BPGS Construction Participates in Afternoon of Service to Recognize and Support Local Organizations
May 16, 2016 8:00 amWilmington-based construction company, BPGS Construction (BPGS), in correlation with the Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc. (BPG), held an Afternoon of Service on May 6, 2016 in which over 150 employees from the two organizations took the second half of the day to volunteer. The employees selected from seven local organizations to serve, Christiana Care, The Ministry of Caring, Boys & Girls Club, Neighborhood House, Reed’s Refuge, St. Patrick’s Center and the Walnut Street YMCA.
“The purpose of the day was to serve where it is most-needed,” explained Pamela Gardner, Manager of Executive Relations and Community Engagement . “As a company, The Buccini/Pollin Group believes acts of kindness when executed as a team can have a profound effect on the communities in which we live, work and serve. BPG’s Day of Service provided a tremendous team building activity affording our associates an afternoon serving the heartbeat of our company- the City of Wilmington, a community that continues to embrace and support BPG and BPGS.”
The team dove right into responsibilities from playing games with rehab patients at Christiana Care, creating bulletin boards and cleaning at the Boys & Girls Club, sorting donations at the Ministry of Caring and St. Patrick’s, to even putting their construction and maintenance expertise to good use by painting and fixing broken light fixtures at Reed’s Refuge.
Joe Hickey, Executive Director of St. Patrick’s Center was thankful for the help, “We appreciate the work of the Buccini/Pollin volunteers who helped in our food pantry and clothing closet. St. Patrick’s Center is located in the poorest neighborhood in Wilmington and our clients face hunger and extreme poverty every day. Many people in need were helped through the efforts of the volunteers.”
The employees were touched too, Hugues Nkamwa, Property Manager at The Residences at Rodney Square explained, “It was a great opportunity to volunteer at the Ministry of Caring. A wonderful experience to witness how a facility that is primed to serve the neediest amongst us operates. We sorted donated clothes, shoes and other items for men, women and children. Their motto, the poor should never be treated poorly, touched me deeply. I was so moved by the good ingrained in their mission that I decided to clean out The Residences at Rodney Square. It was an earnest effort to give back to an organization which has given and continues to give so much to our community.”
Beau Broadbent, a BPGS employee felt even small gestures were incredibly rewarding. “I was lucky to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware’s Clarence Fraim Club. Being able to help out a community that dedicates their time to a mission of enabling young people to reach their full potential was truly rewarding. These individuals foster the development of our local youth and anything that I can do to make their jobs easier or their building more functional makes me feel like I can be a part of that process.”
Phyllis Brabender, an accountant at BPGS was inspired by the afternoon. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time volunteering on Friday at Reed’s Refuge. Initially it was the Reeds’ who were appreciative of our presence. After hearing their story and the impact they are making in the community, I realized that I was the one who was thankful. I instantly felt a connection with Cora and realized how big her heart is. She is a mother to several of her own biological children plus all the others who pass through their doors. After spending the afternoon with these incredible people, I look forward to working with them in the future. I cannot convey how much I was in awe of them. They inspired me so much that I went home and put together donations, I have several boxes to pass their way.”
BPGS looks forward to continuing to find ways for employees to serve, “This was a wonderful opportunity to partner with The Buccini/Pollin Group and BPGS Construction to help serve our neighbors at Wilmington Hospital,” said Margarita Rodriguez-Duffy, director of Visitor and Volunteer Services at Christiana Care Health System. “They gave of their time and talents to help with patient activities and projects throughout the hospital. We value Buccini/Pollin’s and BPGS Construction’s shared commitment to service.”
