Colby Company hit two milestones to be proud of in 2023: 15 years in business, and more than 1500 hours worth of volunteer time to celebrate that!
The company initiative was first announced back in May 2023. Since then, our employees worked hard at a wide variety of nonprofits to donate their time and efforts back into their communities.
In addition to individual volunteering at more than 45 nonprofits, Colby Co. also organized several group opportunities, including two company-wide Days of Service. Additionally, Colby Co. worked with Maine State Parks, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, and United Way of Southern Maine, on a variety of activities made available to the whole staff to work towards their 24 hours of volunteer time.
When asked why the executive team was interested in pursuing this ambitious goal, President Calen Colby said it was an easy decision. “Our success over the past 15 years has been a blessing, and it has taken a community to make it work.,” Colby said. “Giving back to that community seems like the right thing to do. It keeps us humble and reinforces the need to always be looking for ways to give back.”
In total, Colby Company employees donated 1,740 volunteer hours throughout the course of 2023. This is beyond our goal of 1500 hours, and something we are so proud of and excited to share. Furthermore, 39 employees hit their individual goal of 24 hours, and were able to have $100 donated by CCE in their name to a nonprofit of their choice, within the United Way of Southern Maine’s network. In total, Colby Co. donated $32,230 to local nonprofits in 2023.
We asked Colby Co. employees why they wanted to participate in the volunteer program, and here were some of the answers:
“One of our Colby Co. mottos is “how can I help?” and this experience has been a perfect example of that attitude in action. I’ve loved hearing about all of the different organizations and activities that my colleagues have supported around the state, many I had never heard about before, all doing inspiring work to support people in need.” – Angie Viola
“Volunteer work gives me a greater overall purpose and human connection” – Audra Wrigley
“Volunteering is important to me because I know how impactful it is for the people and organizations that benefit from it. It also helps to keep me grounded, and helps me keep a mindset of gratitude and appreciation for what I have.” – Nate Dyer
“My grandparents were active volunteers in their communities, so they inspire me to volunteer now. There are also so many great organizations to choose from that it’s not hard to find one that inspires you!” – Shannon Haley
“I often think about all the times in my life that someone has offered to help me through a situation big or small. It’s those acts of kindness that encourage me to pay it forward. It’s incredible how one person stepping in to help can make a giant impact.” – Heather Beaulieu
We are so grateful for all of the work and hours that our staff put into our volunteering campaign throughout the year, and for the nonprofits who opened their doors to us, and taught us about all of the incredible work they’re doing in our community. We are looking forward to finding more ways to volunteer in our local community in 2024 and beyond.