When Teams Come Together: Reflections from Corporate Volunteers Karen and Monil
For Karen and Monil, volunteering with Circle of Care started as an opportunity to give back through their workplace Softchoice, an IT solutions provider.
Since 2019, Softchoice has had an ongoing volunteer relationship with Circle of Care. Softchoice employees—including Karen and Monil—have since volunteered their time supporting seniors through Circle of Care’s Adult Day Program and Meals on Wheels program.
In this spotlight, Karen and Monil reflect on the lessons, connections, and memorable moments that have stayed with them through their volunteer journey with Circle of Care.
Tell us about your current role and what sparked your interest in volunteering at Circle of Care.
Karen, Senior Talent Advisor at Softchoice:
I’ve always been drawn to work that focuses on people and relationships. My role is all about connecting people with opportunities and helping build great teams.
Volunteering with Circle of Care appealed to me because it gave me the opportunity to support people in a very direct and meaningful way.
My experience has primarily been with the Adult Day Program, where I have spent time connecting with participants, providing companionship, and supporting activities. It’s been both heartwarming and bittersweet to return year after year and see some of the same clients.
Monil, Sr. Analyst, Reporting, Strategy and Planning at Softchoice:
In my role, I turn data into insights that help teams make decisions. That same curiosity about people, systems, and the stories behind the numbers is what drew me to volunteering.
Volunteering with Circle of Care has given me the rare opportunity to get a glimpse into the stories and lives of the program’s wonderful clients. Stepping into their world has helped me grow my empathy and a deeper sense of community — insights I wouldn’t have found in my day-to-day work.
I volunteered with Meals on Wheels this year and I saw firsthand the value of daily interaction for seniors and the difference it makes to their everyday needs and care. I genuinely enjoyed visiting and chatting with them; they were always eager to talk about their day. What moved me most was the grace and joy with which they received that care. It reminded me of my own grandparents and warmed my heart.
How was your experience volunteering with your corporate team?
Karen:
At work, we often see each other through the lens of our roles. Volunteering together gave us the opportunity to connect as people first. It highlighted qualities that don’t always show up in the workplace, such as patience, compassion, creativity, and the ability to build connections with others.
Sharing an experience focused on giving back rather than achieving a business goal strengthened our relationships in a meaningful way. Every person I’ve volunteered alongside has come away talking about how rewarding the experience was, and for many of us, it has inspired a greater interest in volunteering again.
Monil:
So much of our time together revolves around work — the next report, the next deliverable, whatever’s due. We work with each other to get there. However, volunteering sets all of that aside and lets us just be people looking out for someone else.
You see a different side of people in that setting: the patience and empathy someone shows with a participant, the care in how they listen, the instinct to step in and help before anyone asks. Watching that unfold made me realize how lucky I am to work with such a wonderful team, and nearly everyone walked away knowing it had been a special experience.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering volunteering with their team?
Karen:
Don’t overthink it. We often think we need grand gestures to make a difference, but you don’t need any special expertise. Show up with an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a desire to help. I learned that stepping outside your comfort zone becomes much easier when you can see firsthand the positive impact it has on someone else.
The experience left me feeling grateful, more connected to my community, and reminded that kindness and human connection are incredibly powerful.
Monil:
You don’t need to commit to anything huge. Just give it a try— even a single afternoon can shift how you see your week and the people around you. A good conversation or a shared smile with a participant will stay with you longer than you’d think.
I walked away with more than I brought, and I came home with perspective, a stronger tie to my community, and a simple reminder that showing up for people, in small and ordinary ways, is one of the more meaningful things we get to do.
Karen and Monil’s stories highlight why corporate volunteerism matters. Beyond supporting vital community programs, it creates opportunities for people to connect, learn from one another, and make a meaningful difference together.
As we celebrate International Volunteer Year, we encourage you to consider volunteering with your corporate team. Visit our website here to learn how you can get started today.
