Key Takeaways:
- Who: New PSD Citywide employees or potential employees learning about our culture and values
- What: A structured employee volunteer program that connects employees with teammates through community impact
- Benefit: A great way to meet colleagues, feel a sense of purpose, and get involved from day one
At PSD Citywide, community isn’t just something we support – it’s something we actively create together.
Through PSD CityKind, our team members come together to give back in meaningful ways. From preparing meals for families to planting trees, our volunteer initiatives give employees a shared purpose that strengthens both individual engagement and team culture. In a hybrid work environment where many new employees meet colleagues virtually before ever meeting them in person, these experiences matter more than ever.
And what makes them truly impactful isn’t just the cause — it’s the people you experience them with.
What is PSD CityKind and How Does It Work?
PSD CityKind is PSD Citywide’s employee volunteer program, organizing fundraising or hands-on community initiatives in our geographic hubs to help bring employees together across teams and departments.
PSD CityKind runs throughout the year, offering structured volunteer opportunities that any employee can join — no prior experience or long-term commitment required. Events range from raising monetary donations or cooking meals at Ronald McDonald House to outdoor initiatives like tree planting and habitat restoration.
The program is built around a simple, repeatable process:
| Process Step | What Happens | Why It Matters |
| Community need identified | PSD selects a meaningful local initiative | Ensures impact is real and tangible |
| Event organized | PSD Citykind committee reaches out to charitable organizations and shares sign up with team members | Low barrier to participation |
| Hands-on activity | Teams volunteer together in person | Builds authentic cross-team relationships |
| Program expands | New initiatives added to some staple events based on interest | Keeps engagement fresh and growing |
Why Should Employees Get Involved in PSD CityKind?
New hires and long tenured employees benefit from PSD CityKind because it provides a natural, low-pressure environment to build relationships with colleagues outside of formal work roles — accelerating the sense of belonging that takes months to develop otherwise.
With PSD Citywide being primarily remote, starting a new job means navigating new tools, new processes, and a lot of new faces — often over video calls. PSD CityKind removes some of that friction by giving you a different kind of first impression with your teammates.
Alexandra Seceanschi, Senior Mobile Application Developer, IT, captures it well:
“Volunteering through PSD CityKind is a great way to connect with colleagues who share similar values and creates a sense of teamwork in a completely different environment.”
Dana Ossman, Client Success Operations, Business Development, adds that in-person volunteering helped rebuild connections that were lost during remote work:
“When everything went online during the COVID-19 pandemic, I didn’t know many of the new faces… These activities bring everyone together.”
Janice Sloan, Marketing Operations Manager, Research & Marketing explains these opportunities open your eyes to the community around you:
“The event that made an impact on how I see our community was the lunch volunteering for schools in the Summer, I did not realize they ran these supports throughout the entire year, to see so many kids needing these programs everyday was a big eye opener!”
How Is PSD CityKind Different from Typical Team-Building?
Unlike traditional team-building, PSD CityKind focuses on real community impact while naturally bringing teams together — creating more authentic relationships and a stronger sense of shared purpose.
| Experience Factor | Traditional Team-Building | PSD CityKind |
| Interaction type | Structured exercises or workshops | Real-world collaboration through volunteering |
| Outcome visibility | Limited or abstract | Immediate, tangible community impact |
| Engagement level | Moderate | High — driven by meaningful contribution |
| Cross-team connection | Often limited to assigned groups | Organic interaction across departments |
Sydney Carroll, Proposal Coordinator, Business Development, shares:
“I’ve built genuine connections, collaborated with like-minded individuals, and found a real sense of purpose through volunteering.”
What Kinds of Volunteer Activities Are Offered?
PSD CityKind focuses on hands-on, team-based activities with visible outcomes — including meal preparation, care kit assembly, environmental restoration, and community support programs.
Some of the initiatives our team has participated in include:
- Meals from the Heart / Ronald McDonald House — preparing meals for families in need
- Donation drives and care kit assembly — supporting local community organizations
- ReForest London and tree planting — hands-on environmental restoration
- BGC London — volunteering during 12 days of Christmas
Andrea Ocampo, Senior Data Analyst, Implementation Services, reflects on a ReForest London tree planting day:
“It was a beautiful day to be outside… improving the neighbourhood area and helping the environment.”
Alexandra adds:
“It was really rewarding to be part of something hands-on that contributes to creating and improving green spaces in the community.”
Bobbie Farrington, People & Culture Manager, shares about BGC London volunteering:
“Seeing the impactful work BGC London does for children in our community is incredibly rewarding. This past year we were able to help support the 12 days of Christmas and serve children at supperclub!”
These aren’t passive events. You’ll be doing something tangible alongside colleagues — which is exactly what makes them memorable.
How Does Volunteering Shape Our Culture at PSD Citywide?
PSD CityKind strengthens our culture by creating shared experiences that build trust, reinforce values, and connect employees beyond their day-to-day roles.
Sydney Carroll, Proposal Coordinator, Business Development, reflects on her first experience during the International Women’s Day initiative:
“It was especially meaningful to be part of something that celebrated and uplifted women, while also creating space for connection and impact.”
Janice Sloan, Marketing Operations Manager, Research & Marketing, echoes this:
“PSD CityKind gives me an easy way to get involved in the community and have fun with team members I may not interact with otherwise.”
And Dana offers a simple truth that ties it all together:
“Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest difference.”
What Does PSD CityKind’s Future Look Like?
PSD CityKind is actively expanding, with growing interest in animal welfare initiatives, children recreation & education support, broader environmental programming, and continued community support — offering employees more ways to engage throughout the year.
Alexandra captures the spirit behind that growth:
“I enjoy opportunities where I can be outdoors, contribute in a hands-on meaningful way, and support both the environment and local communities.”
As the program grows, so do the opportunities for you to get involved in ways that align with what matters most to you.
Alina Willsey, People & Culture Generalist who leads the committee and helps organize events ensuring corporate sponsorship and alignment adds:
“The future of PSD CityKind is centred around support, connection, and creating stronger communities – not only within the communities we serve, but also among our colleagues. The PSD CityKind Committee hopes to continue empowering those around us while inspiring everyone to get involved and make a meaningful impact.Looking ahead, we hope to bring more initiatives and opportunities to the team that encourage everyone to step outside their day-to-day work, connect with their communities, and contribute in ways that are meaningful to them. Building stronger communities goes beyond the services we provide at PSD Citywide, it is also reflected in how we show up, support others, and create positive change together.
PSD CityKind’s future is about creating lasting impact, inspiring involvement, and continuing to build stronger connections both within our organization and in the communities we call home.”
A Culture of Care
At its core, PSD CityKind reflects who we are as an organization.
It’s about stepping outside of our day-to-day roles to make a difference. It’s about creating opportunities that are accessible, inclusive, and impactful. And it’s about building a culture rooted in care—both for our communities and for each other.
Alexandra captures this sentiment perfectly:
“PSD CityKind events are a great reminder of the impact we can have when we step outside our usual roles and contribute to the community.”
Whether you’re just getting started at PSD Citywide or looking for new ways to connect, PSD CityKind offers a meaningful way to get involved.
Through PSD CityKind, we’re not just giving back—we’re building something bigger, together.
