Corporate volunteering is now a key aspect of socially responsible business. Companies that involve their employees in these activities demonstrate that success is not measured solely by business results, but also by the impact they have on the community.
Through volunteering, employees step outside their everyday work environment, meet people with fascinating lives, and directly support those who need help the most. These experiences build empathy, strengthen teamwork, and create a sense of purpose, while bringing real benefits and new energy to the community.
As part of the project Improving Human Rights Corporate Accountability in BiH, the Institute for Youth Development KULT has developed a dedicated web platform www.volontiraj.ba to provide structured support for corporate volunteering. The platform connects interested stakeholders and makes it easier for companies to get involved, as well as for associations, institutions, and civil society organizations that need volunteers.
A Cute corner of creativity
Volunteers from Cute Kute BiH took part in different support activities: spending time and working individually with children, and assisting mobile teams providing psychological support to families, and visiting beneficiaries in their homes.
After spending time with the volunteers, children drew how they imagine doctors – drawing coats, stethoscopes, and other things that symbolise safety to them. The company turned these drawings into designs for canvas tote bags sold to raise funds for charity. All proceeds are directed to supporting children and people with developmental disabilities.
One volunteer shared her experience: “I felt at ease. There was no fear, just a sense of closeness. I visited a mother who is an actual hero. She has two severely ill daughters and recently lost one. Her husband and son were killed in the war. I brought a few small things as a gesture of respect and empathy.” She grew up with a family member who had cerebral palsy and stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for people to understand these issues.
UNIQA Insurance — improving communal spaces
Employees of UNIQA Insurance began their volunteering by learning about the Association’s work and the importance of inclusion. They then helped improve the Day Centre’s yard by cleaning, planting trees and flowers, and installing decorations.
Their efforts resulted in a more welcoming and functional outdoor space for beneficiaries – a place that encourages spending time outside and supports the well-being of children and their families. They proved that practical actions can make a real humanitarian difference.
Raiffeisen Bank — multi-level support
Volunteers from Raiffeisen Bank d.d., a long-term partner of the Association, started by improving the indoor space of the Day Centre to make it more comfortable for beneficiaries.
They then joined direct support activities with families, including day care, therapy, mobile team work, psychological support, and field visits. This allowed them to better understand the daily challenges families face and the importance of consistent support.
Why these examples matter
The experiences with Cute Kute BiH, UNIQA Insurance, and Raiffeisen Bank d.d. demonstrate the value of corporate volunteering. These are not isolated actions but clear examples of how the business sector can contribute to supporting those who need help the most.
When companies and employees engage with their communities, the impact extends beyond the workplace. Volunteering becomes a practical expression of humanity, empathy, and solidarity.
Corporate volunteering is not simply an act of goodwill but a core value of modern business. It strengthens relationships and shared responsibility, creating positive change for both individuals and society.
The project “Improving Human Rights Corporate Accountability in BiH”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with the Commerce Trade and Services Trade Union and the Association “Dajte nam šansu”, encourages individuals, groups, and businesses to engage where support is truly needed.
