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BD associates and local non-profit partners participating in a hybrid meeting, with in-person and virtual attendees displayed on large screens.

BD Difference in a Day Volunteer Marathon

Culture, People and Wellbeing

In just one day, BD associates help non-profits solve real operational challenges, delivering everything from strategy and communications plans to AI-driven tools, frameworks and measurable outcomes.

07 July 2026

Recently, teams in Franklin Lakes, NJ and Winnersh, UK came together for BD’s annual Difference in a Day events, partnering with Taproot Foundation and local non-profit organisations to tackle real-world challenges.

And the impact is tangible.

By the end of the day, each organisation leaves with more than ideas — they leave with a clear, practical deliverable and an implementation plan tailored to their needs. From strategic frameworks to process improvements and communications plans, the focus is always the same: create something useful, usable and immediate.

Applying expertise where
it’s needed most

Difference in a Day is part of BD’s broader approach to social investing, connecting the skills of our associates with the needs of the communities we serve.

Rather than focusing only on time-based volunteering, we create opportunities for associates to contribute their unique expertise in ways that drive meaningful, lasting impact. For our partners, that means access to capabilities they might not otherwise have. For our associates, it’s an opportunity to stretch their thinking, build new connections, and see the direct impact of what they do.

And the impact didn't stop there. BD also awarded $40,000 in grants to help participating organizations implement the solutions developed during the event.

Speakers presenting at the Difference in a Day Marathon event while BD associates and guests participate in a group discussion session.

More than a one-day event

Difference in a Day is more than a one-day event. It reflects how work gets done at BD.

Associates are trusted to apply their expertise, collaborate across disciplines, and deliver outcomes that make a difference, often in a short space of time. Whether it’s supporting patients, partners or communities, the focus is the same: use your skills to solve meaningful challenges and create impact that lasts.

  • Headshot of Sien Avalos

    “For associates, it’s a different way of seeing the impact of their work. The same skills they use every day at BD are applied in a new context — collaborating with partners, solving complex problems, and delivering outcomes in a matter of hours. And because they are supporting local non-profits, associates also leave with a clearer understanding of the challenges facing their own communities and neighbours.”

    Sien Avalos

    Director, Social Investing

  • Headshot of Sorcha Tuboeuf

    "One of the greatest privileges of my role is witnessing the extraordinary talent that exists across BD. Through Difference in a Day, I see associates from varied functions and backgrounds generously share their expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills to help local non-profit organizations strengthen their services and expand their impact. It is a powerful reminder that when we connect professional skills with community needs, we can create meaningful and lasting change in just one day."

    Sorcha Tuboeuf

    Social Investing Manager, EMEA

How Social Investing works at BD

BD’s Social Investing efforts are focused on one goal: helping improve access to health for the most vulnerable. We do this by supporting more than 150 non-profit partners around the world through cash grants, product donations and volunteerism, representing more than $15 million in value in FY25 alone.

That work includes strengthening health systems, building the next generation of the healthcare workforce, supporting the detection and treatment of cancer and chronic diseases, and addressing the social determinants of health in BD communities.

Volunteers gathered around a newly installed clean water system supported by BD and Planet Water Foundation, celebrating improved access to safe drinking water for the local community.

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  • BD associates and local non-profit partners gathered for a group photo at the Winnersh Difference in a Day Marathon.
  • BD associates and local non-profit partners gathered on a staircase during the Difference in a Day Marathon at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
  • BD associates and local non-profit partners posing together in large atrium during the Difference in a Day Marathon at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.
  • BD associates and Taproot Foundation associates presenting at the front of a large atrium room.
  • BD associates and local non-profit partners posing together during the Difference in a Day Marathon at Franklin Lakes, New Jersey.

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