Why They Do It

03.22.10

In 2008, Reindeer partnered with the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent. We donate money, toys, clothes, electronics ... and most importantly, we also donate our time. And in a crazy world of schedules and deadlines and demands – time can often be our most valuable commodity.

As I was planning our next party at PMCH – an Easter party to be held on April 3 – I saw the same names on the sign up list and posed the question = what is it about our PMCH project that moves you to give so much of yourselves?

The answers were personal and enthusiastic and somewhat surprising ... and all together inspiring:

My work with the hospital gives me such an over whelming feeling of enthusiasm! I take from this experience a true gift of being a team player, out of the box thinker, and hope to be motivating others to do the same! This is something that in my work career I have never been able to realize but Reindeer Auto Relocation has made this possible! Be a volunteer it is the best way to give back and have a true sense of empathy. ~ Kristina Neace, Operations Specialist

It is very rewarding to see a few hours of your time goes such a long way and these kids really appreciate it. I think this past year we have really seen just what "paying it forward" can really do... "Practicing the Golden Rule is not a sacrifice; it is an investment." ~ Theresa Guerrero, Quality Assurance Representative

I think our partnership with PMCH is a great way for Reindeer to show that while they may do business all over the world, they still remember what is most important within their own community. I remember being in the hospital at Mayo Clinic on Rochester, MN for long periods of time when I was younger, and it was the video games and coloring books that I remember the most. Those small periods of fun time made all of the tests and doctors more bearable, because I knew when I was done with them, I could go play and feel somewhat normal again. Giving back to PMCH gives me a chance to give back to the children in the hospital similar to what those at the Mayo Clinic gave me. No one likes being in the hospital, but for a child, I think keeping things as normal as possible for them at a time when they're having troubles is invaluable. Not only for them, but for the parents as well! ~ Ryan Hill, Senior Operations Specialist

I absolutely love that we have a partnership with PMCH. I've always thought that I'd like to help out in the community, but I just never did it on my own. Having Reindeer set everything up makes it easy to help and it's a lot of fun to see the kids. I used to be a teacher and really miss working with kids. Helping out at PMCH lets me see kiddos again and help them out in any way we can, whether it be playing games/doing crafts with them or donating gifts and money to the program to help in other ways. ~ Michelle Leonard, Quality Assurance Representative

Volunteering at PMCH puts life into perspective. Being the mother of 2 kids it touches my heart to see that the small things that most of us take for granted put the biggest smiles on a child's face. I'm only human so when I see a child walk into the play room to participate in one of our events hooked up to machines, I can only hope that emotionally I can keep it together. I have the deepest respect for the parents who spend night after night by their child's bedside hoping and praying that the next time the doctor walks in he has good news. I find myself leaving PMCH and rushing home to hug my kids and thank god that they are healthy. Those 2 hours that we spend putting a smile on each child's face that walks into that room, are probably one of the most rewarding moments in my life. I find myself wanting to do more. It's like an addiction. Each child that walks into that room and that I come in contact with leaves a mark on my heart and I will remember them and their smiles forever. ~ Katie Weissert, Client Services Manager

Well said, I say. Let's hope their passion is contagious?