With hurricane season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to revisit the FirstService Relief Fund and the important role it plays in supporting our team members during difficult times. The Relief Fund was created to provide financial assistance to employees facing unexpected hardships, including serious illness or injury, loss of a loved one, domestic violence, damage to a primary residence, and natural disasters.
Since the Relief Fund was established, approximately $385,000 has been distributed to team members impacted by natural disasters alone. A significant portion of that assistance has been tied to hurricane season events — from hurricanes and tropical storms to flooding, wind damage, extended power outages, and mandatory evacuations.
No one is immune to weather events
It’s easy to think, “That would never happen to me.” But weather events in recent years have reminded us that severe storms can impact communities far beyond traditional coastal areas. In 2024, for example, devastating flooding and storm damage reached areas like Asheville, North Carolina — a powerful reminder that no one is completely immune to the effects of extreme weather.
When team members apply for Relief Fund assistance following a natural disaster, support is often used for immediate and essential needs such as temporary lodging during evacuations, replacing food lost during power outages, emergency travel expenses, and other unexpected costs that arise during recovery.
One thing that makes the Relief Fund unique is our commitment that 100% of all donations go directly to team members in need. Every dollar contributed helps a colleague navigate an incredibly challenging time.
Weather experts are continuing to closely monitor this year’s hurricane season. While forecasts vary, many meteorologists are warning that warmer ocean temperatures and developing climate patterns could still create favorable conditions for significant storms. AccuWeather is forecasting between 11 and 16 named storms this season, including up to seven hurricanes and as many as four major hurricanes. Even in years predicted to be “near average,” history has shown that just one storm can have a devastating impact on families and communities.
Time to get “weather- ready”
Now is also a good time to make sure you are weather-ready. Build or refresh your storm safety kit with essentials like batteries, flashlights, bottled water, nonperishable food, medications, and important documents. Take time to review evacuation plans and emergency contacts before severe weather threatens.
And while you’re preparing for the season, please also consider supporting the Relief Fund. Even a contribution of just $1 per pay period can make a meaningful difference for a fellow team member in need. If you already donate — thank you. You may even want to consider increasing your contribution by a dollar or two. Small acts of generosity can have a tremendous impact when someone is facing an unexpected crisis.
Learn more about the Relief Fund.