'Why I volunteer'

Boeing employees reflect on the importance of volunteering during Global Volunteer Month in April.

April 29, 2024 in Community

Boeing employees helped community partner The Mission Continues build new park benches in the Washington, D.C. area. Boeing employees helped community partner The Mission Continues build new park benches in the Washington, D.C. area.

This Global Volunteer Month, and year-round, Boeing volunteers are committed to giving back in the communities employees call home. From assembling bikes for kids and planting trees to helping train service dogs and cheering on competitors at Invictus Games 2023, Boeing employees understand that each contribution — no matter how small — holds the potential to make a difference in someone's life.

Boeing partners with hundreds of charitable organizations globally, connecting employees with local opportunities to get involved.  Boeing employees donated more than 477,000 hours to charitable causes around the world in 2023. 

“There were times in my life where I had to reach out for help as a single mom. Now that my situation has changed, I am able to give back to my community, the same community that was there for me when I needed it.  I am so thankful that Boeing supports volunteerism—it really makes an impact on people’s lives.” 

Amy Thomas, government & capital property specialist, volunteer

The Mission Continues connects veterans with new missions in underserved communities, and Boeing volunteers support projects like neighborhood beautification, meal packing and more across the U.S. The Mission Continues connects veterans with new missions in underserved communities, and Boeing volunteers support projects like neighborhood beautification, meal packing and more across the U.S.

“For too many years after I got out of the U.S. Coast Guard, I failed to fully embrace my identity as a veteran, but joining other veterans in service to the community with The Mission Continues really changed my outlook about the time I spent in the military. My involvement with The Mission Continues has connected me with a network of veterans who understand the value of teamwork and who are making a positive difference in our community.” 

–Bonnie Petry, Boeing defense analyst and The Mission Continues volunteer

Shishu Mandir is a community school in Bengaluru, India, which Boeing has supported for ten years. Volunteers teach the students STEM skills. Shishu Mandir is a community school in Bengaluru, India, which Boeing has supported for ten years. Volunteers teach the students STEM skills.

“Volunteering at Shishu Mandir has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I get to experience the joy of making a positive impact on others' lives and being part of something larger than myself. By volunteering, I am able to support educational initiatives and empower children through knowledge and skills development.” 

–Sanket Bhatt, Boeing IT&DA application developer and Shishu Mandir volunteer

Boeing is the co-presenting partner of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, an international adaptive sporting competition that helps veterans and service members recover from the wounds of their service. Boeing is the co-presenting partner of Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, an international adaptive sporting competition that helps veterans and service members recover from the wounds of their service.

“At IG 23, I had the chance to learn about the competitors’ stories and hear how being part of a sporting event helped pull them out of dark places. It’s amazing to hear those stories of resilience, and having the opportunity to engage with everyone has given me so much more appreciation for the Games.” 

– Zeenat Wadee, Boeing, 3D Metrology engineer and Invictus Games volunteer

Through a partnership with Clontarf Foundation, Boeing volunteers have helped more than 200 students build networks, explore career options and ace interviews, leading to roles as teachers, pilots and mechanics. Through a partnership with Clontarf Foundation, Boeing volunteers have helped more than 200 students build networks, explore career options and ace interviews, leading to roles as teachers, pilots and mechanics.

“Volunteering gives me a lot of personal joy and fulfillment. I have volunteered with a number of organisations throughout my time at Boeing, all of which have been a deeply rewarding experience for me personally and professionally. It has provided me with new perspectives, an opportunity to learn and build meaningful relationships.” 

–Katie Johnson, Boeing Defence Austalia Indigenous engagement officer, and Clontarf Foundation volunteer