| Volunteer Profile | Grand BK |
Volunteering During COVID-19 “Felt Like a Relief”
Grand BK works together with beloved Korean-American supermarket chain H Mart. H Mart began in 1982 in Woodside, Queens, New York City, as a small corner grocery store. Today, the chain boasts over 80 locations nationwide.
Human Resources Director Simon Lee says that Grand BK’s mission is to help everyone “Feel at home, wherever you are from.”
Grand BK employees began volunteering with Habitat of Greater Newark during summer 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing. Executive Secretary Jamie Chun says, “It felt like a relief!” to get out of the office and volunteer. “It felt great being able to be out of the office and contributing to the community.”
Jamie and Simon agree that community service is important for Grand BK employees. Jamie says that the company was looking for a safe way for their employees to volunteer during COVID-19, and volunteering on an open-air Habitat of Greater Newark worksite fit the bill. Simon adds, “Habitat supports one of Grand BK’s core missions.” Jamie notes, “I was always interested in Habitat for Humanity. It is very attractive that we can take our sweat and time to help build someone’s house.”
Habitat of Greater Newark’s Corporate Challenge supports our work while also providing valuable team building and community engagement experiences for you and your group. Interested in having your company participate in the Corporate Challenge? Contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@habitatnewark.org or call 973-624-3330 ext. 100 to discuss your company’s options.