Charity walks offer a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the philanthropic aspect, making them an excellent addition to your company's worksite well-being program. Many well-being champions understand the importance of fostering a worksite well-being program that creates a positive workplace culture, supports employee engagement, and impacts overall well-being.

1. Team Building
   Charity walks provide a unique opportunity for employees to come together as a team for a common cause. Whether it's walking to support a local charity or raising funds for a global issue, working towards a shared goal promotes collaboration and strengthens interpersonal relationships. Team bonding outside of the workplace can lead to improved communication and enhanced teamwork within it.
2. Health and Wellness
   Encourage staff to get moving.  Walking is an accessible and low-impact exercise that can benefit physical and mental health. Regular participation in charity walks can reduce stress, boost morale, and improve overall fitness levels among your workforce. A healthier workforce is often a more productive one.
3. Employee Engagement
   Employees who feel connected to their workplace tend to be more engaged and satisfied in their roles. Supporting charitable activities such as walks gives employees a sense of purpose and pride in their company. Participating as a company demonstrates that your organization is socially responsible and values giving back to the community, which can foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among your staff.
4. Positive Public Image
   Engaging in charity walks also enhances your company's public image. When employees and their families participate in community events, it showcases your commitment to social responsibility. Positive public perception can attract both customers and top talent to your organization, contributing to its long-term success. So make sure you provide your employees with t-shirts to show off your worksite pride!
5. Family Involvement
   Charity walks are excellent activities to invite your employees' families and pets. Not only does this promote family values within your organization but also strengthens the sense of community and support among employees.
6. Personal Growth
   Participating in charity walks can be a transformative experience for individuals. It allows employees to develop skills such as goal setting, time management, and perseverance. Encouraging personal growth through participation in charitable activities can have a positive effect on employees' professional lives. 
   

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company’s employees and family members participated in this year’s American Heart Association Heart Walk.

GET STARTED 

• Ask the host charity for flyers to help promote the event to colleagues and their families.
• Find out if you can join as a “team” or “worksite.” If not, encourage your employees to form their own teams.
• If possible, provide company t-shirts for participants to represent your organization at the event.
• Take photos and have fun!
• Find a charity that aligns with your organization’s mission or gather ideas from an employee survey.
   
  

1. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by American Cancer Society

• Saturday Oct. 7, 7 AM – 10 AM, at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park, 94-801 Kamehameha Hwy. Waipahu, HI
• Printable flyer

2. NAMIWalks Hawaii by National Alliance on Mental Illness

• Kealia bike path, Kauai - 10/14/2023
• Honolulu Hale Civic Grounds, Oahu - 10/14/2023
• Lili’uokalani Gardens, Hawaii Island - 10/14/2023
• UH Maui College, Maui - 10/14/2023
  

3. Walk to End Alzheimer’s (Kauai, Oahu and Maui)

• Kauai, HI - 10/21/2023
• Oahu, HI - 11/04/2023
• Maui, HI - 12/09/2023
• Printable Flyers: Kauai | Oahu | Maui

OTHER ANNUAL WALKS

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) (every fall) 
• ALS Association (every fall)
• Visitor Industry Charity Walk (every spring)
• Helping Hands Hawaii (every spring)
• American Heart Association (every summer)

Do you know of walks for a cause that didn’t make our list? Tag us on social media @BZPHawaii and we’ll reshare your event with our networks online. 

HMSA colleagues and family members participate in this year's AFSP’s 2023 Out of the Darkness Walk to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.