Corporate and nonprofit partnerships drive lasting impact, highlighting the power of volunteerism beyond a single day.
International Volunteer Day brought a renewed wave of generosity to Tampa Bay on Thursday as community members rallied to support families, students, and individuals in need. Among the day’s standout contributors was Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance, whose commitment to service extends beyond the office through a unique volunteer time off policy.
Introduced in 1985 by the United Nations, International Volunteer Day, held annually on December 5th, aims to spotlight the transformative power of community service. Across the globe, individuals and organizations dedicate time to making a difference, and in Tampa Bay, Heritage Insurance played a key role in amplifying this year’s impact by empowering employees to serve local nonprofits.
The Bullard Family Foundation, a nonprofit working to inspire and support Hillsborough County students, emphasized how corporate partnerships can supercharge their efforts. Founder and President Thaddeus Bullard credited Heritage Insurance with making a tangible difference.
“Heritage Insurance is one of our most valued and most vital corporate partners in the Tampa area, helping us inspire, embolden, and shape Hillsborough County students into future leaders and changemakers,” said Bullard. “It takes many hands to make a difference, and we are thankful for the Heritage team for helping us be the change.”
Similarly, the Salvation Army’s Tampa Area Command highlighted the ongoing need for robust community support. Salvation Army Majors Mark and Rhea Woodcock praised Heritage’s contributions, noting the essential role of volunteers in expanding their outreach.
“We are grateful for the way Heritage Insurance has stepped in and stepped up to help us at the Salvation Army in the Tampa Bay region,” they said. “As we remain committed to reaching more people, we are thankful for new opportunities and channels to grow our efforts and help others.”
At Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, which grants life-changing wishes for critically ill children, President and CEO Norm Wedderburn emphasized the importance of partnerships like the one they’ve built with Heritage.
“It is through these partnerships, like the one we have with Heritage Insurance, that we are able to magnify stories, encourage community activism, and cultivate relationships focused on service to others,” said Wedderburn. “The Heritage team has been a reliable part of our Tampa Bay team, and we are thankful for the time and effort they give in service to wish children and their families.”
Heritage Insurance CEO Ernie Garateix pointed to the company’s volunteer time off policy as a cornerstone of their community engagement strategy. By offering four days of paid leave for volunteering, the company fosters a culture where employees can directly contribute to causes that resonate with them.
“At Heritage, we make sure to give our team four days of volunteer time off with the goal of empowering active involvement in our neighborhoods,” Garateix said. “Bullard Family Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Salvation Army continue to do tremendous work in the greater Tampa Bay area, and they are some of the top organizations that our team dedicates their time to.”
As the celebrations of International Volunteer Day wind down, local organizations hope the momentum will carry forward. While December 5 serves as a global reminder of the importance of giving, the work of groups like the Bullard Family Foundation, the Salvation Army, and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida underscores the value of year-round engagement. With partners like Heritage Insurance, these organizations are poised to make an even greater impact in the months ahead.
Through the collective efforts of volunteers and corporate allies, the Tampa Bay community continues to demonstrate that even small acts of service can inspire big changes.