In late September, a group of SanMar employees went on an adventure.
Most of them didn’t know one another other before the journey. While working together for five days in Honduras, they formed lasting bonds with each other and to all the people they met along the way.
This was the inaugural trip in the Global Connections program at SanMar — a new series of annual events which empower employees to immerse themselves in local culture and customs while working on the ground to make a lasting difference.
This year 11 employees, chosen from across the company, traveled to Honduras to see where SanMar products are made and meet the people who make them. While there, they visited our SanMar Honduras office as well as the Elcatex facility, our manufacturing partner in Choloma.
Together they helped to clean up local beaches in Punta Sal National Park, volunteered at two local orphanages and the Mhotivo School, and enjoyed meeting with local youth for meals, activities and of course playing soccer.
These employees were chosen from nearly 200 who applied to take the trip. While the selection process was tough, it was clear that service to others is a big deal to everyone at SanMar.
Jennifer Larson, Chief People Officer at SanMar, also joined the Global Connections team on the trip. She shared that traveling with them was a privilege. “Seeing the team members from across SanMar build relationships while serving the global community was a truly rewarding experience,” Jennifer said.
Each of the employees came away from Honduras with a new perspective on what SanMar does and how they’re a part of it. Here’s just a few of the things we heard when they returned.
Seth Park
Customer Tech Support, IT
“Being in Honduras is to be embraced by some of the warmest and most amazing people I have ever met. Being humbled by the beauty of the country and love of its people was a bonding experience for all of us that went.”
Anne Grogel
Director, Production Planning
“Not only was it incredible to experience another community, but this trip also brought a group of people here together to connect and form relationships with each other that really made a difference in our lives. We lived it and it’s a game-changer for myself and others.”
Diana Munoz
Supervisor, Robbinsville Distribution Center
“The visit to the orphanages for boys and girls was simply wonderful. Seeing the happy faces of such young girls because of our presence touched my heart. It was a very emotional and special visit. We were able to paint t-shirts, play soccer and talk with them.”
Clistia Major
Account Executive, Sales
“SanMar is changing lives in Honduras with jobs, benefits, and community contributions. As we toured the facility, I noticed employees talking, laughing, and smiling.”
Idolina De Dios
Supervisor, Human Resources
“Each day was filled with lots to do and explore. We saw the importance of the community and gratitude in ways not normally seen. Long days for sure, yet it was the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.”
As good as it feels to do, we know this kind of work is never really done. We’re already preparing to continue the Global Connections program next year, with a new group of SanMar employees.
When we can accomplish great things together, these are things we’ll keep doing for many years to come.
The Global Connections Team
Left to right (top row):
Renton Leversedge, Dustin Babitzke, Seth Park, Chanel Jordan, Anne Grogel,
Katrina Spencer, Diana Munoz, Clistia Major, Ry Bowling
Left to right (bottom row):
Brenda Rojas, Tammy Cook, Idolina De Dios, Jennifer Larson, Monica Cing