Powered by Purpose: Crewmember Volunteer Stories
At FAIRWINDS, giving back is more than a mission—it's a way of life. Through initiatives like the CommUNITY Crew, our crewmembers volunteered hundreds of hours in 2024, creating lasting impacts in our communities and their own lives.
People-helping-people.
That’s the philosophy credit unions were founded on over 100 years ago. It’s a philosophy that FAIRWINDS lives every day, helping to change lives in the communities we live and work in.
Thanks to our crewmembers generously donating their time and talents, 2024 was an exceptional year of giving back and making a collective impact. We were proud to recognize crewmembers recently at an end-of-year celebration honoring the impact they have made to our communities.
Here’s a look at how some of them experienced volunteering in 2024, and the lasting difference it has made in their lives and in the lives of those we serve.
Making a Difference, One Volunteer Hour at a Time
Our volunteer efforts kicked off in 2024 with the launch of CommUNITY Crew, a new workplace benefit, providing every crewmember up to eight hours of paid time off annually to volunteer.
More than 100 crewmembers volunteered over 700 hours in 2024 to organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Harbor House of Central Florida, UP Orlando, Clean the World, Heart of Florida United Way, the Sharing Center, and many more.
For FAIRWINDS crewmember and Member Service Manager Matthew Collins, the priority toward giving back has been especially impactful.
“One of the reasons that drew me to join FAIRWINDS was their reputation for community involvement. Once I came on board, I was blown away by how important it really is in our culture,” says Matthew. “The fact that FAIRWINDS offers paid-for volunteer hours is one of my favorite benefits.”
Matthew used some of his hours toward helping to teach students from the Center for Independent Living about banking and finance, while also lending a paw to four-legged friends at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Says Matthew, “It was such a great feeling to see the dogs get to enjoy some interaction with our team and prepare them to meet prospective new families.” His experience volunteering made such an impact that he continues to support Pet Alliance through an ongoing payroll deduction.
A Year of Personal Impact and Community Connection
Approximately 63 million Americans volunteer their time, talents, and energy to making a difference, according to Non-Profit Source.
For many, volunteering has been more than just an opportunity to help – it’s been a source of inspiration and personal growth.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside my peers and have been able to include my children at times as well,” says Christine Langan, a Loan Officer in Digital Lending. “It has been a rewarding experience not only to give back to my community but show my children the importance of serving.
Leslie Ferreira, a Senior Loan Processor, agrees:
“In this fast-paced life we live, volunteering has shown me that it's important to reconnect with your community and appreciate the amazing work being done. What inspires me the most about getting involved with volunteering is the community aspect being surrounded with like-minded individuals ready to make a difference.”
The Power of Living Generously
Our crewmembers’ efforts in 2024 reached far beyond the hours they gave. By living generously, we continue to foster a culture of giving back.
“It is a joy to be able to help people. I have been on the receiving end of others’ generosity and understand the impact we have on each other as a community,” says Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager Felipe Soto Nieves. “Imagine the good you can do by volunteering for others.”
As for Christine, she’s already planning ahead for more volunteering in the New Year. “We keep the world turning so why not help our fellow neighbors in the process,” says Christine. “I can’t wait to see what volunteer opportunities are coming for me in 2025!”