Discover how employee-led fundraising drives 5x higher wellbeing

Written on April 15, 2025.

We humans are deeply social beings. Our early ancestors relied on tribal communities for a sense of safety and belonging, and this need remains rooted within our biology. Even today, we don’t just enjoy interacting with others—scientists increasingly think social connection is as important to our survival as food, water and shelter. But it’s what we accomplish within this collective that makes humans positively special.

While one individual can achieve so much good, people who come together truly change the world. Remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014? What started as a fun dare between friends soon ballooned into a global community event, drawing everyone from schoolchildren to presidents and raising upwards of $115 million (£89m) for motor neuron disease.

At Soles4Souls, we believe these collective initiatives are the most effective way to make real social impact. And brands like yours enjoy a ready-made community of hard-working, talented people—your employees—all primed to make a real difference. Let’s explore how, and why, you should get started.

“Employee engagement, environmental stewardship, economic empowerment … all align with company and philanthropic priorities.”

Soles4Souls Partner

Warm-glow giving can form the backbone of productivity

Alongside a profound need for community, us humans display another interesting behavioural quirk. While we like to do good because we know it’s the right thing to do, research also shows that giving and acts of kindness lead to the “warm glow” effect, including increased feelings of well-being and happiness.

Simply, charity makes us feel better about ourselves. So, when it comes to helping others, sometimes it’s okay to be a little selfish. Shifting our attention to the workplace, employers who give staff the chance to contribute to meaningful progress at work see this greater life satisfaction seep into productivity and retention, too.

Employees working in companies with volunteering systems report five times higher levels of wellbeing, while 70% believe volunteer activities boost morale more than company-sponsored happy hours. As a result, staff turnover drops by an average of 57%, annual productivity gains are at least £4,551 ($5,996) per volunteer and more than three-quarters (77%) of consumers would rather buy from companies who help make the world a better place.

“The shoe donation programme in our stores connects with our customers and brings in additional foot traffic into our stores.”

Soles4Souls Partner

Supporting your people to come together around a good cause, such as Soles4Souls, is an ultra-effective way to boost your staff engagement. So, how does that look for you at work?

Build your own programme to maximise your impact

The beauty of a workplace fundraising initiative is that you can craft it in any way you like.

Need to put some shoes and clothing overstock to good use? Great. Want to ask your employees to donate their own gently used apparel? Also ideal. Prefer to set up a financial fundraising event like a bake sale? That works perfectly, too. Or fancy getting really creative with your employee and customer initiatives, like take-back programmes, buy one give one schemes and loyalty point donations? Well, you get the idea.

This flexibility also extends to fundraising events. While some brands and their employees might like to host an event themselves, collecting gently used or new items for donation in offices and stores, others may prefer to simply attend an external event so they can focus on networking, learning and donating.

“Our partnership with Soles4Souls allows us to donate gently used products to those in need instead of having to find alternative ways to dispose of this inventory.”

Soles4Souls Partner

Either way, participating in a community-led initiative is a hands-on way for companies and groups to make a tangible social impact. And if you’d like to get an initial taste of a Soles4Souls event, why not attend our upcoming London social?

Join the Soles4Souls UK shoes, clothing and breakfast social in London

On Wednesday 7th May from 9am, Soles4Souls is hosting a morning of community, connection and giving back at Propeller Group, 60 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8QW.

Come along and enjoy breakfast while supporting the Soles4Souls mission to support people in need through donations. We’re collecting gently used shoes and clothing to create economic opportunities for those who need it most. You and your employees can drop off your gently used shoes, coats, workwear, gym wear, casual clothing and kids’ items at our designated collection points. Your donations will directly help provide jobs, relief and empowerment to communities across the globe.

Best of all? You can engage in a community of like-minded brands, partners and humanitarians to make a real difference to the world. You’ll get to network and connect with others in a relaxed, café-style setting to foster meaningful conversations and learn more about the impact of your contributions.

“We love that shoes can avoid the landfill and stay in use at their highest value. We don’t have the capacity to do this alone around the world so S4S fills that need.”