In July 2023, “Linda,” a member of our FirstService family received distressing news – a breast cancer diagnosis that came without warning. With no history of the disease in her family, the diagnosis at stage 4 was not only a shock but also a burden that weighed heavily on her and her daughter, both emotionally and financially.
As treatments, appointments, and tests accumulated, Linda found herself in a predicament familiar to too many: the need to take an extensive amount of time off work, quickly depleting her paid time off (PTO) and facing the daunting reality of financial instability. Living paycheck to paycheck, the sudden onslaught of medical bills and daily expenses became a source of overwhelming stress. It was during this turbulent period that the FirstService Relief Fund emerged as a beacon of hope, offering the crucial financial support needed to navigate through these trying times.
Amidst the challenges, Linda is very grateful for the support she received from colleagues and especially, her supervisor. Their kindness, patience, and responsiveness made a world of difference during this difficult time. Having someone so supportive by her side helped alleviate some of the anxiety and uncertainty.
Linda’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of having a support system like the FirstService Relief Fund. This initiative stands as a testament to our collective commitment to each other, especially in times of dire need.
The FirstService Relief Fund is a resource designed to aid employees of FirstService, along with its subsidiaries and franchises, who average 30 hours of work a week or 120 hours a month, including those on medical or unpaid leave for up to 12 months. Offering grants—rather than loans—ranging from $500 to $3,000, the Fund addresses personal financial hardships across various categories, including serious illness/injury, death, home damage not covered by insurance, non-routine medical expenses, domestic abuse, and natural disasters. Managed by the Emergency Assistance Foundation, the application process and approvals are handled with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring privacy and respect for every applicant.
In moments of crisis, it’s natural to wonder how we can lend a hand. One powerful way is by spreading the word about the FirstService Relief Fund, ensuring that our colleagues are aware of this vital support network. Additionally, contributing to the Fund through automatic payroll donations offers a straightforward, impactful way to support our FirstService family. These donations are entirely allocated to assist our colleagues in need. No contribution is too small when it comes to helping each other out.
