At the heart of CRA lies a profound commitment to forging substantial, lasting transformations within the communities where we live and work. This commitment, a fundamental aspect of our ethos, is brought to life through our vibrant volunteer endeavors. These initiatives are a testament to our pledge towards community betterment, a critical facet of our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework.
Our team members embody the spirit of altruism, consistently transcending expectations to elevate those in our surroundings. Their efforts, ranging from charitable contributions to hands-on support for local causes and other community service endeavors, are a powerful force for good.
In the face of global challenges, our resolve has never wavered. We remain unyielding in our mission to effect change, leveraging every opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Central to our volunteerism is the Global Volunteer Committee, a collective of representatives from each CRA office worldwide. This committee orchestrates and champions volunteer groups within our local offices, organizing events that not only foster community support but also cultivate connections and camaraderie among our team members outside the professional setting.
Highlighting our commitment, last spring, in honor of National Volunteer Month (celebrated each April in the US), CRA team members engaged in volunteer activities that not only enriched our communities but also strengthened the bonds within our team, enhancing our workplace culture and extending its positive effects.
Here is a recap of our 2023 efforts:
March
Chariots of Fire (Cambridge, UK)
- Team members from our Cambridge, UK office participated in the Chariots of Fire relay race in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. The event took runners on a 1.7-mile relay around the iconic streets of Cambridge.
April
Catholic Community Services (Salt Lake City, UT)
- In Salt Lake City, CRA team members volunteered at the Catholic Community Services’ Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Hall, serving a hot, nutritious meal to low-income families and community members experiencing homelessness.
Relay for Life: American Cancer Society (Tallahassee, FL)
- CRA team members gathered to support and spread awareness of cancer warriors and the American Cancer Society by participating in Relay for Life, the world’s largest peer-to-peer fundraising event dedicated to saving lives from cancer.
Surfrider (Bay Area, CA)
- Team members from our San Francisco and Oakland offices volunteered at a cleanup event at Ocean Beach with the Surfrider Foundation in honor of Earth Day.
The Birthday Party Project (Chicago, IL)
- Colleagues from our Chicago office hosted a superhero-themed party at Cornerstone Community Outreach through The Birthday Party Project. Team members—and more than 25 children—had fun making masks, photo frames, headbands, and other crafts.
The Bronx is Blooming (New York City, NY)
- On Earth Day, team members from the NYC office volunteered with The Bronx is Blooming, a Bronx-based nonprofit dedicated to environmental stewardship, youth leadership development, and community building.
Toronto Public Library (Toronto, ON)
- CRA team members participated in a book drive to collect books for the Toronto Public Library. The books will be resold, and the funds collected will be used to support library programs and services.
May
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Cambridge, UK)
- Team members from our Cambridge office volunteered at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), helping to spruce up the outdoor garden space by creating a new sensory path and planting flowers for children in the hospice program to enjoy.
The Food Project (Boston, MA)
- CRA colleagues volunteered with The Food Project, an organization in Massachusetts working toward ensuring everyone has access to healthy, fresh food. Team members participated in various farm tasks, including planting, weeding, harvesting, washing vegetables, and preparing and clearing beds. They also learned about the organization, the food system, and sustainable farming.
Volunteering is a powerful catalyst for societal advancement, improving the lives of those in vulnerable communities and endorsing social responsibility among our team. Beyond its external benefits, volunteering enriches our team members’ lives, fostering a sense of purpose, skill development, and the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Global Volunteer Committee for their tireless efforts in coordinating the multitude of volunteer activities our team members have enthusiastically participated in. Their dedication is instrumental in advancing our community initiatives.
Our deepest appreciation goes to every CRA team member whose volunteerism is actively transforming our world. Your commitment is the backbone of our collective impact.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue championing community support initiatives worldwide. Together, we are committed to curating a new chapter of impactful endeavors for National Volunteer Month 2024 and beyond, furthering CRA’s legacy of positive change.
To learn more about our commitment to Community Advancement and our Volunteer Program, click here.