Canton, Massachusetts -Volunteers from nearly 30 local commercial real estate firms attended NAIOP’s 5th Annual Community Service Day, held Tuesday at the Massachusetts Hospital School, which serves children with severe and complicated medical challenges. Participants rolled up their sleeves to improve the school’s campus as well as work directly with the students, many of whom are partially or completely paralyzed.
Open to members of NAIOP Massachusetts, New England Women in Real Estate (NEWiRE), and R.E.Action 2011 sponsor companies, the half-day event was sponsored by Office Environments of New England.
“We are grateful to our partners in this event, and even more so to the students and staff at the Massachusetts Hospital School, who were so welcoming,” said Reesa Fischer, senior vice president of NAIOP Massachusetts. “Thanks also to NAIOP member Tom Norton, President of the Board at the MHS Foundation, who brought this opportunity to the attention of the NAIOP Charitable Events Committee.”
The day began with a catered lunch and orientation on the school’s 100-year history serving the state’s children. Volunteers then worked on a number of landscaping and maintenance projects, followed by time helping the students with horseback riding, field and track, and indoor activities. Many participants said they had never heard of the facility, which provides medical and rehabilitative services along with recreational and educational opportunities in order to increase the student’s quality of life and allow them the maximum level of independence possible.
“The Massachusetts Hospital School is a very special place that doesn’t get the notice or recognition it deserves,” said Michael Faherty, President of Office Environments of New England, who was joined by several colleagues. “Like most community service efforts, we volunteer to try and help others feel better, and in the end, it is they who make us feel better.”
Adds Elizabeth Krol, chair of the NEWiRE Development Committee and Northeast due diligence manager with Shaw Environmental, Inc.: “The joint NAIOP/NEWiRE Community Service Day was a humbling yet rewarding experience for the volunteers who sincerely enjoyed working with the amazing children and dedicated staff of the Massachusetts Hospital School. This event provided a unique opportunity to interact with fellow commercial real estate colleagues in support of a very worthy cause.”
Organized by NAIOP’s Charitable Events Committee, the event was just one way that NAIOP and industry professionals give back to the community; other events include the annual NAIOP Charitable Golf Tournament Benefiting Heading Home, and various drives and volunteer activities planned throughout the year. For more information on participating on the Charitable Events Committee, contact Debbie Osheroff at 781-453-6900, x3.