KAMUELA, Hawaii–Employees of Hawaii First Federal Credit Union celebrated Employee Appreciation Day by making a big difference on the Big Island. The idea was to dedicate the day to “Pay It Forward” with little acts of kindness that could add up to a special day for all.
To prepare for the day, Hawaii’s noted presentation coach Pam Chambers kicked off the morning with informative and practical pointers on how to improve communication skills, including ways to have and hold a winning attitude, the power of body language and tips on how to build stronger relationships.
The afternoon was filled with fun and games of sorts, with 21 employees participating in Hawaii First’s Pay It Forward Challenge. The staff spent the day looking at the Waimea community in a new light, making small differences by implementing numerous gestures that would bring a smile to a stranger’s face. The feel-good game used a variety of skills with seven teams working against the clock, all with the common goal of completing as many small acts of kindness as they could fit into one afternoon.
Many of the good deeds of the day were as simple as pushing a grocery cart back to a store, offering someone a bottle of water or posting a sticky note on someone’s electric car thanking them for being eco-friendly. One employee cut off over 10 inches of hair to donate it to a company that supplies wigs to those battling cancer.
In all, 187 pay it forward challenges were completed by the Hawaii First team. Many members recognized the hardworking employees for their dedication and determination and thanked them for making a difference in the community they serve.