When was the last time you saw pure joy light up a room?

Imagine a child’s face lighting up with joy in an instant. Their eyes shine as they unwrap a simple gift—maybe a bright notebook, some crayons, or a cuddly toy. Those moments of joy are not just sweet; they can really change how a child sees the world. For many kids in the UAE and elsewhere, these celebrations are special moments that can have a big impact on their lives.

Around 2.7 million kids are in residential care worldwide, based on reports from 140 countries. This number probably doesn’t reflect the actual situation since there are gaps in data and some places don’t register these institutions. When businesses get involved to spread joy, they don’t just make a child’s day better; they help build hope that can last a lifetime.

Why Celebration Matters More Than You Think

Celebration is more than just throwing parties and giving gifts. Experts say that good experiences in childhood help kids build a positive outlook, social skills, and emotional smarts. When forgotten children experience genuine celebration, they learn they matter—a lesson that echoes throughout their lives.

In the UAE, there’s a change happening in the business scene. Companies are finding that when they focus on bringing joy to kids, they unlock something extraordinary—not only for the children but also for their own teams. Creating moments of celebration helps boost real leadership, teamwork, and fresh ideas, making the work environment better for everyone.

The True Impact of Celebrating with Purpose

When companies organise celebration events for children, something beautiful happens:

  • Children feel pure joy, usually for the first time.
  • Employees connect with purpose beyond their daily tasks.
  • Communities witness corporate values in action.
  • Businesses create real brand stories that people connect with.

Creating Joy and Lasting Memories with UNICEF

One of the most heartwarming examples of corporate volunteering in UAE happened when UNICEF teamed up with Companies for Good. Instead of just donating money, they organised a project that brought together volunteers from different companies to make lasting memories for kids who really needed it.

The initiative had corporate volunteers who came ready to make a difference. The teams collaborated to:

  • Put Together Care Packages: Volunteers got together to fill bags with school supplies, books, toys, and heartfelt notes. Each bag took a lot of time and care to prepare.
  • Plan Fun Activities: Besides giving gifts, volunteers set up activities, storytelling, and games that brought a lot of joy and laughter.
  • Building Ongoing Connections: The best part wasn’t just the event itself but the commitment to stay with the kids, making sure they felt remembered.

The results were extraordinary. Children who didn’t often get to celebrate suddenly had loving adults around them who took the time to make them feel valued. The laughter in those rooms was more than just noise; it was a sign of hope coming back to life.

How Your Company Can Create These Magical Moments

At Companies for Good, we’ve seen how corporate volunteering can really change lives for kids and boost company culture. We aim to set up lasting programs that are more than just one-time events.

1. Celebration Programs

    • Host quarterly events that match cultural holidays and seasons.
    • Get employees involved in planning to strengthen team bonds.
    • Work with well-known organisations to make a bigger difference.

2. Skill-Based Volunteering

    • Marketing teams can make promotional materials for kids’ programs.
    • HR can set up mentorship opportunities.
    • Finance teams can provide basic money management lessons.

3. Building Ongoing Relationships

    • Adopt certain children’s facilities for continuous support.
    • Create programs where employee volunteers act as ambassadors.
    • Keep track of the impact and share success stories regularly.

The Time for Action Is Now

Every day that goes by is another day a child misses out on joy and celebration. But it’s also a chance for your company to make a difference.

Kids are waiting for those special moments. There are plenty of chances to help. So, when will your organisation join in and make a change?  

Ready to bring light into the lives of forgotten children? Connect with Companies for Good today. Find out how your team can create lasting joy. Celebrating others is a great way to show the best of who we are. 

Celebrating children isn’t just about a moment; it’s about using those moments of joy to make a difference in their lives, one smile at a time.

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