Each year, amid the speeches and breakout sessions of NACD’s Annual Meeting, a number of dedicated attendees kindly donate their time and efforts to participate in our popular community service event to help local charities.
This November, supported by resort staff at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, more than 60 NACD members gathered to spare a few hours for team building and philanthropy.
A short presentation explained how our contributions this time round would be helping local children’s hospitals and orphanages. The task? A teddy bear takeover!
Divided into groups, we had the chance to enjoy a few hours of bonding with our peers to explore the historical Victorian property, finding clues, and solving puzzles as part of a scavenger hunt.
The reward for completing each task was coupons, which would then trade for a selection of teddy bear shells ready for stuffing.
It was great to see so many people participate in this worthy cause, including the latest class from NACD’s Emerging Leaders Program, who took time out from their training session to contribute. Together, we worked closely with new and established friends and colleagues to help bring some smiles to the faces of children in the San Diego area.
After some successful problem-solving, a short window of teddy-filling exploits resulted in hundreds of the cuddly toys being readied for delivery.
The community service event has become a mainstay of NACD’s Annual Meeting and it not only proves a lot of fun but is a gratifying experience for all involved.
The afternoon perfectly captured NACD’s ethos of working closely within communities, which is reflected throughout our Responsible Distribution program.
And the NACD team is proud to be playing its part in helping local charities too.
This year, we reinstated our Community Service Committee to arrange quarterly events so our staff could volunteer to help local good causes.
From packing food parcels to donating supplies, we’re working with homeless shelters, children’s charities, and animal shelters and have many great initiatives planned in the months ahead.
Right now, we’re working closely with the Arlington chapter of the Salvation Army near our office and supporting its Angel Tree program – a really important cause that helps low-income families provide a happier holiday season.
Armed with children’s Christmas wish lists, our team gathered a collection of clothing and toys, so they’d all have something under the tree this year.
From shoes and jackets to doll houses and skateboards, we hope our contribution makes things at least a little easier for these families.
In the new year, we’ll be working with the Humane Society of Fairfax County and donating towels, blankets, toys, and food to animal shelters.
It feels fantastic to give something back and help out where we can. And thanks to all of you who contribute to such worthy causes and do such great work within your communities. We wish you all a very happy holiday season and a fantastic 2023!
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