Employees at Avison Young locations worldwide will be participating in the real estate firm’s annual Day of Giving this week.
On Thursday October 24, teams from around 100 of the firm’s offices in Canada, the US, Mexico, and Europe will volunteer at more than 80 community organizations.
It’s the sixth annual Day of Giving but the ever-expanding headcount of the Toronto-based firm means that many people will be taking part for the first time and the coverage will include communities that are also new for the initiative.
“The increase stems from our acquisition of GVA in February 2019 and other acquisitions, new office openings and hires completed during the past year,” said Mark E. Rose, the firm’s chair and CEO. “We're thrilled that this will be our largest and most far-reaching global Day of Giving ever. As we continue to help initiate change at the grassroots level, we will again be promoting the principles of sustainability through action and partnership – but on a much larger scale."
The Day of Giving is part of a wider focus on employee wellbeing. Rose says that involvement in community and charity events benefits not only the recipients but employees’ mental health and personal development.
Mark Dockrill, Avison Young principal and chief operating officer, global operations, says that it ties in to the firm’s inclusive culture, with success based on how its people and communities are looked after.
"Led by members of our Emerging Leaders program, the Day of Giving provides Avison Young's future leaders the chance to engage, organize and guide everyone in the company in philanthropic endeavours that resonate. I am humbled to be part of a company that values philanthropy so highly. The Day of Giving allows all of us to feel the wellness, camaraderie and gratitude that result from giving back. These small acts of kindness make a large difference in the lives of others."
Local staff activities on October 24 will range from packing food at food banks to gardening at daycare centres to painting neighbourhood houses.
