For Morgan Stanley equities trader Andres Garcia, mentoring a high-schooler twice a week provides a break from chaotic 12-hour days. And collecting pledges for a charitable 5K race is helping him develop a new job skill — raising money.
“Fundraising in itself is an art, and I had never done something like that before,” said Garcia, who volunteers through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
During National Volunteer Week, which started yesterday and runs through May 3, communities are benefiting from what analysts describe as an increase in employer-supported volunteering. Rewards for the companies range from boosted morale and good public relations to customer loyalty and help in recruiting socially conscious college grads.
“Individuals that come to us to volunteer typically want to help others. But what volunteers tell us time and time again is that they come back because of what it does for them,” said Ariel Zwang, executive director of New York Cares.
