Blue Cross & Blue Shield volunteers trail blaze at Kent YMCA during day of service
As part of the fifth annual Blue Across Rhode Island day of service, employees of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) provided hands-on volunteer support to Kent County YMCA Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett in Warwick, an organization playing a vital role in the positive development of local youth and families.
One of 13 project sites across the state, BCBSRI volunteers and YMCA employees trail blazed and constructed boat racks to improve the safety and boost the appeal of outdoor athletic areas. Volunteers built fencing to designate beach access points, constructed brand-new outdoor canoe racks, and cleaned camp pavilions to maintain the beauty of the campground and help the YMCA serve more kids and families in years to come.
“Blue Cross’s commitment to creating stronger, healthier communities is a core part of who we are as a company, and Blue across Rhode Island shows the positive impact we can make by working together,” Carolyn Belisle, Managing Director of Community Relations for BCBSRI said in a statement. “We look forward each year to rolling up our sleeves to support organizations playing a critical role in the lives of Rhode Island families, and we are thrilled that our fifth anniversary event continues to build upon this tradition.”
"Blue Cross volunteers made a big impact in helping us create a welcoming environment for campers and their families," said Nancy Hanks, District Executive Director, Kent County & West Bay Family YMCAs. "For many kids who join us over the summer, this is their only opportunity to go to camp. Providing kids with spaces that are safe and appealing helps them see that we care about them and they matter."
In addition to volunteer support, project sites receive a financial contribution of $5,000 from BCBSRI to support their important work. Recognized nationally as a “Best in Class” volunteer initiative, Blue across Rhode Island has become a signature event for not only BCBSRI employees, but an invaluable day for the organizations it has supported over the years. Since the inaugural event in 2012, more than 70 percent of employees have provided more than 18,500 volunteer hours and the company has donated $240,000 in funding to 43 agencies dedicated to helping Rhode Islanders live better, healthier lives. Blue across Rhode Island has made a lasting impact on the lives of 51,200 people throughout the state.
VOLUNTEER DAY IN PROGRESS: As part of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s fifth annual company-wide service day, Blue across Rhode Island, volunteers tackled projects at the Kent County YMCA, one of 13 project sites. Here, Mark Bombard, Camp & Sports Director for the YMCA’s Kent County and West Bay Branches, visits with Sam Lenz, a BCBSRI employee in the Strategic Marketing & Product Innovation department, and checks on the progress of the boat house. (Photo by Regan Communications)
A SAFER PLACE: Seventy Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island employee volunteers, including CEO Kim Keck, trail blazed and constructed boat racks to improve the safety of outdoor athletic areas at the Kent County YMCA Camp Ok-Wa-Nessett in Warwick, an organization playing a vital role in the positive development of local youth and families. Pictured from left are; John Gilliland, Frank Paola, Bob DeFelice, Dan Belvin, Jeff Boehnke, Marc Gagnon, Shane Ivens, Wendy Kenyon and Kim Keck (CEO).
