Empowering Individuals in the Global Community Through Entrepreneurship
Involving Team Members in the mission of the Whole Planet Foundation is an opportunity to live out the core purpose of the company, extending love and compassion to the whole world.
Whole Foods Market
Involving Team Members in the mission of the Whole Planet Foundation is an opportunity to live out the core purpose of the company, extending love and compassion to the whole world. Team Members are contributing to this mission by educating other team members, our customers and others about global poverty, raising funds for the mission or volunteering in the Whole Foods Market Team Member Volunteer Program.
Whole Foods Market Lamar, in Austin, TX, was #1 in calendar sales this year thanks to all of the hard work from Team Members like Connie. Connie says, "This fundraiser gave me the desire to help make a difference. It motivated me to sell as many Whole Planet Foundation calendars as possible. Every day I would set a goal to obtain, and when I achieved my goal I would set a larger goal the following day. I believe the best thing you can give someone in poverty is a chance; I was thrilled to help support the Whole Planet Foundation knowing that I made a difference in so many lives."
Sandra is an Inventory Control Specialist at the Huntingdon Beach Whole Foods Market and both she and her husband work for WFM. She gives to Whole Planet Foundation through payroll deduction because "I grew up in Guatemala and even though my parents and my family took care of my needs and ensured that I had a good education, I saw a lot of children that did not have the same privileges… Most of them lack the basic needs of food, clean water, shelter, clothing and shoes needed to survive. I know that what I contribute may not make a huge impact, but if it can make a little difference in a person’s life, why not do it. God has been so generous to me in so many ways so I want give back to those in need."
Beth is a Whole Foods Market Team Member with the Global Food Safety Team in Austin and she says "I give to the Whole Planet Foundation because it’s the right thing to do. As an employee of Whole Foods Market I’ve been presented with many opportunities to learn, grow, and expand my own skill set thus creating a better life for myself and my family. What better way to show gratitude than to pay it forward to those who want to do the same but just need the opportunity, especially in an impoverished community where even a little bit goes a long way?"
Buck Rollins is the Facility Team Leader for the North Atlantic Bakehouse and is a huge supporter of Whole Planet Foundation, encouraging his Team Members to learn about the work of the foundation and to get involved. He gives to WPF through payroll deduction "because I am so fortunate. I have so much and, in a meaningful way, want to give something back. I know that my donation goes to the heart of the matter and is not lost in administrative costs along the way as Whole Foods Maket covers all of the operating costs of the foundation. Whole Planet Foundation makes it simple to give directly to the cause. That’s why I give."
Chris has this to say about his support for Whole Planet Foundation "After learning about the concept of micro lending in Muhammad Yunus’ book Banker to the Poor, I was truly inspired and knew that I wanted to support the Whole Planet Foundation. To have such a wonderful foundation evolve from the mission of our company and the goodness of Team Members is simply awesome. I love the idea of helping to empower those most susceptible to poverty by giving them opportunities that they would not have otherwise. The ways in which the poorest of the poor come together to help each other succeed is inspirational." Thank you Chris.
Elizabeth is a Global Whole Foods Market Team Member who signed up on day one for Whole Planet Foundation payroll deduction because "I thought it was such a unique program, but the longer I'm with the company, the more I realize it's things like Whole Planet Foundation that are really at the center of what makes Whole Foods Market a positive force in the world and not just another corporation. It's not charity – it's empowerment, and those two are like night and day. I am continually impressed with how well the foundation is run and how long-reaching its arms are. The best part, though, is how truly passionate our team members are – from volunteer trips to store fundraising to events — it's walking the walk, from Global to store level. I've witnessed this firsthand."
Junior is a wonderful Whole Foods Market Team Member from the Palm Beach Gardens WFM who is a strong supporter of Whole Planet Foundation and the difference that microcredti can make in people's lives, especially in Haiti. Junior says "I give to Whole Planet Foundation through my paycheck, because it is the best and most convenient way for me help so many around the world. Giving to Whole Planet Foundation to fund microloans is the best way to help with fighting poverty around the world."
Kim made 3 salsas with fresh ingredients from her garden to sell to raise funds, helping people lift themselves out of poverty through access to microcredit loans through Whole Planet Foundation. She did it beacause “Everyone deserves a chance. The foundation’s work supports mostly third-world countries where folks don’t have as many opportunities as we do to support our families.” I wish we were in the Rocky Mountain Region to snap up some of that Salsa Verde, Spicy Salsa and Zesty Salsa. Thank you Kim!
Sarah and Susan are on the Whole Body Purchasing Team working at Global in Austin, TX. They had the idea for a Whole Body Garage Sale. They set up all of the samples that they had collected over the year and invited Team Members to "shop," offering donations in exchange for products.
“It’s a very special thing to be able to support a foundation that not only helps women and their families out of poverty, creates the unique kind of sustainable change that micro credit loans foster, and be able to get creative and spontaneous in raising money where 100% of what is donated goes directly to the people the foundation is assisting. The kind of good feeling that comes from doing anything that profoundly improves the lives of people is truly a rewarding opportunity we are honored to participate in.”
Skip and the Global Data Team had the idea to collect their samples/trials and offer them to Team Members with the option to donate to Whole Planet Foundation in exchange for their favorite products. So far they have raised over $845! Skip says, "the idea of empowering people in some of the most impoverished conditions around the world is amazing. Anything we can do to help that empowerment not only improves their lives, their family situation, and their local communities. It also improves the world. Now, who wouldn’t want to help improve the world?"
