VML Poised for Employee-Led Day of Community Service

​VML continues its longstanding tradition of an agency-wide day of community service, when offices close their doors to normal business and VMLers head into the community to give back. More than 26,000 people in 150-plus offices around the globe will participate in VML Worldwide Foundation Day on Thursday, Sept. 25th. Employees spend the day supporting worthy causes and non-profit organisations of their choice through meaningful volunteer projects.

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, VML collectively has supported hundreds of non-profit causes through the Foundation Day program. VML Worldwide Foundation Day is led by employees, with local volunteer teams planning projects for fellow colleagues. The result is a remarkable, collaborative day positively impacting the widest variety of needs.

This year’s theme - 'One Heart' - celebrates the connected nature of the day. As the industry’s largest synchronised charitable corporate impact day, the program seeks to highlight the importance of supporting the communities that nurture business success. Volunteer activities across the network range from environmental- and community-focused initiatives to education- and health-related support.

“Foundation Day is a powerful demonstration of VML’s collective spirit, extending our impact beyond our walls and into the communities that sustain us,” said Jon Cook, VML global CEO. “It's a day to recommit to the foundational spirit, to innovate with greater purpose, and to continue shaping the future of our industry, all while feeling deeply connected to the shared journey that unites us, no matter where we are in the world.”

VML Worldwide Foundation Day is a signature feature of the agency’s community outreach program, a priority embedded into the agency’s overall employee experience offering. In addition to VML’s dedication to impact and inclusion, career growth and development, and employee well-being, the VML Foundation is an intentional investment in employees and the charitable causes they care about.

In North America, the VML Foundation features an employee giving program where VMLers are invited to personally support the VML Foundation fund by donating $5 (or more) per pay period. Those contributing to the Foundation receive up to $1,500 in tangible charitable benefits annually. Benefits include $2-to-$1 Matching Gifts and the ability to request an Unrestricted Grant to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation. The VML Foundation fund recently surpassed $3.5 million in charitable donations on behalf of employees.

Additionally, the VML Foundation supports pro bono services for non-profits, year-round volunteer opportunities, employee resource group fundraising, disaster relief efforts, and more.

“Dedicating a workday each year to giving back not only supports vital needs in our communities, but also benefits our employees personally,” said Lauren Ziegler, director, VML Foundation. “Community-based volunteerism is a proven well-being booster and a wonderful opportunity to get to know colleagues beyond someone’s immediate work team or department.”

To learn more, visit here and follow VML’s Foundation Day activities via #WeAreVML.