WorldMark fosters employees into volunteers

WorldMark is a condominium resort and typically rubs shoulders with the tourists population in Leavenworth - since late last fall, the local rental giant has starting giving back to the same community its cozy hotel calls home. WorldMark has paired up with Wenatchee River Institute to give its employees the opportunity to volunteer at the local non-profit.
    "We had some associates that hadn't used their wish hours and asked for some ideas where to volunteer," said Sean Griffith, general manager of resort operations for WorldMark Leavenworth. "We looked at some local environmental causes and Wenatchee River Institute was kind enough to offer opportunities."
    Wish hours are a Wyndham Destinations company wide opportunity for their employees.
    "Wish hours are a paid eight hours off to volunteer for charitable causes," explained Griffith.
    The efforts extend from participating in fundraiser mailing to helping at on the site for maintenance upkeep. Some even bringing their own supplies to tidy up the River Haus, according to Tricia Cook, Wenatchee River Institute representative. Griffith said that in the future the associates are looking at trails restoration and helping set up events for the local non-profit.
    "It's part of what we do as a company - support community focused initiatives," said Griffith. "We want to contribute to the local community and also have our associates proud of where they work."
    In 2018, the company wide (beyond just the Leavenworth branch) managed to knock out 42,000 hours. The 25 WorldMark Leavenworth associates have already racked up 56 hours in 2019 and according to Griffith, a majority of those hours have funneled into the Wenatchee River Institute. Griffith stated that some associates have also volunteered with the Chelan Land Trust group as well.
    "We like to serve the fellow neighbor and see the bigger picture," said Griffith.