From Passion to Profession: How Volunteering Leads to Full-Time Impact | Case Study

Skilled volunteers play a crucial role in empowering non-profit organizations, providing the expertise necessary to help them achieve their missions more effectively. In 2024, we had the privilege of collaborating with two remarkable NGOs—Rise Wise Foundation and Generation Hong Kong—who utilized our platform to recruit volunteers, leading to impactful capacity-building successes.

The Challenge

Both Rise Wise and Generation Hong Kong faced the challenge of needing dedicated volunteers to enhance their initiatives. Rise Wise, focused on empowering individuals with special needs through therapy dog programs, was seeking for volunteers with strong marketing and fundraising backgrounds to expand their outreach. Meanwhile, Generation Hong Kong aimed to foster economic mobility and needed volunteers to conduct mock interviews for their Guardians of the Silver Age initiative.

Our Story

Through Time Auction's skilled volunteer matching platform, both organizations were successfully connected with a cadre of passionate professionals eager to contribute their expertise.

At Rise Wise, Christy, a marketing and event specialist with a wealth of experience, dedicated 18 hours to various therapy dog events from May to July 2024. Her background in corporate branding and public relations proved invaluable as she helped promote the therapy dog programs, engage with potential corporate partners, and enhance fundraising efforts. This impactful work led to her transition into a full-time role as the Community, Corporate Partnership, and Fundraising Manager in July. In her new position, she continues to leverage her skills to develop strategic partnerships, broadening the organization’s outreach and significantly increasing funding opportunities.

Generation Hong Kong also benefited significantly from its volunteers. Nancy Chan began her journey in 2022 by volunteering as a mock interviewer for the Guardians of the Silver Age (GSA) program, contributing 24 hours of her time. Drawing on her professional expertise in communications and the eldercare industry, Nancy was able to provide constructive feedback to participants, helping them improve their interview skills and confidence.

Nancy’s deep commitment to the organization prompted her to apply for a senior position when it opened up, and she was thrilled to be offered the role of Director of Marketing and Communications.  She later moved to become the Project Director of GSA and Head of Data and Impact of Generation HK.  She utilized her skills to elevate its messaging and outreach strategies, significantly advancing its mission of promoting economic mobility. At December 2024, Nancy transitioned from this role to serve as a consultant for the organization, continuing to contribute her expertise in a capacity that supports its ongoing success and impact.

Both Rise Wise and Generation Hong Kong expressed their gratitude for the contributions of these skilled volunteers. Their professionalism and dedication not only addressed immediate needs but also fostered long-term growth within the organizations, demonstrating the lasting impact of skilled volunteering.

The collaborations with Rise Wise Foundation and Generation Hong Kong highlight the transformative impact of skilled volunteers. By connecting NGOs with talented professionals, Time Auction's skilled volunteer platform addresses immediate needs while also nurturing a culture of growth and sustainability within these organizations. Thanks to the contributions of dedicated volunteers like Christy and Nancy, we empower non-profits to amplify their impact and strengthen the communities they serve.

Want to lend a helping hand to organisations like Rise Wise Foundation and Generation HK? Discover more about skilled volunteering opportunities here.