Rebuilding Homes of Typhoon Survivors: Deb Connor Shares Her Volunteer Story

To celebrate Global Community Day this year, Citi employees are sharing their volunteer stories that have empowered them to have a lasting impact on their local communities. Deb Connor, Global Head of Human Resources Shared Services at Citi, shares her experience rebuilding the homes of families that have endured typhoons and flooding. Read her story in the Q&A below:

Every year, the Philippines suffer the onslaught of typhoons and heavy rains. It is simply heartbreaking to see the devastation to human life, homes, schools, hospitals, and churches. As these communities rebuild, I feel it is critical to support the many NGOs committed to providing shelter for the displaced families, as they can only begin to rebuild their lives once they move from temporary housing into a permanent shelter.

How do you serve your local community and what was the impact?

I've been able to volunteer and serve in my community in many different ways, but one of my most memorable experiences was taking part in our goal to build 200 homes back in 2012 as part of 200 Years Citi celebrations.

I went with fellow Citi volunteers to Navotas, a large fishing community that was adopted by Habitat for Humanity. We built the homes together with the beneficiary families, and some of the volunteers had to entertain the young children who came with their parents. Their enthusiasm was quite palpable - and it fueled our service. Looking back, I'm humbled to have been a small part of a larger effort to build this fishing community. We spent several weekends in Navotas and towards the end, as the homes were being awarded to the families, you could see them coming together and taking ownership of their community and their future.

What are you most proud of from your volunteering experience?

I'm most proud of being part of a team that is dedicated to giving back to their communities; the selfless acts of kindness and sharing of whatever we have, whether it is time, money or providing clothes, shoes and blankets to families who have lost everything.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start volunteering in their community?

Find an area of personal interest - whether it is education, stopping hunger, shelter, or providing life skills. Then set out to match your interest with need, and simply jump in to volunteer. You will make an immediate difference in the lives of people and in the communities we live and work in.

What organization did you volunteer with for this year's Global Community Day?

I traveled with my colleagues to Tanauan, Leyte to build homes for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) survivors with Gawad Kalinga.