Poolman and All Florida Pools Provide Necessities to Homeless Citizens

During the recent holiday season, team members at Poolman and All Florida Pools came up with a novel way to make a difference for homeless members of their communities.  Technicians in Florida, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, Texas and Las Vegas were given bags and backpacks containing essential supplies including personal hygiene items, socks, water and certain proteins for food. During their routes, they distributed these bags to homeless community members.
“I have always believed that it is better to Give… Give… Give… before you Get… Get… Get…! Having served on a board that serves the homeless population, I gained first hand knowledge of the critical state that this group lives in on a day-to-day basis,” said President, Residential Aquatics, Vic Valentine. “These are not just homeless people; they are sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers. What a better idea than to rally the troops and not only give to individuals in need, but also serve together for a greater purpose than ourselves. Serving the homeless is a great life lesson in humility as well!”
In total, 672 bags were distributed, making our homeless community members more comfortable and showing them that people care about their wellbeing.

FirstService Residential: Running in Support of the Salvation Army

TLS: Sock Drive Provides Warm Socks to Homeless Community

View this post on Instagram

HEY LONDON: We took the 519 Pursuit pledge and… we have officially raised our goal of 519 pairs of socks! We couldn't be more proud of our team for reaching this number. 👏🏻💚 ⠀ . ⠀ . ⠀ But, the pledge doesn't have to end here! Socks are one of the most requested items in homeless shelters, and as winter continues to amp up, now is your chance to give back to our local community! So, we'll still be collecting socks until this Friday, February 15th. ⠀ . ⠀ . ⠀ Our MomentMakers have taken the pledge; will you? #TLS #FirstServeOthers ⠀ . ⠀ . ⠀ #519pursuit #donation #charitydonation #supportlocal #shoplocal #goodcause #helpingothers #serveothers #helpothers #helping #community #communityproject #ldnont #ldnent #ldn #ldngem #ldnontario #londonontario #forestcity #canadaslondon #519 #519local #shop519 #shop519local

A post shared by TLS (@tlsconnectingvoices) on

LIVunLtd: Providing Daily Necessities for Our Community’s Homeless

FirstService Residential: California Office Outreach Activity Promotes Mindfulness and Teamwork

As part of the 2018 FirstService California Annual Meeting, associates gathered in Irvine, California to celebrate the growth and accomplishments achieved in 2017 by the region’s approximate 1,000 Associates. Attendees participated in a fun outreach activity which involved building 50 care packages for families who have been displaced by fires, homelessness or emergency situations.

According to one Associate who was attending their first Annual Meeting, “it was heartwarming to see our people work together with such care and thoughtfulness to create a basket that will offer hope to people going through a difficult time.”

The activity was fitting in that it reflected the theme of the day: Our Future Starts with Us. We work in teams, made up of individuals, who are making a difference in the lives of each other, our company, our clients, and the communities and residents that we serve. Each regional team was responsible for bringing one of ten items that were included in the Welcome Home Baskets (candles, board games, decorative item, broom/dust pan, first aid kit, etc).

The event was a tremendous success!

   

FirstService Corporation: Distributes food, supplies and companionship with Ve’ahavta in Toronto

This past week, 3 members of FirstService Corporation teamed up with Ve’ahavta to distribute food, drinks, supplies and most importantly companionship for 6 hours on a brisk February evening. This night is 1 of 3 planned over the next several months for FirstService to get involved. Some Statistics:
  • Over 235,000 Canadians experience homelessness in a year, including over 5,000 in Toronto alone (Toronto has the 2nd highest homeless population of any Canadian city).
  • Approximately 1,350 chronically homeless people die each year in Canada, with an average life expectancy of 39.
Ve’ahavta’s Theory of Change
  • by providing health supports, referrals to shelters, and essential supplies, we can meet the basic physical needs of homeless or under-housed individuals, and we can ensure their safety.
  • by providing consistent, frequent, and compassionate service, we can decrease social isolation, and build trusting relationships that provide the emotional support needed to create change.
  • by engaging and educating volunteers, we can raise consciousness about homelessness, reduce the stigmatization of the homeless, and inspire people to seek solutions to end homelessness.
Waj H. (Analyst, Risk and Compliance) describes his experience as “eye-opening”. “It made me recognize how fortunate I am to have everything I need, and perhaps I shouldn’t complain about the small inconveniences in my life. I could go on and on, but overall I’m thankful I had the opportunity to give back, connect and appreciate how fortunate I really am. Thank you to Ryan B. (Director, Finance) for organizing.”
If anybody in the Toronto area ever wants to get involved with this great program, feel free to learn more here. 

CertaPro: Main Line Coat Drive

CertaPro Painters of the Main Line delivered 275 coats to Impact Services in Kensington. https://www.facebook.com/CPPML/  

FirstService Residential: Thanksgiving potluck and donations to the OC Basket Brigade

Associates of our FirstService Residential Irvine, California office participated in a Thanksgiving potluck and donated food to support the OC Basket Brigade which provides Thanksgiving dinners to local families in need.