WASHINGTON, D.C., December 31, 2009 – GEICO associates Robert and RaeLyn Noriega are no strangers to big, important projects—both at work and in their community. In the office Robert and RaeLyn take on major responsibilities for GEICO’s claims handling activities. Now the couple has begun a joint project of a somewhat different nature. Their goal in 2010 is to demonstrate to their fellow GEICO associates that community service can be both meaningful and fun.
The Noriegas moved to Buffalo from GEICO’s Tucson office four years ago. Yes, they gave up their laid back desert culture lifestyle for a chance to settle in a more vigorous and decidedly four-season part of the country. Since arriving, they have come to really appreciate their new friends and neighbors in Western New York and made it their goal to return the generous, welcoming spirit they’ve happily received back to the community.
On their short list of local activities, the Noriegas are heavily involved in the American Cancer Society’s Relay-for-Life and serve as volunteers for the March of Dimes, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals), Brush up Buffalo (a community beautification project) and Daffodil Days (also for the American Cancer Society).
"My aunt who helped raised me died of complications due to cancer," said Robert when explaining why volunteering for the American Cancer Society is so important to him. "My first experience with R4L was in high school, seeing an entire community come together united against one cause was a powerful experience. Now as an adult I can help benefit the community and that is very special for me."
RaeLyn adds, "When people see us at events like Relay-for-Life, I think a lot of them believe that because we’re from such a large organization that we are not personally connected to the cause. Cancer affects just about everyone. When I can get different representatives from each GEICO department to come together and support this cause, it shows that even though this is a large company, we give back to the communities we live in."
Robert and RaeLyn are also helping build a better community quite literally. They assist Brush up Buffalo, a local group that works to revitalize low-income homes within the City of Buffalo. "RaeLyn actually got me involved with this project. We get together with friends and co-workers for some old-fashioned manual labor to help beautify homes in the area," said Robert.
"We would love more people—GEICO employees or not—to join us and become involved in all sorts of local charities and community groups," said RaeLyn.
"It doesn’t take much to volunteer; you can just come out and have fun with your friends while helping a great cause at the same time," said Robert. "It’s a great feeling to know you’re making a difference in peoples’ lives."
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