At Protective, we’re committed to improving the quality of life of our local communities and collaborating with others to create the greatest possible impact. Each year, through financial contributions and volunteer hours, the Protective Life Foundation reaches and actively serves hundreds of nonprofits, ultimately touching thousands of people in need of help, support and encouragement. With employees across three core sites and a robust virtual workforce, we wanted to join together to make an even greater impact. For the first time, all Protective core site locations and virtual teammates served together in a coordinated effort August 1-5, 2022 to support local Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
“It’s a great feeling to have us all connected that way across the miles,” said Scott Karchunas, senior vice president and president, asset protection division.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
RMHC provides a safe, affordable, supportive home-away-from-home for sick or injured children and their families when they travel for medical treatment. RMHC has house programs in all of Protective's core site locations: Birmingham, St. Louis and Cincinnati, which is the largest RMHC in the world, serving up to 177 families each night.
“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 an extra set of hands.”
Protective has a longstanding relationship with RMHC, with teammates serving dinners and supporting RMHC events throughout the year.
“Protective is always there whenever we need their help, and they always answer the call,” said Jason Huff, vice president, development at RMHC St. Louis. “It means the world to [the families] when they’re going through an incredibly difficult time.”
Ronald McDonald House service week at Protective
Protective teammates had the opportunity to volunteer for various activities during the week, from serving dinner to donating items needed by the families as they adjust to long-term stays away from home. Donations were collected at each Protective core site and through RMHC’s Amazon wishlists and delivered by Protective volunteers.
“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, community engagement coordinator for the Protective Life Foundation.
In Birmingham, Protective volunteers decorated balloons to be used at a special dinner at RMHC of Alabama and put together art kits for children staying at the house.
“I’m grateful to be participating in this activity because nine years ago, I, too, had to stay at the Ronald McDonald House,” said Jasmine Wright, senior analyst, application support at Protective. “This is one of the things and one of the reasons why I wanted to be an employee here.”
Cincinnati teammates signed and decorated a banner to hang at RMHC of Greater Cincinnati.
“It’s important for me to work for a company that wants to give back,” said Julie Sparboe, senior associate, content writing at Protective. “I want to be a part of more than just this 9 to 5.”
Protective teammates also participated in general clean up, painting and organizing at RMHC houses throughout the week.
The week of service culminated in Protective volunteers preparing and serving a meal for the families staying at their local RMHC house as well as baking casseroles to be frozen for future use.
“When you feel like your work matters, that you give back to the community that you live in and work in, it really helps give you a sense of fulfillment,” said Protective’s Nick Baird, director CX operations.
In total, 237 Protective teammates volunteered 2,569 hours and served 2,939 people as part of our RMHC service week.
How to support Ronald McDonald House Charities
At Protective, we always put people first, and we are proud to protect families when they need it most through our support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Be sure to check out our video recap of our service week for a small glimpse at the impact we can make together.
Would you like to support RMHC? Explore the wishlists for RMHC of Alabama, Greater Cincinnati and St. Louis:
Learn more about how Protective protects our communities in our sustainability report.
