Why we volunteer: Stories from the Ticket Tailor team

It’s B Corp Month 2025 – an annual celebration of the B Corp community (of which we’re a very proud member)! Here at Ticket Tailor, we love being a part of this global movement of companies committed to using business as a force for good. 

While we’re a global business, with a far-reaching community, we love getting stuck in locally too. We believe that supporting our local communities is a powerful way to bring our values to life, and one of the ways we do this is through volunteering with charities on our doorstep. In 2024 we introduced the Employee Volunteering Program (EVP), encouraging everyone to volunteer 1% of their time at Ticket Tailor (which equates to 20 hours), either during working hours or through time off in lieu.

Below, four of our team members share their volunteering stories in a Q&A style. Keep reading to find out more – you never know, it might just inspire you.

Karishma’s story

Who was the organisation that you supported?

Last year, I gave 13.5 hours of my time to support Hackney Night Shelter (HNS) – an organisation I discovered through Ticket Tailor. They do amazing work providing shelter and support for people experiencing homelessness in Hackney, with the ultimate goal of helping visitors to find lasting routes out of homelessness. 

Why was this organisation important to you?

After learning about the incredible impact HNS has on the local community, I was moved to get involved. The work they do is so hands-on and tangible; you can see the direct difference it makes.

What did the volunteering work involve?

I worked a few shifts helping with cooking meals, cleaning communal and dormitory spaces, and preparing SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocol) kits for when temperatures drop dangerously low. 

What would you say to other team members – or businesses – to encourage them to volunteer?

Through volunteering, I’ve really deepened my understanding of the many reasons people end up homeless. It’s helped me practice compassion and empathy, and it’s also helped me challenge the stigma around homelessness.

Volunteering is an excellent way to open your eyes to different social issues. You realise how important hands-on help can be, and you gain a new perspective on how to solve problems in your own community. 

Jacob’s story

Which organisation did you support?

I volunteered with May Project Gardens – a local social enterprise (CIC) dedicated to working with and empowering young people through environmental and creative projects.

Why is May Project Gardens important to you?

I’ve always wanted to give back to the local community and support a local organisation that works with and helps support young people. I know the owner personally and have been looking for the right opportunity to get involved for a while.

How much time have you dedicated to volunteering with them?

So far, I’ve contributed about 30 hours spread over a few weekends. It can be challenging giving up large portions of my weekend and personal time, so it can be difficult to commit consistently but I hope to continue volunteering with them regularly in future.

What does your volunteering work involve?

Think lots of mud! I’ve been doing gardening and woodwork – yes, even on cold and rainy days. There are plans for me to spend more time engaging with young people, but that depends on how my schedule shapes up.

Any words of wisdom for those thinking about volunteering?

Businesses that profit in a community should definitely give back to it. While the government could do more, we as individuals and organisations often need to step up ourselves. On a personal level, it’s made me feel so much more connected to my community.

Rhio’s story

Who was the organisation you supported?

I joined forces with Stirchley Open Cinema – a fantastic community cinema project near my new home.

Why is Stirchley Open Cinema important to you?

I’d just moved house and wanted to meet people in my local area. I’ve always been involved in running events, and I enjoy films, so it felt like a great fit. Plus, they were Ticket Tailor customers, so I wanted to help them out!

How much time did you dedicate to volunteering?

We show one film per month and recently ran a one-month Film and Food Festival.

What did your volunteering work involve?

We put on a series of film screenings in accessible or pop-up spaces, encourage post-film chats, and showcase our local food scene during the Film and Food Festival. There is a great film scene in Birmingham with a couple of Film Schools based in the city, and we’ve collaborated on a few events with filmmakers and other local artists to platform their work. My volunteering role is all about marketing, ticketing, and running the events – full ( small-scale) event production!

Any advice for fellow volunteers out there?

Volunteering is a fun way to flex your skills in new and creative ways – plus, you’ll likely make new friends and connections along the way.

Jamie’s story

Which organisation did you support?

I teamed up with Hackney Night Shelter.

Why was HNS important to you?

Ticket Tailor has long supported Hackney Night Shelter (from team volunteering shifts to fundraising initiatives), and after visiting their facilities I felt compelled to contribute. They step in at critical times when people are newly homeless and vulnerable, helping them to find long-term accommodation and rebuild their lives.

How much time have you dedicated to volunteering?

Less than I wanted! I managed around 6 breakfast shifts in 2024 – which, unfortunately, was cut short due to new family commitments. But even short-term help counts! 

What did the volunteering work involve?

I was on breakfast duty – cooking up hot meals to give the guests a positive start to their day.

Any tips for others who want to volunteer?

It’s surprisingly easy to get started – don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Even a small contribution can make a huge difference. You’ll also find it’s a lovely way to help others while nourishing your own sense of purpose.

Why volunteering matters (especially in B Corp Month!)

B Corp Month is the perfect time for businesses to reflect on how we can be a force for good. Here at Ticket Tailor, volunteering is a small part of our bigger mission of looking out for all stakeholders and giving back. We know it’s just a drop in the ocean, but it helps us feel more connected, fosters personal growth, and allows us to support local causes that share our passion for making a positive impact.

Thinking of volunteering yourself? Go for it! Whether you can spare an hour a week, a day a month, or a whole weekend, every little bit helps. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of your community, gain valuable skills, and maybe even make new friends along the way.

So, if you’re inspired by our stories, why not celebrate B Corp Month by finding a cause close to your heart and rolling up your sleeves? Together, we can make a real difference – one volunteer hour at a time.