestic violence. At the residence, volunteers organized and cleaned the kitchen, sorted donations and shelved books into a library. “It was surprising to discover this safe haven right in our community,” says Kristin, the staff member who coordinated the Amgen team. “I had never been exposed to this program before. I was impressed with the network of people offering legal, emotional and financial support to provide these women and children a temporary safe place and assistance to take the next steps.”
While shelving donated books in the children’s room, Kristin had a unique and unexpected interaction with one of the families when a toddler and his mother snuggled up to read one of the new books together. “I really appreciated being able to experience the impact of our work first-hand,” says Kristin. “I also learned how to make my future donations more meaningful. I would not have imagined how important suitcases are for the families at Interim Place. They’ve left domestic violence situations often with nothing, so having a way to carry the donated items they’ve selected from here to their next, more permanent home is meaningful.”
Whether it’s volunteering time and talents or making a financial donation, Amgen staff take action to improve the lives of others and the environment in their communities. Making a World of Difference is a monthly feature that highlights the variety of ways staff from Amgen sites around the globe volunteer in their communities.