Why PrimeroEdge Loves to Give Back

PrimeroEdge teammates are passionate about improving school nutrition and their communities. While everyone has their own way of giving back, some of our colleagues reflected on why they’ve enjoyed volunteering themselves and why they would recommend the experience.

Learning New Skills

There is a wide variety of different types of volunteering opportunities that you never know what kind of professional or personal skills you can either contribute or gain while on the task. You can learn about teamwork, problem-solving, communication, power tools, gardening… If you can name it, there’s an opportunity to work on it. Sales Engineer Kim Zairko volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and helped build a framework for a house. She was able to meet the people she was building the house for and said it was gratifying and exciting because she got to try something new. 

“I enjoy volunteering because it’s important for me to use my time to help others. Of course, every opportunity is always about the purpose of the work and the people who can benefit from the experience, but there’s more to it than that. In working with Habitat for Humanity, I was able to challenge myself. For example, I’d never worked with power tools before, or done that kind of labor. I was able to learn a new skill and I felt empowered while having fun and helping others. It was a win-win situation.”

Making Meaningful Connections

There are few better ways to get to know the people in your community than to actively serve them. When you get the chance to meet someone with the same passions and attachment to a cause, there’s an opportunity to form a lasting relationship that could change your life. Solution Expert Scott Foos has made many impactful connections during his 10 years of volunteering for his local food bank in Colorado. His main responsibility is to be a driver, going between grocery stores and the food bank loading and transporting food all day.

“It all started with my neighbors and our kids connecting and then volunteering. I went one day and got hooked. There is so much camaraderie and the same group of us have been driving, and we have great bonds and friendships. Everyone loves it because we’re doing a good thing and having fun with our tight-knit group. There are a lot of families depending on our food bank and sometimes we get to meet the families we’re serving. It’s always humbling and people who come by are impressive because they have such a positive outlook on life. It really encourages everyone who volunteers there to keep being a system of support.”

Gaining a New Perspective

One of the best things about the chance to give back is to further understand what people may be going through and how coming from different backgrounds influences them. Working with and for new people, it can change your outlook on life and increase empathy. It’s a chance to grow by being open to hearing others’ stories. Marketing Specialist Tesla Cadena has first-hand experience with this as she grew up volunteering on most holidays.

“Most of my volunteering has been in soup kitchens preparing and serving food on holidays like on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Financial struggle and food insecurity was not uncommon in my town. As an adult, I’m grateful my family focused on the community rather than the commercialism of the season. People may not realize how many in their towns could use assistance. I saw my friends and even relatives who needed help giving their families a special meal. I never would’ve known the true need if we hadn’t gotten the chance to have conversations with other volunteers and function attendees. It was eye-opening to see how vulnerable people were willing to be with us volunteers as they shared their lives with us.”

These are just a few reasons and examples of why volunteering is enjoyable and worthwhile. Finding an issue you care about and then impacting the community can sound intimidating, but it can be fun, flexible, enlightening, and it’s for anyone. Positivity and willingness are the only requirements, so if you’ve been looking for a sign to do something extra special with your precious time, this is it. There is much work to be done in our society, and PrimeroEdge employees look forward to continuing to contribute.