“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Trust the beloved T.V. personality Mister Rogers to say it best so many years ago.
One of the silver linings to the global pandemic has been the emergence of stories that showcase examples of human compassion and caring. We’re proud see a number of these stories among our colleagues and clients and are very excited to highlight their legendary efforts.
Giving back to our communities is not new in our organization. Our WeCARE initiatives – opportunities to support the greater good on a local, regional, and national level – run year round in all of our global offices. From bake sales to raise money for great causes, to food and clothing drives, to collecting eye glasses, to participating in fundraising efforts in the evenings and on weekends, our colleagues give, give, and then give some more!
And during our lockdown in this virtual world, although our WeCARE office initiatives have changed, our Legendary colleagues are still finding ways that they can give back, safely and creatively!
One example comes from a Senior Workforce Mobility Counselor, Meg Huber whose friend is crocheting ear protectors for masks and sending them to hospitals in various states, including New Jersey, to give back to our heroes.
She is collecting flat buttons sized ¾” and 1″ from Weichert colleagues safely in the mail.
Another Legendary story comes from our Expense Management Supervisor, Jen Dericks, who is keeping busy – when she’s not approving expenses – and sewing face masks to help our first responders and our heroes on the front line due to COVID-19.
So far, she has made 130 masks! These are being sent to St Clare’s Hospital in Denville, NJ and the Denville EMS squad.
“I wanted to help during this crisis in the one way I could, by sewing… but I couldn’t locate the elastic needed,” said Jen.
Since supplies have been scarce to create masks, Jen found a Facebook group that uses an honor system with porch pick up and drop off for supplies. Her next round of face masks will be going to nursing homes and seniors.
Jen and Meg are two giants of service who represent the hundreds of kind and meaningful colleagues that lead by example, determined to make a difference, not only in their work, but in this time of immense need. Too many of us are touched by this disease and their work soothes that pain more than you can imagine.Chris Brunone
We also want to give a huge shout out to the hundreds of our colleagues who are helping in their own personal way – giving blood, donating to foodbanks, caring for elderly or vulnerable friends or neighbors, making masks for their family.
The generosity continues at the corporate level, with Weichert Corporate Housing providing furnished apartments and hotel rooms in New York City for medical professionals and other front-line workers who have valiantly spearheaded efforts to contain the Coronavirus.
Properties are also being provided to patients undergoing cancer treatments at local hospitals who require extended quarantines.
According to Frank Palestrini, President of Weichert Corporate Housing, his team was happy to seize the opportunity to give back in a way that leverages what they do best.
Every day we see examples of medical workers courageously and selflessly working in challenging circumstances, putting themselves at risk to help others,” said Frank. “One of the best ways we felt we could show our appreciation is by providing them with a comfortable place for a well-earned, good night’s rest or recharging.Frank Palestrini
In addition to providing quarters close to local hospitals and medical centers, the rooms also help to alleviate concerns among medical workers that they could carry the virus back home to their families and loved ones. “We are honored and humbled by the opportunity to provide a ‘home away from home’ for these heroes as a show of respect and gratitude for the work they’re doing every day for this city,” said Frank.
What an incredible example of our organizational purpose statement of “helping to create futures where people thrive.”
And of course we can’t forget our Legendary clients, with whom we are so proud to partner. We strive to help them thrive as an organization and within their individual roles, so that they can focus on doing what they need to do!
This is more important than ever, particularly for two of our clients in the pharma industry, who are working towards creating vaccines and antibody treatments to address the pandemic.
From our colleagues, corporate housing, and clients, it is amazing to see everyone coming together in such trying times to show the hope and inspiration everywhere!
Thank you to our Legendary colleagues and clients for their remarkable initiatives!
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