Avison Young announces second annual Global Day of Giving

Employees in all of the firm's markets to take part in charitable activities

TORONTO, Oct. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ - Mark Rose, Chair and CEO of Avison Young, the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm, announced today that it will hold its second annual Global Day of Giving this Thursday, October 15, in all of the company's markets.

"On October 15, employees in Avison Young's 71 offices in Canada, the U.S. and Europe will again dedicate the day to participate in volunteer projects in their respective cities," comments Rose. "At this time in 2014, we had 60 offices take part. This year, due to expansion, another 400 professionals from 11 additional offices will be involved. We're thrilled to be able to expand our contributions to the many worthwhile causes that we support while striving to enhance economic, social and environmental sustainability."

Avison Young's Global Day of Giving is part of the company's global citizenship efforts. Each Avison Young office has chosen its own community volunteer project in consultation with the charity that will receive the assistance.

Rose continues: "Our 2014 Global Day of Giving was an unmitigated success, raising awareness for many organizations that work so unselfishly to improve the lives of people in need and at risk around the globe. This year, we're striving to build on what we started, and generate even more awareness and support – in the form of additional fundraising, increased volunteer activity or other means. By setting aside a day for all 2,000-plus Avison Young professionals to volunteer their time, we will continue to broaden our philanthropic efforts as a company and give back to the communities in which we live, work and play."

Staff activities on October 15 will range from organizing clothing drives for local refugee homes to sorting food at local food banks to completing renovation projects at women's shelters.

"Avison Young has made the decision to concentrate our charitable activities within the local communities where our staff live and work. Collective action in each of our offices not only benefits the local charities we choose to support, but builds upon the culture of teamwork that Avison Young is proud of," states Mark Fieder, Avison Young's Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Operations, who is based in Toronto. "Supporting our communities, which is one of the key focus areas of our global citizenship strategy, means that we believe our activities and the actions of our people should always have a net positive impact on our communities. The Day of Giving is an organized way for Avison Young to actively contribute resources to improve the communities in which we do business. No matter where you go in the world, there is a charitable organization that needs support so that it can better the lives of others."

The following is a list of the charities to which Avison Young employees will be donating their time on October 15:       

"Just as we do on a typical workday, we're looking for a strong performance from everyone in our company as we support our community partners on October 15. We encourage other companies and individuals to come together and contribute to a worthwhile cause as well," adds Pamela Mazza, Avison Young's Chief Human Resources Officer, who is based in Chicago. "In addition, we fully recognize and appreciate that personal development – achieved through venues such as volunteering in our annual Day of Giving – enhances one's career development.  Assisting our talented professionals in the ability to demonstrate a commitment to being a global citizen is not a noble gesture. In the Avison Young culture, we consider giving back to the community an obligation."

Avison Young's Global Day of Giving is held annually in all of the firm's markets every October. The philanthropic effort continually expands as Avison Young opens new offices around the globe.

Avison Young is the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises 2,000 real estate professionals in 71 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial and multi-family properties.

For further information/comment/photos:

• Sherry Quan, Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: 604.647.5098; cell: 604.726.0959

• Mark Rose, Chair and CEO, Avison Young: 416.673.4028

• Mark Fieder, Principal and Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Operations, Avison Young: 416.673.4051

• Pamela Mazza, Chief Human Resources Officer, Avison Young: 301.917.9090

www.avisonyoung.com

Avison Young was a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies program in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and has demonstrated its commitment to the program and successfully reapplied for the designation as a Gold Standard winner in 2014. 

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SOURCE Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (BC)