The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Arizona presented U-Haul International with its Corporate Volunteer Award on April 28 at its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon in Phoenix. The award honors companies that demonstrate exemplary leadership, service excellence, and teamwork.
“Working with the U-Haul team is one of my favorite parts of my job,” states Todd Cooley, SVdP corporate development officer. “While we have many corporate partners that I help manage their gifts of philanthropy, there are few as special as U-Haul.”
U-Haul has been supporting the efforts of SVdP for more than 20 years through volunteer programs; collecting donations; providing U-Haul equipment; and also financial contributions.
The luncheon drew 200-plus Valley volunteers. They gathered in the SVdP Hall of Banners on the nonprofit’s main campus to celebrate the spirit of service.
During the celebration, SVdP executives expressed their appreciation for the hard work, long hours and personal sacrifices made by volunteers. They then went on to recognize a small group, nominated by the SVdP staff, to receive special volunteer awards for their exceptional efforts.
Volunteers Invaluable to St. Vincent de Paul
“We couldn’t do our work without our volunteers. We also want to thank all of them for their faithful support and incredible compassion,” Cooley says.
U-Haul Director of External Communications Sebastien Reyes participated in the first panel discussion with the other corporate volunteer award recipients.
U-Haul Director of External Communications Sebastien Reyes accepted the SVdP Corporate Volunteer Award on behalf of U-Haul and also participated in the first panel discussion with the other corporate volunteer award recipients. Cooley notes the discussion was a nice way to compare and consider how corporate partners perceive their engagement with SVdP.
“The culture of each of our corporate partners is unique, and yet similar in so many ways,” Cooley explains. “Each has a profound impact on SVdP, and we find that each has amazing experiences when they get involved in helping the community. Each partner helps in a way that fulfills their philanthropic goals and objectives.”
Help from partners like U-Haul is often the difference between hope and hopelessness for thousands of people in this community.
“In addition to receiving monetary support, in-kind support and volunteer support above and beyond the direct support, we know helping us to help others is near and dear to your heart and culture at U-Haul,” Cooley says. “It is a blessing to have this relationship.”
In conclusion, click here to read about our most recent volunteer event with St. Vincent de Paul.
