Many of us do good without talking about it. 
But why not do good AND talk about it to motivate others?

My department EGITINT PM Governance & QA is known for its social commitment and is responsible for #sharethemeal fundraising for the hungry or Christmas in a shoebox, for example.

We also have a custom of celebrating birthdays and collecting money instead of small gifts to donate to charity later on. This time we saved up our money to do a different kind of team building: Cooking in the Second Crypt (Zweite Gruft) of Caritas Vienna. For those who don't know it, the Zweite Gruft looks after homeless EU citizens who are not eligible for benefits and offers them a place to shower, lockers, counselling and a hot meal.

Our team building started at half past seven in Vienna's 18th district, and after a short briefing from the on-site chef, we got down to cutting meat, peeling vegetables, cooking rice, washing salad and preparing dessert. This is what our menu looked like: Potato and tomato soup, roast pork in cinnamon and cardamom juice with courgette rice, and a raspberry and curd cream to finish. Not for ten or twenty, no - for 80 guests!

A big compliment to my colleagues - everyone knew what to do, every move was right, there was never any rush and we were able to serve "our" meal on time at 11.30 am. Our guests enjoyed it (we did anyway) and apart from empty plates and praise for the kitchen, we were left with the good feeling of having helped people in need a little.

Will we do it again? We definitely will! And there are already colleagues from other departments who are keen to help out at the next "Cooking Day".

As you can see - doing good AND talking about it motivates others to help!

Author: Thomas Scherbichler