Today’s work culture is all about being digital, and companies can really strengthen their teams. Experiences that focus on a good cause, especially those that contribute to the community, are turning out to be important. When employees team up for something simple but meaningful, the effects reach way beyond just completing the task.
At Companies for Good, we’ve seen how straightforward activities like making toys can really bring teams together. When groups from companies like CMA CGM and Novartis didn’t just assemble toys—they built bonds, discovered new sides of each other, and found joy in giving. What started as a CSR initiative turned into a hands-on lesson in empathy, teamwork, and shared purpose.
What Corporate Volunteers Actually Learned
The real magic comes from what we learn through these experiences. During our toy-making activities, corporate volunteers consistently discover three important insights that change how they see teamwork and giving:
- Working Together Feels Great – Teams realise that when everyone contributes to a shared goal, it feels even better for each person involved.
- Simple Tasks Create Strong Bonds – Volunteers find that making toys together helps them connect on a deeper level than usual team-building exercises.
- Purpose Drives Performance – When employees see how their efforts help others, they get more creative and dedicated to their work.
Real Impact, Real Stories
1. CMA CGM: Building Bonds Through Giving
The CMA CGM team had a great time making toys together, showing how meaningful volunteering can be. While they were busy crafting cheerful penguin toys, it wasn’t just about the end result—it was about working together and connecting as a team.
This activity allowed employees to bond while doing something important. It felt good to know that their handmade penguins would bring smiles to kids in need, making it more special than your typical team-building exercise.
The impact was felt right away. Team members reported feeling closer to each other and more aligned with the company’s values. With just a little bit of time and creativity, they made a real difference for both the kids and themselves.
2. Novartis: Creativity Meets Corporate Purpose
The Novartis Gulf team’s toy-making day really showed how volunteering can match a company’s values. While making soft toys, they lived out Novartis’s mission of making a positive difference in the community.
It was great to see everyone come together with such enthusiasm. This activity fit perfectly with Novartis’s Giving and Volunteering program, which aims to strengthen ties with local communities.
What made the day special was watching everyone’s creativity come to life as they made playful penguin toys. The hands-on experience gave team members a chance to use their talents, learn something new, and spread happiness to children in need.
The Companies for Good Difference
At Companies for Good, we understand that meaningful corporate volunteering takes thoughtful planning—not just good intentions. Our organised toy-making activities are set up to make sure everyone really gets involved and makes a difference. We take care of all the materials, provide guidance, and handle the details, so your team can focus on the joy of giving.
Our programs are designed to accommodate various group sizes and skill levels, making them accessible to diverse corporate teams. Whether your organisation has five employees or fifty, we create customised experiences that resonate with your company culture and values.
Lasting Organizational Impact
Corporate volunteering brings a lot of good to both employees and companies. When businesses get involved in volunteering, they often notice:
- Better employee retention.
- Stronger teamwork and communication.
- A better reputation and relationships in the community.
- More engaged and satisfied employees.
- Improved leadership and collaborative skills.
The toy-making activity serves as a catalyst for these broader organisational benefits. When employees see their company caring about the community, it makes them feel good about working there. That pride can lead to higher productivity, creativity, and loyalty.
Creating Your Own Impact Story
Every toy created represents hope delivered to a child who needs it most. But what’s special is the process itself—watching teammates learn new things about each other, seeing creativity come to life in unexpected ways, and feeling great about making a real difference.
The question isn’t whether your team should engage in meaningful volunteering—it’s when you’ll take the first step. At Companies for Good, we’re here to help you create your own impact story, one handmade toy at a time.
Want to change how your team gives back? The path to kindness starts with just one choice to make a difference. Get in touch with us today to set up a toy-making activity for your team and see what it can teach about success.