This spring, Cardinal Health employees from around the world came together with a shared goal: to make a meaningful difference in the communities where they live and work. In recognition of Global Volunteer Month in April, teams dedicated their time, energy and expertise to a wide range of causes, demonstrating the power of collective action.
“Volunteerism is deeply rooted in our company culture and values,” said Jessie Cannon, vice president of Community Relations. “When our employees give their time and talents, they’re helping build stronger, healthier and more resilient communities.”
From supporting local nonprofits to participating in hands-on service projects, more than 2,000 employees contributed over 12,000 volunteer hours across 200 locations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to helping communities thrive. Here are a few highlights.
Frontline employees from distribution centers (DCs) in Birmingham, Alabama; Kapolei, Hawaii (at left); Portland, Oregon (above); and Piedmont, South Carolina assembled 300 water filters to address a critical need for clean drinking water for an underserved community in Thailand. Identified by our employees in Thailand, this community lacks access to filtered or tap water, and relies solely on groundwater, which poses a threat to their health. The new water filters will provide the community with access to clean, safe drinking water for the next 10 years, helping to improve the quality of life for the 2,000 residents.
“Knowing that access to clean water is such a basic and critical need motivated me to get involved and be part of a solution, even in a small way,” said Todd Hickox, director of operations management in the Kapolei DC. “Working alongside my colleagues to assemble these water filters truly underscored the value of teamwork and how our collective efforts can make a significant impact."
Across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the United States, 260 employees from our global human resources services team and the international Philippines team participated in a virtual volunteer opportunity supporting Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, a nonprofit conservation organization that works to protect the reef ecosystem. Volunteers analyzed 3,000 coral reef images, providing scientists with valuable data that can be further analyzed to support reef research and conservation efforts. Patrick Lexan Ting, a payroll advisor in the Philippines, said “Knowing that my participation contributed to real research made this volunteer experience both rewarding and fulfilling.”
Near our headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, 100 volunteers gathered at Stratford Ecological Center (right), an educational farm and nature preserve. Hosted by our Sustainable Business team for Earth Day, this volunteer activity was a hands-on effort to support the organization’s ability to continue its invaluable educational programming and environmental conservation work. Volunteers tackled a variety of essential tasks that included tending gardens, collecting and splitting wood, removing invasive plant species, planting 300 trees, and much more.
“Volunteering is a shared responsibility that strengthens our communities and, for me, supports my core values,” said Julie Wolfe, director of web operations. “I volunteer at Stratford each year because their mission to foster an appreciation for the land and all life through environmental education aligns with my beliefs. I feel this understanding starts with helping young people connect with the world around them."
Also in Central Ohio, volunteers partnered with Student Success Stores, a nonprofit helping remove barriers to learning for students in grades 6-12 from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Volunteers put together 125 hygiene kits with essential items like shampoo, body wash, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and laundry supplies to ensure students have what they need to thrive. Heidi Bradshaw, a consultant on our sourcing team, said, “Compiling these hygiene kits was truly impactful, and I was grateful to be able to contribute to such a needed cause to better the day-to-day lives of young students in Columbus.”
At our at-Home Solutions DC in Grove City, Ohio, employees (left) came together to assemble 100 laundry supply kits for seniors at Our Lady of Guadalupe Center, a signature initiative of Catholic Social Services, providing them with items to help them live independently. The team also compiled 100 menstrual hygiene kits and 45 friendship bracelets for Proyecto Mariposas, an organization that provides support to Latina girls and their mothers. “This volunteer experience was both meaningful and energizing,” said Renee DiSabato, a senior coordinator at the DC. “It was an opportunity to step away from our daily responsibilities and support the local community.”
Cannon said, “Our employees continue to show up for their communities in incredible ways. Whether volunteering close to home or supporting efforts around the world, their time and compassion made a real difference. We’re proud of their commitment and grateful for the impact they created together.”