At Codal, we're passionate about making a difference, not just for our clients, but also in the communities where we live and work. During Global Volunteer Month this past April, our employees across the globe rolled up their sleeves and dedicated their time and energy to a variety of impactful causes. From Chicago to Ahmedabad, India, and Lincoln, UK, our teams demonstrated the power of giving back.
Chicago
For Global Volunteer Month, the Codal Chicago team participated in several events around the community.
Supporting Career Journeys with Cara Collective
During the first event of the month, our team connected with Cara Collective, an organization deeply rooted in empowering individuals to break the cycles of poverty through employment. Employees engaged in over a dozen mock interviews, offering invaluable feedback and support to job seekers navigating their career journeys. This hands-on experience provided a direct opportunity to contribute to someone's fresh start.
Rahul Yadav, Director of Product Innovation, reflected on the day, stating, “Our time volunteering with Cara Collective reminded us of the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together. From doing mock interviews to sorting clothing donations, it was a meaningful way for our team to give back and support individuals on their journey to getting back on their feet and being a net positive to society. We're proud to partner with organisations like Cara who are making a real difference.”
Beyond the interviews, the Codal team also dedicated their afternoon to organizing the Cara Collective’s professional clothing room. This space, stocked with community donations, is set up like a boutique, allowing participants to select attire that empowers them as they step into the professional world.
Cristian Magdaleno, Product Manager, shared his perspective, “Volunteering with Cara Collective reminded me why I love my community. No matter our circumstance, many of us have achieved success thanks to the community and mentors that provided support. Taking the time to give back to the Cara Collective community by helping participants on their career journey shows how giving back can change lives.”
The impact of Codal's contribution was keenly felt by Cara Collective, with Manal Haroon, Corporate Engagement Specialist, expressing, “In just one afternoon, Codal made a huge impact by sorting our clothing donations and conducting over a dozen mock interviews. Your support means so much to our job seekers and staff.”
Crafting Comfort for Animals at the Anti-Cruelty Society
The Chicago team also extended their compassion to the animal companions in their city by volunteering with the Anti-Cruelty Society. Recognizing the importance of mental and physical well-being for animals awaiting their forever homes, our employees put their creativity to work crafting DIY enrichment toys for the shelter's cats and dogs. This tactile activity offered a unique way to contribute, bringing moments of joy and stimulation to the animals' daily routines.
Scott Bishop, Associate Product Manager, found the experience rewarding, noting, “It is deeply fulfilling to work for a company that gets involved with the local community and finds ways to give back. Having the opportunity to step away from my desk to craft cat toys with my coworkers and interact with animals was a soul nurturing experience.”
The event fostered a sense of camaraderie amongst the team while supporting a cause close to many hearts. Emma Hoff, Partner Marketing Specialist, enthusiastically shared, “I had such a great time with my coworkers at the animal cruelty philanthropy event. It was a fun and meaningful way to give back together!” Clare Mack, Sr Marketing Specialist, echoed this sentiment, adding, "This was a great event to be part of and for Codal to organize—it felt amazing to do something hands-on that brings joy to animals while supporting such an important cause."
Philanthropy Spotlight and Appreciation Lunch
To round out Codal’s month of volunteer service, we held a Philanthropy Spotlight and Appreciation lunch. During this event, we had guest speakers come to our Chicago office from Cara Collective and the Anti-Cruelty Society to share more insights into their respective programs. It was inspiring to learn more about how they’re both working to serve our community for the greater good.
"Working with Cara Collective and the Anti-Cruelty Society to organize this month of volunteering was both meaningful and seamless,” Emily Deleon, Consulting Analyst in PMO, said. “Their passionate leadership makes it easy for companies like Codal to get involved and give back to our communities. Hosting them at our Chicago office for the ‘Philanthropy Spotlight and Appreciation Lunch’ was a special way to say thank you and learn about their future initiatives. Reconnecting in person was a powerful reminder to our volunteers that giving back doesn’t have to stop at work. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum and deepening our impact together!”
Ahmedabad, India
Meanwhile, in Ahmedabad, India, our team addressed pressing needs within their community with both practical support and knowledge sharing.
Providing Relief with the Karma Foundation’s “Beat the Heat” Initiative
Understanding the challenges posed by the intense summer heat, Codal AMD collaborated with the Karma Foundation to support their “Beat the Heat” initiative.
This impactful effort involved strategically placing 10 cold water jugs at the Gujarat University Bus Stop, a high-traffic area where countless commuters, passersby, and pedestrians could find much-needed respite from the scorching temperatures. This simple, yet effective, act provided relief to over 200 individuals daily for a sustained period of 15 days.
Supporting Comfort at the Ansh Foundation - Bhagwati Old Age Home
Recognizing other crucial needs, the Ahmedabad team also partnered with the Ansh Foundation - Bhagwati Old Age Home, donating five ceiling fans to provide comfort to the residents during the sweltering weather. Viraj Patoliya, Associate Software Engineer, shared his heartfelt experience, stating, “It was a very good experience to take part in this activity. Donating ceiling fans to the old age home felt meaningful, especially seeing the happy faces of the elderly people. They were very thankful and it made me feel proud to be part of this work. Spending some time with them and hearing their blessings was a special moment. I feel happy that we could do something useful for their comfort. I look forward to joining more activities like this in the future.”
Empowering Future Tech Leaders with the Tresna Foundation
And lastly, demonstrating a commitment to education and future generations, the team connected with the Tresna Foundation. At their computer learning center, the team not only donated Codal laptop bags but also conducted an engaging introductory programming session on artificial intelligence (AI) for the students, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, inspiring young minds to explore the world of technology.
Dhruv Suthar, Senior Software Engineer, highlighted the dual impact of this initiative, noting, “Donating laptop bags during an AI session provided a unique opportunity to offer both material resources and knowledge. It was incredibly fulfilling to witness the recipients' excitement as they learned about AI technology while receiving practical tools. The session reminded me that philanthropy isn't solely about physical donations; sharing our expertise can be equally impactful. This experience reinforced the idea that when we combine giving with teaching, we create sustainable value that extends far beyond the initial donation.”
Lincoln, UK
Across the Atlantic, our team focused their efforts on tackling food insecurity by supporting the vital work of the Trussell Trust.
Supporting the Trussell Trust’s Against Hunger and Poverty
In an effort to bring a little light to individuals and families impacted by hunger and poverty, Codal UK organized an Easter egg donation drive during the holiday season. Additionally, they established a “Just Giving” page, raising £150 in monetary donations to further support the Trussell Trust's crucial operations.
The profound impact of their contribution was acknowledged by the Trussell Trust, who conveyed their gratitude, stating, “We just wanted to say a huge thank you! We hope you’re feeling incredibly proud of everything you’ve achieved, you’ve made a real difference. We are beyond grateful for your support in helping those facing hunger and poverty. Your efforts are making a real difference in the lives of so many people. Thanks to supporters like you, people across the UK are receiving the support they need at a time when it's most vital. You are amazing for helping us to end hunger and poverty in the UK.”
Codal Employees Drive Positive Community Change
Codal's collective efforts during Global Volunteer Month highlight our deep-seated belief in corporate social responsibility. We are immensely proud of the dedication and compassion demonstrated by our employees across all our offices. Their willingness to give back, whether through hands-on activities, providing essential resources, or sharing their expertise, truly embodies the spirit of making a global impact, one local community at a time.
