At Wayfair, our mission is to help anyone, anywhere create their feeling of home. Whether that is those who have been forced from their home or those who have lost their home, our goal is to support housing and a sense of home for all. Our mission particularly rings true as it relates to the devastating crisis in Ukraine that has been on the minds of many Wayfairians and their communities over the last several months.
National Volunteer Week, which occurs in April every year, is an annual moment designated at Wayfair for employees to reflect on how they are giving back to their communities. This year, we felt that it was imperative to support Wayfairians to participate in National Volunteer Week activities that allow them to support those impacted by the war in Ukraine while also learning about refugee crises around the world.
In partnership with Generus, a leader in engaging and educational virtual volunteer opportunities, Wayfair employees came together through a series of events to create handmade blankets and soaps for refugees who have been forced out of their homes in Ukraine. Over 250 products were created by Wayfair employees and sent directly to the Poland-Ukraine border immediately following the event.
During their volunteer event, Wayfairians also learned more about the refugee resettlement process in the U.S. and actions they can take in their own backyards to support refugees from all around the world.
When asked why she decided to sign up, Christa Boody, Service Specialist, said:
“My heart goes out to the many suffering in Ukraine. When I saw this volunteer opportunity to make blankets for the refugees I knew it was the least I could do to help spread love and to give back.”
Wayfair employees are also encouraged to give back to their communities year-round. Employees are given a Paid Day of Service that allows them to take 8-hours of paid time off to volunteer with a cause they are passionate about. Wayfair also offers an Employee Match Program where employees are encouraged to donate to nonprofit organizations they care about, and Wayfair will double their impact.
For all our communities, Wayfair is committed to making the spaces where we live and work feel more like home. Read more about our corporate responsibility work here.