WCI unites the industry for Give Kids The World

In just about a month, hundreds of professionals who work in various aspects of workers’ compensation will be heading to Florida for the 75^th Annual Workers Compensation Educational Conference organized by the Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) at the Orlando World Center Marriott from Dec. 12-15.

In addition to learning about topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on workers’ comp claims, successful transitional return to work programs, best practices for risk managers and dozens of other courses, attendees will have an opportunity to participate in the Give Kids The World (GKTW) Service Day and Night of a Million Lights fundraiser.

Give Kids The World is a special village located in Orlando, Florida, and the nonprofit resort provides families with critically ill children a magical setting in which to rest, relax and have fun for a week. There is no cost to the families and all of the activities are geared specifically for these special guests. Eighty percent of the children who come are referred through the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Doug Clark, AVP client services for Sedgwick, has overseen the volunteer workforce for the WCI Give Kids The World program for several years, and under his tutelage, it has grown from only 40 volunteers when they started seven years ago to 1,400 in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic affected last year’s event and will change how volunteers are able to serve next month, but it has not diminished the industry’s desire to support this important endeavor.

“Last year, volunteers did at-home projects and helped us to raise over $93,000 from the silent auction and other projects,” shares Clark.

To protect both the children and their families and the hundreds of volunteers, Give Kids The World is not allowing large groups on the property this year either. However, Clark says there are still opportunities to volunteer. “People can register online for at-home projects,” for a wide variety of arts and crafts for the kids. “You can mail them in or bring them with you. We’re also holding a planned event at the Marriott from 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 11th.” Volunteers are needed to help set up tables and participate in these same arts and crafts projects. “We will have speakers, music and characters from the village there. It’s a chance for people to get together if they want to.”

Organizing the volunteer efforts is no easy task, but Clark says he is very fortunate to have an incredible group of individuals to assist him. “It’s a labor of love. They’ve stepped in more than any group of people ever could,” he says enthusiastically. There are 27 people on the committee from 19 different companies who serve on nine committees, and their combined areas of expertise help to make the dreams work.

Like the hundreds of volunteers who have painted furniture, rebricked walkways, trimmed and weeded flowerbeds, cleaned and refurbished dolls and stuffed animals, dished ice cream, served meals and participated in many other ways, Clark finds “there is a personal touch with being there.” In addition to serving with WCI, he has volunteered numerous times on his own with family and friends. But what he finds truly impressive is the way “an industry of competitors comes together and puts all differences aside for the bigger cause. That always astounded me. It brings out the best in humanity when you do something for someone else and are involved in something bigger than yourself. There are good people out there and they want to do something and you just have to provide the opportunity.”

This year instead of the traditional gala, Give Kids The World is hosting a special event for WCI attendees. Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children and include attendance at the Night of a Million Lights. The Hopping Place on the Avenue will be dedicated to WCI and its guests, who will be able to stroll through the village, ride the rides and really experience all that that GKTW has to offer. The streets will be decorated in holiday lights and there will be hot chocolate, appetizers and other treats for guests.

In addition, this year’s silent auction will be digital and held online throughout the conference so WCI attendees can still support GKTW. All of the money raised will go directly to supporting this unique endeavor.

While the pandemic has forced many groups and organizations to pivot and rethink their activities, it has not affected the desire of WCI attendees to collaborate and truly impact the lives of countless families, and that’s what this industry does every day.

Related:

• WCI: Insurance and risk management pros are ‘better together’
• WCI announces return of Give Kids The World initiative