IBSA Volunteering: stories of commitment, relationships and community
In 2025 IBSA launched the programme corporate volunteering, which allows employees to dedicate part of their working hours to social, environmental, and cultural activities. Just a few months later, the project has already seen widespread participation!
The idea of corporate volunteering emerged from IBSA’s ESG department, in collaboration with the Human Resources department, and is open to all employees, from headquarters to subsidiaries. Each employee has the opportunity to choose from activity proposals coordinated by IBSA with partner organisations or participate in individually selected volunteer initiatives.
Among the activities organised by IBSA and carried out so far across various countries are:
Switzerland:
Pro Natura: a day dedicated to caring for nature and to environmental education
ORME Festival: supporting the International Festival of Inclusive Arts of Italian Switzerland
Italy:
Arché ONLUS: supporting children and families in vulnerable situations
UK:
Dig Deep Project: part of the Watford and Three Rivers Trust (W3RT), which aims to revitalise the area’s urban gardens to support wildlife and the environment
BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL CARE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Erika Mapelli, CMC & Regulatory Affairs Manager at IBSA, took part in an environmental volunteering day organised with Pro Natura at Lake Muzzano (Canton Ticino) on May 28. During the day, ten employees from IBSA’s headquarters received an introductory training session on Pro Natura’s mission, the reserve, and its biodiversity. The day continued with activities such as raking meadows, removing invasive plants to favour native species, clearing litter, pruning branches and planting new vegetation.
“It’s been a wonderful day, though not without its challenges. An opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature while learning that pulling weeds isn’t just about removing the unwanted – it’s about making space for beauty. In life and daily work, as in fields, if you don’t clear the unnecessary, it suffocates the essential”, commented Erika.
For Vincenzo Angileri, Calibration & Validation Technician at IBSA, volunteering was already familiar territory. At the end of May, alongside four colleagues, he volunteered at the Festival ORME in Lugano. This initiative focuses on the Art of caring for others’ needs and is the only event in Ticino where theatre professionals with disabilities can showcase their work. During the festival, volunteers assisted with setting up spaces, serving meals, and supporting artists and attendees.
“It’s a fantastic initiative and a positive experience, that allowed me to connect with incredible people with a very broad vision – artists truly capable of improving the world”, shared Vincenzo.
Beyond these headquarters-led initiatives, the volunteering programme also welcomes employee-proposed activities. For example, on 10-12 July, Federico Mautone, Gianluca Mautone, and Dominique Daldini volunteered for two days to set up a scout camp in Obersaxen (Canton of the Grisons).
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL VOLUNTEERING
In Italy, on June 10, three IBSA Italy employees volunteered for a day at Casa Adriana, a residential community run by Fondazione Arché in Milan, which supports families facing social hardship. During the day, they contributed to the early stages of a renovation project, clearing and reorganising living spaces.
“It was inspiring to give tangible support to a project with such a clear social impact. You walk away feeling like you’ve truly contributed to something bigger”, said Beatrice Bassi, Jr. Communication Specialist at IBSA Italy.
“Getting involved in a cause like this is a reminder that even a few hours of your time can help create meaningful change”, added Mattia Argiolas, Jr. Communication Specialist at IBSA Italy.
BIODIVERSITY AND… TEAMBUILDING!
In the UK, 26 IBSA UK employees took part in the Dig Deep project, part of the Watford and Three Rivers Trust. On May 13, the team transformed an abandoned urban garden in Watford, near London, into a haven for biodiversity and inclusion. Manual work was interspersed with moments of reflection and team bonding, as highlighted by participants.
“I was very privileged to have been a part of the CSR Gardening activity as it further showed our core values within IBSA. [...] It felt amazing to be able to step out of work and help the local community” said Rob Dilkes, Support Coordinator at IBSA UK.
"I really enjoyed my time volunteering; it was great to see the progress we had made by the end of the day as well as spending time with the team outside of the office" added Lily Guest, Business Development Associate at IBSA UK.
“Participating in our recent charity initiative was not only a rewarding experience but also a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together for a greater cause. […] It’s initiatives like this that remind us of the importance of empathy, compassion, and corporate responsibility.” concluded Ruby Karthig, Finance Assistant at IBSA UK.
SPORT FOR A GOOD CAUSE
In the USA, participation in the volunteering programme was equally enthusiastic. On June 2, ten IBSA USA employees took part in a charity sports event in Morristown, New Jersey, in collaboration with the Cancer Hope Network (CHN), an organisation offering peer mentorship to cancer patients. During the day, they participated in both golf and pickleball tournaments, attended the awards ceremony and heard patient testimonials on the dedication and value of CHN.
“Having never played pickleball before, I was nervous and excited at the same time. What made the experience even more special was knowing that I was doing it for an important cause. The courts were filled with energy, laughter and a sense of belonging.” – Uchenna Eke, Accounting Analyst at IBSA USA.
From the shores of Lake Muzzano to the outskirts of Milan, from an urban garden in Watford to pickleball courts in New Jersey, these stories demonstrate the broad and tangible impact of individual choices supported by a corporate framework.
IBSA will continue to promote, share, and support these experiences, giving voice to those who choose to make a difference every day. Because volunteering isn’t just an act of altruism – it’s a way to look in the same direction, as individuals, professionals and a community.
