With teammates across three core sites and a robust virtual workforce, Protective was in search of a way to work together to make an even greater impact. For the first time, all Protective core site locations and virtual teammates served in a coordinated week-long effort with RMHC. Throughout the week in August, 237 teammates across the country volunteered 2,569 hours to serve 2,939 people as part of Protective’s RMHC Service Week.
“It’s a great feeling to have us all connected that way across the miles,” said Scott Karchunas, Protective’s Senior Vice President, and President of the Asset Protection Division, who also serves as a RMHC St. Louis Board Member.
RMHC provides a safe, affordable, supportive home away from home for sick or injured children and their families when they travel for medical treatment.
“We just want these families to know that we’re here to give them some encouragement. We’re here as a group and a company to be protectors for them and show them some happiness,” said Shayla Aguillard, Associate II, Corporate Giving for the Protective Life Foundation.
To provide much-needed items, Protective hosted a national supply drive that all teammates were invited to participate in whether they were virtual or office-based. At each of the RMHC core site locations, teammates participated in kid-friendly activities, helped with meals, and completed general clean-up throughout the week.
Painting fences, cooking dinner or cleaning baseboards may seem like simple, daily tasks, but to the children and families staying at the Ronald McDonald houses, these small actions mean so much more.
“Every day is a challenge to serve over 170 families,” said Sarah Jordan, Director of Development at RMHC of Greater Cincinnati. “One of those daily challenges is delivering a healthy, hot, delicious meal, and we’re only able to do that when we have extra sets of hands.”
Beyond the meals, RMHC children and families love interacting with volunteers, especially at night while sitting around the dinner table or playing games in the family room. These small interactions provide a sense of security, giving them hope and connection during difficult times.
Protective has been a donor and friend of RMHC of Alabama for nearly 20 years and was excited to broaden our reach to St. Louis and the Greater Cincinnati region several years ago. Protective’s long-standing relationship with RMHC extends throughout the year, with several teammates serving on the board and various committees, plus additional service events.
“It’s not just that Protective is such a great company, but that they have hired such dedicated team members,” said Katherine Estes Billmeier, CEO of RMHC of Alabama. “Protective teammates are among some of our top volunteers and get involved because they believe in the impact RMHC is making in their communities.”
From serving dinner to donating items that are needed by the families as they adjust to a long-term stay away from their homes, Protective is happy to support these families when they need us.
“I’ve been with this organization for 29 years, and it has hit me how blessed I am to go into work every day and see all the good in the world,” said Dan Harbaugh, President of RMHC of St. Louis. “What Protective has done in Birmingham, St. Louis, Cincinnati and beyond emulates all that good, and we are thankful this company has chosen us to be the recipient of their kindness.”
