It’s been about a year and a half since we launched our volunteer initiative “A Day for Ghent.” This past Tuesday, October 15, our founders gathered with a mix of companies and non-profit organisations at Saint Peter’s Abbey (Sint-Pietersabdij) in Ghent to learn about this volunteering platform and share what has been accomplished in the past 18 months.
Last year, Showpad’s founders – Pieterjan Bouten, Louis Jonckheere and Peter Minne – launched “A Day for Ghent.” They wanted to give back to the local community by donating one of their most precious resources – their employees’ time. Specifically, Showpad empowered all its employees to spend one working day volunteering in the local community, and encouraging other companies to do the same.
And in the true spirit of a data-driven technology company, we also launched an online platform (www.eendagvoorgent.be) in partnership with the city of Ghent. Through this platform, interested companies and non-profit organisations can subscribe via the website, and Vrijwilligerspunt Gent, the city office dedicated to helping volunteers, connects both parties to schedule the volunteering opportunities.
Looking back on the past 18 months, we’ve seen 46 companies sign up, offering 11,425 days and helping 30 nonprofit organisations. Outside of giving employees the opportunity to support a non-profit organisation, you contribute to their personal and professional development. They experience different aspects of our society and, who knows, they might even get inspired to do volunteering work during their spare time.
Based on the success we’ve seen in Ghent and thanks to VOKA, the “A Day For” initiative will be launched in Aalst and Oudenaarde, with more cities to follow.
Interested in joining this initiative? Sign up today at eendagvoorgent.be!
