When Walmart’s Moncton Distribution Centre (DC) opened, many associates were new to the city. Volunteering quickly became a way for the team to connect with their new community and with each other.
Their first volunteer event was with Harvest House, an organization that supports individuals in the Greater Moncton Area facing homelessness, struggling with substance use, mental health or seeking new opportunities to change the course of their lives.
After serving breakfast to those in need at Harvest House, everything from preparing meals, pouring coffee, and cleaning up alongside local volunteers, the team knew they’d found their purpose.
“For me, that first event was the most meaningful,” says Kevon Celestine, General Manager, Moncton DC. “The people we served were so polite and thankful. It reminded us that everyone has a story and that we’re all human. It changed how we see others and how we lead as a team. It also inspired us to do more.”
Encouraged by that first experience, Moncton DC team set out to find a partner that could offer more engagement opportunities for associates based on associate feedback. We really wanted to connect with an organization that could help us give back in different ways,” Amy Shea, Operations Manager, Moncton DC, explains. They found that with the United Way.
“Working with United Way has allowed the team to support multiple community groups throughout the year. “It’s given us flexibility and variety,” Amy adds. “From food programs to local drives, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.”
Roughly a third of the Moncton DC associates have already participated in volunteer activities. Each event includes one leader and two associates, with different volunteers each time to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
“We always make sure a member of leadership is involved,” Kevon says. “It sets the tone. We lead by example. Whether it’s a manager or an associate, we’re one team giving back together.”
Amy says volunteering has strengthened bonds across the site. “When I volunteered with two associates, we spent the morning chopping onions and talking about our families and pets,” she recalls. “That one-on-one time builds trust and connection you can’t always get during busy workdays.”
For Andres Torres, a Quality Assurance Associate at the site, volunteering has been a very meaningful experience. “It opened my heart in ways I didn’t expect. Seeing how much people appreciate something as simple as a fresh meal made me realize how service transcends titles and backgrounds. The world needs more people who care and show compassion.”
As the Moncton DC’s volunteer program continues to grow, the team’s focus remains the same: connection, compassion, and community.
“My wish is that this program becomes part of who we are,” Amy says. “Even as people come and go, I hope it continues because it’s made our team stronger, and our community better.”
Walmart Canada encourages associates at our more than 400 stores and distribution centres across Canada to engage with customers and local organizations to understand and support the unique needs in each community through volunteer opportunities and local grants.
