The longer days of summer provide more opportunities to make a difference in our communities. Whether you are participating in activities with your team members, or going solo, every action can make a difference in your community.

Here are a few inspiring stories from our dedicated team members:

FirstService Residential Supports Coalition for the Homeless in the Greater Orlando Area

Submitted by: Amy Sanchez, President, Central Florida, FirstService Residential

“The Orlando FirstService Residential team recently served over 250 meals in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless in the Greater Orlando area. It was a tremendous experience where 17 of our associates took the time out of their personal schedules to our local community.”

American Pool PA Donates Time and Materials for Local Fire Station

Submitted by: Conor Goodwin, Director of Marketing & Communications, The Amenity Collective and Scott Small, Director, Talent and Development, American Pool.

Andrew Kanetsky from American Pool received a call from a local fire department employee, whose child had previously worked for the company. They requested assistance with repairing a manifold that used PVC plumbing, similar to what is used by pool companies, and decided to contact American Pool for help.Andrew stopped by the fire station that evening and the next day, on his day off, replumbed a manifold that allows the tankers, fire trucks and brush trucks to fill up inside the fire station. He donated his time and materials to help the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department continue to provide emergency fire services to the community.

In recognition of his contributions, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Lieutenant of the Bensalem Volunteer Firehouse.

Kudos to Andrew and special thanks to Conor and Scott for the shout out!

FirstService Residential Ontario Supports Good Shepherd Ministries

Submitted by: Temo Primrose Gare, Manager, Communications & Engagement (North Region)

“The Ontario team held a successful donation drive to support individuals affected by homelessness. Together, associates from the Mississauga and Toronto offices collected eight large boxes filled with essential items, including winter coats, scarves, mitts, socks, sweaters, and sweatpants, along with canned foods, other non-perishable items, and toiletries. All donations were delivered to Good Shepherd Ministries, an organization dedicated to providing shelter, food, and support to those in need.”

FirstService Corporation Team Member Makes Wishes Come True for Special Kids

Submitted by: Jennifer Kennedy, Director of Marketing & Communications, FirstService Corp

“I volunteer as a wish granter for The Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes of children diagnosed with a critical illness. Recently, I was honored to help coordinate a wish for a 15-year-old boy who was awarded a shopping spree. He received a $4,000 prepaid debit card to use to purchase anything he wanted. We started at the Apple store in Lexington, KY, where he picked out his dream MacBook and got to experience a personalized demo of Apple Vision Pro. Then we went to Best Buy where he selected a 65” TV and a gaming chair. With the remaining money on his card he planned to purchase several Lego sports car sets and promised me he would have all of them assembled before school starts in the fall.

This was my third Make-A-Wish shopping spree, and each one has been so rewarding. In my role as a Wish Granter, I work with the team at Make-a-Wish and the child’s family to create a memorable experience. This includes coordinating with restaurants and retail locations to let them know we are coming, arrange for personal shoppers, and inform them of any special requirements our Wish kid has, i.e. accessibility needs, food restrictions, etc.  On the day of the shopping spree, I manage the finances, keeping track of all expenditures and ensuring the safekeeping of the items purchased. I especially enjoy creating welcome baskets for the kids which can include anything from games, toys and refreshments to their favorite sports team’s memorabilia. Wish Day is always special for the children, but I think it’s equally special for the volunteers. Seeing the smiles and joy on the faces of the kids and their families is priceless.

Make-A-Wish is always looking for volunteers to help with events, create “Celebration Kits” for kids going to Disney World and other locations, and to help grant wishes. I encourage anyone looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity to connect with their local Make-A-Wish chapter.”