CSN lends hope a lifeline at Make-A-Wish charity event

By Andrew Ardizzi

Toronto, Ontario — June 13, 2014 — Rappelling 30 stories down the side of Toronto City Hall was hardly a feat for three members of CSN Collision & Glass’ executive team when small children fight more inspiring and courageous battles day in and day out.

“If Make-A-Wish asked us to jump out of a plane to support kids and make them happy, I think I would do it,” says CSN Regional Manager Derek Bennie prior to his rappelling down the east tower of City Hall’s complex. “We can sometimes take for granted what we have, and these kids could use a break so it’s nice to help them.”

Bennie was joined by two other CSN team members, including Quality Control Analyst Douglas White and Network Performance Manager Mark Roesch, who took turns descending City Hall as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s “Rope for Hope” charity event.

White says he was anxious yet excited to take part, noting what the children supported by Make-A-Wish go through makes climbing down a building almost inconsequential.

“We need to be courageous for nine minutes, that’s nothing,” White says.

With many bystanders cheering them on, Bennie was the first to rappel and upon touching down on the ground, a smile formed across his face following his accomplishment.

“It was so cool, the view up there was breathtaking,” he says. “I’d encourage people to get out and help their communities where they can. I encourage people to give back because I think it’s important to do and it feels good.”

Following their teammate, Roesch and White rappelled simultaneously with Roesch touching down first followed closely by White. Roesch says that while it was difficult at first, after the first few steps it got easier.

“Once you get past 20 feet and you start to take in the view, it was great. It was a lot of fun,” he says. “Regardless of doing this for such a great organization that helps kids get their wishes, it’s just such a great cause.

“Recently we had a lady out to talk about it who has an autistic daughter whose wish was to meet Disney princesses. She was able to go to Disney World and meet them, and the smile on her face makes it worth it. That’s what life is all about: helping people.”

White felt the same as he descended, noting though that up until he started his descent he was cracking jokes with the city skyline at eye level. Feeling too that it gets easier after the first few feet, the descent quickly becomes about the ability to maintain control. White says that as intimidating as rappelling seems he wouldn’t hesitate to volunteer if asked again.

“It’s definitely worth it, especially with what Rope for Hope is for,” White says. “Honestly, I’d do it again.”

CSN COO Flavio Battilana was also in attendance alongside additional members of the executive team and feels it’s a great opportunity to support a worthy foundation the network supports and helps to build self-esteem and character for their team members. The network’s VP of Sales Marketing Larry French was also on hand and feels it’s a great team-building effort. Battilana agrees, but when it comes down to it, the entire effort is about injecting cheerful moments into the lives of children and their families.

“It’s all about helping families and creating positive memories no matter what’s going on in their lives,” he says. “It demonstrates to the families that there are people out there who care.”

The purpose, as far as Battilana is concerned is simple and is something the CSN team believes to the letter as well.

“I think events like this demonstrate why we should not only do the right thing at work, but it’s also about giving back to the community with a high level of care,” he says. “That’s what customer service is all about.”

For more information on CSN Collision & Glass, please visit CSNInc.ca.

To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation. visit them online at MakeAWish.ca.