At iManage, we believe in making a tangible difference in the communities where we live and work. Our commitment to giving back is driven by our passionate employees who go above and beyond to create meaningful change. In 2024, we engaged in two incredible volunteering projects, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and compassion from Belfast to Bangalore.
Cultivating Hope in Belfast: The Knockbracken Project
In May, our Belfast team partnered with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) to support a transformative project at their Knockbracken Community Garden & Allotments. TCV is dedicated to connecting people with green spaces to create lasting outcomes for both, and their work at Knockbracken exemplifies the profound impact of community-driven initiatives.
Knockbracken serves as a green sanctuary, providing both growing spaces and horticultural education to the local community. It’s not just about planting seeds in the soil here, but about planting seeds of hope and connection, providing a refuge for those who need it most. The project engages under-represented groups, including, but not limited to those who are homeless, refugees and asylum seekers, as well as those connected via the Belfast Trust. Knockbracken plays a vital role in supporting mental health recovery too, acting as a transitionary site for patients reintegrating into the community after discharge from mental health wards. By offering private gardening sessions and open weekend events, the initiative helps participants build social skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The aim for our volunteers was to finish clearing the allotment spaces and provide these key growing spaces for community groups who are otherwise gridlocked in Belfast, and wouldn't have access. Our volunteers got their hands dirty—quite literally—helping to prepare the grounds, plant flowers, and create welcoming spaces.
I enjoyed the feeling of doing measurable social good, as well as the physical and mental health benefits of being physically active in the outdoors for a day. It was great to interact with work colleagues in a different context, and I am now aware of the local community efforts of a charity I was not previously aware of - I would definitely volunteer again. - Gerard O'Brien, Software Engineer
Bringing Smiles in Bangalore: Supporting Kidwai Cancer Hospital
In September, our Bangalore team demonstrated the iMCaring spirit through a heartwarming project at Kidwai Cancer Hospital. This effort, facilitated by our NGO partner Way for Life, aimed to bring comfort and joy to patients, particularly the children undergoing treatment at the hospital.
This was a chance to engage with the local community in a meaningful way. As someone who works primarily in an office setting, it was refreshing to step out and be directly involved with people in need. Interacting with patients allowed me to connect with the community on a deeper level, understanding their struggles and challenges. - Manigandan Rao, Financial Analyst
The team donated 50 wheelchairs, providing a critical resource for mobility and independence for patients. Within just one hour of the donation, the wheelchairs were distributed to all the required wards, highlighting how critical the need was for them. But the impact didn’t stop there, our volunteers spent time in the children’s ward, engaging in storytelling sessions and organizing fun activities to lift their spirits, providing them with a brief distraction from their treatments and for many of the children, being far from home to receive this medical care.
Despite everything they are going through, their faces lit up when they received the study kits and snack boxes we brought. But more than the gifts, what seemed to make them happiest was simply seeing new faces. Engaging with these incredibly brave children was a profoundly touching experience and their resilience left a lasting impact on all of us, reminding us how essential compassion and support are especially in difficult times. - Indu PK, People Operations Manager
This project reminded us of the importance of small acts of kindness and the power of human connection. For our volunteers, it was an unforgettable experience, reinforcing the profound difference compassion can make in challenging circumstances.
A Shared Mission, A Global Impact
Our iMCaring program reflects our collective commitment to making a difference and closing the opportunity gap within our local communities. From the allotments of Knockbracken to the wards of Kidwai Cancer Hospital, our employees volunteering efforts have demonstrated that meaningful change knows no borders.
Together, we’ll continue to nurture the spirit of giving and appreciating the communities in which we serve, and we look forward to supporting more regional volunteering opportunities for our employees in 2025!
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About the author
Becky Griffiths
Being a Senior Employee Engagement Specialist at iManage means having the opportunity to truly enable all iManage employees to #MakeItMeanSomething throughout their time with us!
How do I do this? By driving employee engagement, our values, and overall culture through various channels and creative approaches and working with our awesome global People Operations team, in addition to our inspiring cross-functional leaders, to ensure programs and communications are enhancing our employee experience.