When Viv started earlier this year, its management team knew the company’s disruptive technology and customer-focused energy savings platform would help the company begin to break into a largely established industry. Beyond that, the company’s CEO knew her passion for helping underprivileged communities around the world could be more than a feel-good mission. It could be part of a holistic and sustainable business strategy. That’s why Viv committed, from Day 1, to help communities thrive. Through their One At A Time initiatives, the company contributes a minimum of 1% of all revenue toward projects that provide access to energy, water, health, education, sustainability and economic development to make life better for children and families around the world.
“There is tremendous need all over the world, and today’s business leaders are poised, more than most, to step up to the challenge and be catalysts for change,” said Viv CEO Cami Boehme. “We believe that giving often leads to getting – in meaningful and long-lasting ways. Building on that, we empower business leaders, entrepreneurs and individuals alike to join us in our life-changing journeys to expand the efforts of non-profits worldwide through hands-on service and cultural immersion.”
In October 2018, Viv completed its first global One At A Time service trip in Guatemala. The project was a joint effort with Guatemalan-based non-profit Long Way Home, an organization that is educating the next generation to overcome poverty through innovative solutions to local challenges. Two dozen Viv Life Consultants spent a week in the community of Xiquin Sanahi, working inside homes to build clean cookstoves for 36 families who previously cooked over open fires with little to no ventilation.
Designed to improve respiratory health for families that have previously lacked the resources, this project helped people in the region transition to cleaner burning stoves. Traditional methods of cooking, including open fires and inefficient cookstoves, cause a variety of harmful impacts. Clean cookstoves can reduce illness related to smoke inhalation, lessen pollution and reduce negative environmental impact. They also burn lower and slower, reducing the cost of firewood and improving economic conditions for hard-working families.
Viv Life Consultants spent a week in the community of Xiquin Sanahi, working inside homes to build clean cookstoves for 36 families.
The best part of incorporating this type of giving strategy into your business? You get far more than you give. Viv has found that while the people they serve are certainly empowered by the change and service they bring, the more meaningful change for their business happens with those who attend a service journey. Whether a company is looking to attract, engage or retain key talent, incentivize growth, demonstrate its values to customers or a number of other powerful business drivers, Viv believes its One At A Time service journeys can help businesses achieve these and many other goals.
CEO Cami Boehme works alongside two Viv Life Consultants to install a clean cookstove for a family of 13.
“As we strive to help communities like Xiquin Sanahi thrive, one project and family at a time, each of us grow as people,” said Hannah Wells, Director of Impact and Engagement for Viv. “We’re brought closer together as we experience how billions of people are living without the very things we take for granted every day like clean air, water and adequate sanitation.”
Viv’s products offer convenience, savings and peace of mind, and an entrepreneurial opportunity with heart. The company’s Better Life Platform offers savings and simplicity on energy, healthcare, travel and home security for consumers. And Viv’s Life Consultants can pursue a dynamic side gig offering products and services that change lives.
“We give people a way to live their life better – our customers, our consultants and our communities,” Boehme said. “Every time our customer base grows, our capacity to give grows, and together with our customers and consultants, we are committed to helping make life better for millions around the world.”
The company has two additional One At A Time initiatives in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic scheduled for March and June 2019. Be part of one of their next One At A Time journeys.
