I have so many great memories of my time at the Chamber, and some of our volunteer efforts have been the best: Our team taking a school bus once a week to read to our students at a local elementary school. The day we painted a senior housing facility—it was quite an undertaking but we didn’t quit until the job was done. Spending recesses with kids around the metro area learning how to play well together. (We could all use more of that time.) Bringing professional clothes, purses and ties to help those who are interviewing and entering the workforce for the first time.
One of the things I am most proud of is that I work for an organization that represents 3,000 companies who give back to their community regularly. Did you know that 79 percent of people want to work for companies like this? And, Colorado definitely showed that last week by coming together to donate almost $34 million to local nonprofits and charities on Colorado Gives Day.
Here are some great examples of how some of our members are giving back:
They use their expertise. TIAA offers year-round financial literacy programs to students at Bruce Randolph High School. They also support the school with a supplies drive for students, teacher appreciation events and projects to make the campus beautiful. And, they’re providing experiences for students outside the classroom like job shadowing.
They give their time. HomeAdvisor, like so many of our companies, offers eight paid hours for its staff to volunteer at a nonprofit of their choice. They also match employee contributions to nonprofits up to $15,000. That is making a big impact for organizations serving our community.
They work as a team. Engineering services firm Syncroness gets its team together for Habitat for Humanity home builds, B-Strong rides, volunteering with Food Bank of the Rockies, mentoring youth interested in science, technology, engineering and math—and more. This is a team that works together and gives back together throughout the year.
They create a movement. Xcel Energy has hosted a day of service honoring the anniversary of 9/11 for the past six years. Nearly 4,000 people from around the state came together to complete almost 70 projects in 2016. This is an amazing way to channel our community into action.
And of course, our 3,000 members provide really good jobs to Coloradans and nothing changes lives faster. Thank you for all you are doing for Colorado!
Kelly Brough is president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.