Avison Young wins 2013 Gold Impact Award from Building Impact

Avison Young has been award the 2013 Gold Impact Award from Building Impact. Despite only becoming a member halfway through 2013, Avison Young was still able to meet the requirements for a Gold Impact Award, the highest recognition award given by the organization. Avison Young was honored, along with other winners, on March 27 at Building Impact's Second Annual Non-Gala that was held at Sullivan & Worcester, LLP. "We are extremely impressed with how active the Avison Young team has been since joining," said Justin Berke, director of strategic partnerships, Building Impact. "Their team is committed and enthusiastic about giving back to the community. We look forward to continuing to work together throughout 2014." Building Impact is a non-profit organization that is pioneering an innovative model for significantly increasing community involvement. Unlike other organizations, Building Impact brings volunteer opportunities into a company's office building, making it easy and convenient for employees to give back and help the community. Today, Building Impact partners with 15 real estate firms across greater Boston. Formally known as The Footprint Awards, The Impact Awards were developed to recognize Building Impact's most engaged partners as they move along the path of engagement, leaving their positive impact along the way. "Giving back to the community is something that the entire Avison Young organization is committed to," said Rick Kimball, managing director at Avison Young Boston. "Being a member of Building Impact is a great way for the team to come together and support the community." Since joining Building Impact, Avison Young has been dedicated to opening their doors and helping nonprofit organizations through various volunteer activities. During the Thanksgiving holiday, the team partnered with Community Servings, a not-for-profit food and nutrition program providing services throughout Massachusetts. Together, the group prepared Thanksgiving meals that were delivered to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses. That same month, employees designed holiday cards that were included in a meal delivery to the clients of Ethos through their Meals on Wheels program. In August, the firm partnered with Cradles to Crayons. Employees wrote "Well Wish Notes" that were included in backpacks along with new school supplies that were sent to school kids. Avison Young helped Building Impact meet their goal of including a "Well Wish Note" in 30,000 backpacks that were distributed to children living in low-income and homeless situations across Massachusetts. To commemorate Veteran's Day, the firm held an in-office event in which staff members wrote letters to active soldiers.