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How Optimy Employees Are Making a Difference: Celebrating Volunteer Stories for GivingTuesday

Mateo Jackson
5 min
How Optimy Employees Are Making a Difference: Celebrating Volunteer Stories for GivingTuesday

How Giving Creates a Ripple Effect

GivingTuesday isn’t just another day on the calendar—it’s a movement that shows how generosity can spark real change. At Optimy, we believe every act of giving, no matter how small, has the potential to create ripples that grow into waves of impact.

This year, we’re shining a light on the incredible volunteer stories of our employees. From rallying their communities for food drives to rolling up their sleeves for park cleanups and running for life-changing causes, their actions prove that giving back isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.

Volunteering doesn’t just transform communities; it transforms teams and workplaces too. It fosters connection, builds purpose, and strengthens bonds. And here’s a fact to back it up: 75% of employees are more likely to stick with a company that supports their volunteer efforts.

Spotlight on Optimy’s Volunteers: How Optimizers Give Back

GivingTuesday isn’t just a one-day event for us—it’s a mindset. Optimy employees always roll up their sleeves to support causes that matter. Here’s how they made a difference:

Alisa, Maya, Neyla and Riccardo: Running for the Cure

The Optimy team proudly joined the annual 7 km run organized by Think Pink Belgium in partnership with Race for the Cure. As Europe’s largest walking and running event, it unites 25 breast cancer organizations with a shared mission: to raise awareness, show solidarity, and support the fight against breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women in Belgium.

The atmosphere was electric, fueled by the energy of thousands of participants, united in purpose. With every step, we felt the strength of our team and the incredible support from fellow runners, volunteers, and cheering onlookers.

Yes, the run left us breathless—but the exhaustion was nothing compared to the overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Supporting this vital cause, honoring those who have battled breast cancer, and standing with survivors reminded us that together, we truly are stronger.

The Race for the Cure is more than an event; it’s a testament to the power of community, compassion, and collective action.

"This wasn’t just a run—it was a statement of hope," Alisa said. "We wanted to show that even small steps can lead to big change."

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Team Optimy: Brussels Canal Cleanup

Every year, Optimy partners with City to Ocean to clean the Brussels Canal. This year, our team pulled out dozens of bags of waste, restoring the waterway and raising awareness about environmental conservation.

"Cleaning the canal is about more than removing trash," Riccardo explained. "It’s about creating a healthier future for our city and its ecosystem."

Optimy cleaning brussels canals while kayaking

Jessica, Edson, Mattia and Nicolas: Cleaning Up Our Neighborhood

Jessica and a group of IT colleagues decided to tackle the trash in a park near Optimy’s Brussels HQ. Armed with gloves, bags, and determination, they turned a neglected area into a cleaner, greener space.

"We spend so much time in this city—it felt great to give back to a place we call home," Jessica said. "It’s a small step, but every bit counts."

Optimy employees cleaning a park

Mateo Jackson: Scoring for the Red Cross

Mateo brought his passion for volleyball to life by organizing a food drive for the Red Cross in Málaga, Spain, which they do every year for Christmas. Rallying over 50 players from his volleyball club, Mateo managed last year to fill an entire shopping trolley with food donations, supporting families in need.

"Teamwork doesn’t stop on the court," Mateo shared. "Coming together to support our community felt as rewarding as winning any match."


Saving Turtles, One Review at a Time

The consumption of sea turtle eggs is both ecologically harmful and illegal in Mexico. Despite this, these turtles are at risk of going extinct. In 2023 we've partnered with Vivemar to help them rescue baby turtles for each review submitted on Capterra.

In 2024, thanks to you, many dozens of baby turtles were released into the Pacific Ocean.

“Each review is more than just feedback—it’s a step toward protecting baby turtles," shared Mateo Jackson, the Optimy team member behind the campaign. "Seeing these little ones make it to the ocean inspires us to keep turning small efforts into meaningful impact."

If you want to participate in this initiative, please check out this page.

volunteering with turtles

Want to Build a Culture of Giving? Here’s How

If you’re looking to inspire your employees and make a difference, here are some quick tips to get started:

  1. Make Time for Impact: Offer volunteer hours or paid leave for community work.
  2. Shout It Out: Celebrate employees’ efforts through newsletters, events, or social media.
  3. Tell the Story: Share volunteer stories to inspire others and showcase your organization’s commitment to social good.

Take the first step today with Optimy’s Employee Volunteering Platform. Let us help you streamline your initiatives and inspire your team to make a difference.

Explore the Employee Volunteering Product Tour Here

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