Just before Christmas the staff at Real Insurance were busy sanding and painting the hundreds of park benches that are dotted over the 120 acres of the Anglican Retirement Village at Castle Hill.
The many benches provide a vital resting point for elderly residents walking the plentiful grounds of the Village.
The staff at Real Insurance eagerly volunteered to take time out from their busy schedules to spend a day at the Village sanding and painting the benches for the use of residents.
Roger Grobler, CEO of Real Insurance says: “Over the past year, Real has experienced great success and it is time to start giving something back to the communities that have helped us to grow.
“This is one of the first of a series of ‘Real Needs’ initiatives that we will be undertaking in various communities over the coming months. They are simply about our staff caring for people and the company has come to the table by providing those who volunteer with a days paid leave.”
Chris Smith, Maintenance Manager of the 120 acre complex has likened the task of painting the benches to that of painting the Harbour Bridge, as once you finish the job you have to turn around and start again.
Smith explained that to have volunteers help with this mammoth task means his team can focus on improving facilities for the residents rather than just maintaining them.
Over the course of the week, Real Insurance staff donned their hats, sandpaper and paint brushes and worked in pairs to repair the park benches.
The staff at Real were unanimous about the experience. All agreed that it was fantastic to get out and give something back to such important members of the community.