We began our Meaningful Work Volunteer Program in 2018. This program provides up to $10,000 to Raise contractors and employees to take an international volunteer trip of their choice to make the world a better place. This last year, Raise sent five people on life-changing trips across the globe. Here is Shannon Mitchell’s story and how she helped Loving Arms Charitable Corporation in Guatemala.
Shannon has been an accountant at Raise for five years. While she generally works with numbers at Raise, she also loves to help people, and she has been an active volunteer with Loving Arms for more than a decade. In March, she spent nine days in Guatemala actively giving back.
Nestled just outside Paramos, Guatemala, Loving Arms Charitable Corporation operates a school where children, primarily sponsored by individuals from Canada and the United States, receive education and support aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. Shannon’s involvement in the program was driven by a passion for providing children with access to quality education, empowering them to pursue higher aspirations and brighter futures.
During her visit with Loving Arms, Shannon assisted in the classrooms, teaching the children songs and games, and creating crafts. She also helped with important maintenance tasks at the school. For instance, she worked with a team to waterproof and paint the school and the washroom building. They sectioned off a parking lot, and built picnic tables for the staff. We also built a home for the family of the school security guard.
This trip with Loving Arms was more than just a volunteer experience for Shannon – it was a transformative journey that bridged the gap between her personal convictions and professional aspirations.
Shannon witnessed and actively participated in critical initiatives aimed at uplifting the lives of others, making the world a better place – one Meaningful Work Volunteer trip at a time.
