Empowering Hope: How the FirstService Relief Fund Made a Difference in the Face of Brain Cancer Diagnosis

“In August 2023, I was diagnosed with brain cancer… given the amount of treatment, the length of my treatment and just the overall stress of the situation, several team members encouraged me to apply for a grant. I was definitely reluctant at first, but I am so glad I did! I had NO idea the financial impact of such a horrific diagnosis, but the grant allowed me to focus on my treatment and not the bills that followed. The process was relatively easy but my HR team guided me and the grant team was available to answer questions along the way. I strongly encourage anyone facing financial challenges due to an illness (or anything live changing) to reach out and apply. We are very fortunate to work for a company that provides financial support for extenuating circumstances.”

FirstService Relief Fund grant recipient

We extend our gratitude to this recipient of the Relief Fund grant for sharing their inspiring journey with us. Their strength, courage, and resilience inspire us all.

How many times have we found ourselves thinking, “I wish there was something I could do to help,” upon hearing about a colleague in difficult times? Often, we feel powerless and unsure of how to offer assistance.

But here’s the truth: Each of us holds the power to make a difference, and it can be as simple as lending a helping hand.

So the next time you learn about a colleague facing hardship, remind them about the FirstService Relief Fund—a dedicated resource designed to support team members during unexpected financial challenges. This fund is here to provide assistance when it’s needed most.

Another way to show support is by contributing to the fund through automatic payroll deductions. Setting it up is easy through your HRIS system or with the assistance of your HR team. No amount is too small – even $1 helps – and 100% of money donated directly aids our own.

If you or a colleague is facing an unforeseen personal hardship, we encourage you to see if the FirstService Relief Fund is right for you. The fund provides grants – not loans – to those facing personal financial hardship as a result of things such as death, serious illness or injury, impacts from natural disasters, and numerous other scenarios. Please take a moment to review the materials on our website and if you have any questions, feel free to call our dedicated hotline – US 1-888-497-4114 and Canada 1-855-278-2363 Trained experts are available to assist you with questions and to help guide you through the application process if needed. We understand many people are reluctant to seek assistance during tough times, and there is no shame in asking for help. The fund exists solely to help our team members during their times of need, so if you are in a position of needing help, we encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource.