Community service is central to Q2’s mission to build stronger communities by strengthening their financial institutions (FIs). The COVID-19 pandemic brought sweeping changes to the way people everywhere donate their time and talents. Q2 team members were no exception, and we’ve swiftly adapted the way we give back to the communities we call home.
New ways to engage
In-person volunteerism is an essential part of our community service strategies, but as these opportunities dwindled, our team members have responded with creativity, identifying new ways to maintain our commitment to lending a hand to those in need.
- Making masks for those in needs
What started as a way to pass the time during quarantine became a passion project for a Q2 team member and her daughter who have worked tirelessly to create a literal “giving tree” for their Lincoln, NE community. Their undertaking has provided more than 500 original, hand-made masks for people facing COVID-19 vulnerabilities since March. - Building social bridges for senior citizens
26 Q2 team members have given their time and energy to Letters Against Isolation, sending positive messages to nursing home residents who are quarantined to protect against COVID-19. These letters are meant to help cheer residents, remind them they are not alone, and boost their mental and physical health alike. - Helping fight hunger
The economic fallout of the pandemic has seen many families struggle to put food on the table. Many team members in Q2’s Austin-based headquarters have donated nonperishable items to local food banks as hunger-relief organizations face skyrocketing needs. - Mentoring tomorrow’s professionals
Although the future seems somewhat uncertain now, it’s still critical to build foundations for tomorrow. Q2’s marketing team has donated time and experience to Career Village, an online resource that connects aspiring students and young professionals with seasoned professionals who provide informed answers to their questions. - Engaging in healthy competition
For some folks, the competitive spirit provides a significant incentive to act. Austin-based Q2 sales professionals have split into two teams, competing to log community service hours in Qmmunity, Q2’s internal tool for community service. More than 30 sales team members have jumped in, giving their time to an array of organizations in need. - Keeping things creative
Therapy takes many forms. For residents of Marbridge, a community serving adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities, art recreation has provided a meaningful outlet. Along with video greetings and encouraging cards, Q2’s People (HR) team shared art supplies with the community and sponsored a creative “art recreation” team-building activity. - Giving on a global scale
Q2’s commitment to community service extends across the globe, including supporting local communities in our Indian, Australian, and European locations. In Bangalore, for instance, our team supports a number of local organizations including Shristi Special Academy, which benefits disabled and disadvantaged children; Mitra Jyothi, which helps people with visual impairment; and Dhamma Paphulla, which provides health practices through Vipassana meditation.
As the pandemic persists, the nature of giving and the needs of communities may continue to shift. No matter the situation, Q2’s dedication to our mission and supporting our local communities will persist as well.
Additional resources
- Learn about Q2’s story, including the importance of its mission to build stronger communities by strengthening their FIs.
- Take a closer look at Q2’s mission-driven culture and community outreach efforts.
