Turning Compassion into Action

The Dade Portfolio Team in the Condo/HOA Division at FirstService Residential came together with a shared goal: to turn compassion into meaningful action for families affected by devastating earthquakes in Colombia and Venezuela.

We chose to support Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a humanitarian organization providing critical disaster relief to communities in need, including families impacted by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia.

Our efforts began by collecting gently used items that could be given a second life while helping families in need. Our team also raised more than $220, which we used to purchase much-needed supplies to support GEM’s ongoing relief efforts. We wanted our contribution to go beyond donations.

On Wednesday, September 30, our team will volunteer our time with GEM, working side by side to support their humanitarian relief efforts and help prepare essential aid for families recovering from disaster.

For us, this Summer of Service is about more than the items collected or the dollars raised. It’s about recognizing that service can take many forms coming together as a team and giving what we can, and, most importantly, giving our time.

We are proud to represent FirstService Residential while putting #FirstServeOthers into action. By coming together as a team, we hope our contribution can become part of something much larger—providing hope and support to people when they need it most.

Submitted by Paula De La Salas, FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential NY Team’s Back-to-School Donation Drive Supporting Friends of Karen

The New York team recently held a donation drive in support of Friends of Karen’s 2026 Back-to-School initiative, helping provide school supplies to children whose families are facing the financial challenges associated with caring for a terminally ill child. For these families, the cost of back-to-school shopping can add significant financial pressure during an already difficult time. The donated supplies provide children with the tools they need to start the school year prepared while helping ease some of that financial burden for their families.

The response from associates was tremendous, with more than 200 brand-new school supplies collected through donations made directly to the HR office. Associates also supported the initiative through monetary contributions and by shipping school supplies directly to Friends of Karen. Through these combined efforts, the New York team helped ensure that children supported by Friends of Karen could begin the new school year with the supplies they need, while giving their families one less expense to worry about.

Submitted by Temo Primrose Gare, FirstService Residential

Power of the Purse

Residents and management staff from Valencia Shores, Valencia Lakes, Four Seasons and Miralago Master Associations recently came together to support Dress for Success through a “Power of the Purse” collection. Together, the communities donated more than 300 purses to the organization, which helps women achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, career development resources and a network of support. The donated purses will help women feel prepared and confident as they pursue employment opportunities and take important steps toward a brighter future. It’s a wonderful example of how a simple donation—multiplied across a community—can make a meaningful difference.

https://www.dressforsuccesspb.org

Submitted by Dawn Czarnecki, FirstService Residential

We had OODLES and OODLES of donations coming in during August at the ITC and here are some photos of our donations!  Based on some of the gift receipts that were available in the shipments, I’m estimating that we had well over $1,000 worth of items for the Jacksonville Humane Society!! What an amazing accomplishment! 😊

Submitted by Anita Thomson, Paul Davis