For 15 years, Expedia Group’s Month of Caring has brought employees around the world together Each September to give their time, skills, and energy to causes that matter to them. In 2026, thousands of our Expedians will volunteer in their local communities to show the global impact we can have when we work together. 

But behind the global initiative are personal stories of compassion, connection, and action. Michael Long, Director, EMEA Strategic Partnerships & Affiliates, reflects on his experiences volunteering with colleagues, supporting his friend Jill’s Little Bags initiative, and finding meaningful ways to give back both inside and outside the workplace. 

His story captures the spirit of Month of Caring: that meaningful impact can begin with a team activity, a personal connection, or a simple decision to use what you have to help someone else. 

Tell us about your role at EG and what personally drives you to give back through our volunteering and donation benefits. 

My name is Michael and by day I manage the Commercial Account Management team for Strategic Partnerships and Affiliates in EMEA. Outside of that, I think it is incredibly important that we all have a positive impact on both the communities that surround where we work and also those where we choose to travel to.  

For me, when I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer as part of our Month of Caring initiatives, it has allowed me to learn about different communities, their challenges and how I can help long term. It is also a good way to share an experience with your co-workers in a non-work environment which truly helps us build a caring a trusting culture within our organization. 

You have a very special fundraising campaign underway for your friend Jill; can you share more about this effort? 

When I first moved to the UK (when I was 15) I lived in Perth, Scotland. There, I met my friend Jill who now lives in Glasgow. In 2024, she had a stage 4 cancer diagnosis which meant she had to undergo major surgery and had a very extended period of time in the hospital.  

Although she had friends and family around her as much as possible, during this time she felt lonely, worried and scared. This has led her to set up an initiative called Little Bags. She is taking little bags of kindness to people in the hospital who need something nice or sometimes just essentials like a toothbrush.  

She’s been self-funding this, so I decided to run from Perth to Glasgow, around 57 miles, to raise funds so more Little Bags can be given out.

How has the connection between this personal fundraising challenge and Expedia Trails Fund made this journey even more meaningful?  

I had no idea which direction to take so apps like AllTrails helped me find my way from start to end! It also meant that I got to experience some of the wonderful countryside Scotland has to offer. I’d recommend it (you can just go for a small walk if you prefer)! Without AllTrails, I’d probably still be somewhere in Scotland! 

From your perspective, why does making space for volunteering and giving matter in the workplace?

It really matters as it’s important we are connected to and support the communities within which we work. It really makes a difference to them, and it helps us be a stronger team together for what we are doing every day. In the spirit of our company mission, it also helps us to create memories, both together as a team and for those communities we help. 

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