Each year, we look forward to Global We Care Day – a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and dedicate time to impactful volunteer work. From connecting with the elderly to supporting nature preservation, our teams unite across borders to make a difference where it matters most.
The Wholesome Gift of Giving Back
Our colleagues from Pittsburgh helped out at the Ronald McDonald house, which provides a way for families to stay close to their children receiving medical care
Volunteering goes beyond just helping others. As one colleague put it: “In giving back, you often gain just as much as you give, or even more. It’s not just a break from daily tasks but also a chance to discover the struggles others face and the resilience they show. It’s humbling and energizing. I loved it.”
Scientific studies show that volunteering benefits mental and physical health. Regularly giving back is linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, while fostering a strong sense of purpose and well-being.1 Research even suggests it can lower blood pressure, improve cognitive function, and, in some cases, increase lifespan. By supporting others, we’re not only helping our communities but also nurturing our health and wellbeing. 2,3 In short: volunteering is good for you!
A Tradition of Giving Back
While our priority is developing potential best-in-class medicines in oncology and immunology, our commitment extends beyond lab and clinic walls and into our communities. Global We Care Day allows us to put our values into action, dedicating time and energy to causes that make a meaningful difference.
Our colleagues from our Leiden offices where happy to help out on We Care Day 2024
On October 11, our colleagues in Leiden, Pittsburgh, and Mechelen came together to make an impact. We engaged in various projects, including playing board games with seniors, assisting with nature conservation, and volunteering at care farms designed as sensory-friendly spaces for people with disabilities. In Basel, we look forward to supporting the local Food Bank on November 6, and our Princeton We Care Day is scheduled for early December.
Thank You, Team Galapagos! ❤️️
Giving back to society while connecting with colleagues from different departments: win-win!
We thank each of our colleagues who made Global We Care Day a truly meaningful experience. Beyond giving back, this day was about coming together as a team, building connections, and embodying our commitment to a healthier world. Reflecting on this year’s successes, we look forward to the next Global We Care Day!
See the impact for yourself
Watch our short video recap of We Care Day 2024, and see the impact for yourself!
References
1 Mayo Clinic. (2022). The health benefits of volunteering. Mayo Clinic Health System. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-health-benefits-of-volunteering.
2 Carnegie Mellon University. (2013, February 5). Volunteering reduces risk of hypertension in older adults, study finds. Carnegie Mellon University News. Retrieved from https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2013/february/feb5_volunteering.html.
3 American Psychological Association. (2014). The power of giving: The benefits of volunteering. Monitor on Psychology, 45(11), 54. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/11/giving.