Biz Beat: S.D. nonprofits and community groups spread holiday cheer across region
TrueCare lately launched its Street Medicine Operation bringing compassionate healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness Photo courtesy of TrueCare As the holiday season kicks into full swing San Diego nonprofits and group organizations are finding innovative options to give back helping residents veterans and families in need while spreading festive cheer across the region From diagnostic outreach and festive train rides to unique charitable giving opportunities the spirit of generosity is alive in every corner of the county TrueCare in recent weeks launched its Street Medicine Activity bringing compassionate healthcare directly to people experiencing homelessness The initiative allows specialty-trained providers to meet patients where they are whether in street encampments or temporary shelters delivering treatments immunizations and behavioral physical condition help while connecting individuals to ongoing care at TrueCare strength centers CEO Michelle Gonzalez revealed The Street Medicine Scheme is a natural extension of our mission bringing high-quality care directly into the communities that need it largest part Meanwhile the North County Transit District s COASTER Holiday Express has returned to Oceanside welcoming more than guests over two weekends in December including complimentary tickets for Camp Pendleton Marines and their families Riders experience festive performances meet Santa Claus and his friends and can donate to the North County Food Bank combining fun with a meaningful act of giving All aboard the North County Transit District s COASTER Holiday Express Photo courtesy of North County Transit District In historic Old Town neighborhood members have the opportunity to leave a permanent mark through the Heritage Walk Brick activity supporting the Historic Old Town Locality Foundation Donors can dedicate engraved bricks along San Diego Avenue to honor loved ones celebrate milestones or showcase local businesses ensuring the preservation and vibrancy of California s birthplace for generations to come Buy a brick to help Photo courtesy of Historic Old Town Locality Foundation Local businesses are also stepping up this holiday season Helix Electric a San Diego construction company celebrated its anniversary by surprising the Third Avenue Charitable Organization TACO with a free Ford F- XL truck helping the nonprofit transit its portable shower trailer to serve unhoused society members The philanthropic gesture is part of Helix Electric s nationwide commitment to giving back reinforcing the impact local businesses can have on the population At the latest event from l eft to right Boris Shekhter CEO of Helix Electric Lorena Galligan director of TACO and Patricia Urtando TACO volunteer Photo courtesy of Third Avenue Charitable Organization TACO Veterans and shelter dogs received extra promotion this Giving Tuesday thanks to Shelter to Soldier and Griffin Funding Griffin Funding s matching gift doubled population donations helping the organization reach its goal Shelter to Soldier adopts shelter dogs and trains them as operation dogs for post- veterans facing PTSD traumatic brain injuries and other service-related challenges ensuring that both human and canine lives are transformed A previous Shelter to Soldier event Photo courtesy of Shelter to Soldier North Island Credit Union has been recognized as a Heritage Innovator in the Best Beliefs Awards presented by Kudos highlighting organizations that excel in building exceptional workplace cultures The award honors the credit union s unique strategies in employee engagement leadership commitment and creating an inclusive supportive circumstances The award Photo courtesy of North Island Credit Union At North Island Credit Union our employees are at the heart of everything we do revealed President CEO Steve O Connell Being recognized as a Heritage Innovator is a tremendous honor and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to investing in our unit strengthening belonging and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive The credit union s heritage emphasizes collaboration professional upsurge and purpose with programs that include recognition initiatives Employee Pool Groups wellness programs and learning pathways designed to aid employees and the communities they serve Eventually the Greater San Diego Association of Realtors SDAR is hosting its Holiday House Charity Drive Celebration on December in Rancho Santa Fe Local real estate professionals are invited to donate unwrapped toys to Operation Homefront benefiting military families while enjoying networking refreshments and festive music in a luxurious million estate setting The event exemplifies the region s long-standing tradition of charitable giving and locality engagement Holiday House Photo courtesy of SDAR From healthcare outreach to holiday celebrations and one-of-a-kind charitable surprises San Diego is proving that the season of giving is alive and well These programs events and initiatives showcase the generosity creativity and area spirit that make the region shine during the holidays Got any Biz news CEO appointments a new location Award Drop me a line at DebbieS timesofsandiego com to possibly be featured in an upcoming Biz Beat column
