A residential home for the physically challenged got a helping hand with cleaning up after the recent storms, thanks to staff from PwC Bermuda.

A team from the company donated their time and energy to restoring and beautifying the grounds at Summerhaven, on South Road, in Smith’s, after Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricane Gonzalo.

Summerhaven chairman John Powell said that their efforts to collect seaweed that had blown on to the property were sincerely appreciated, as the Department of Parks would not have been able to help for at least a month.

A second PwC team prepared 240 meals and more than ten dozen cookies for the Eliza DoLittle Society, in support of families and individuals in need.

Scott Watson-Brown, the managing director of PwC Bermuda, who took part in the clean-up at Summerhaven, said: “The timing of the volunteer activities of our staff was key in the aftermath of Fay and Gonzalo.

“We were excited to see the results of our efforts, which included ensuring access around the Summerhaven grounds again and down to John Smith’s Bay. We are pleased our volunteers were also able to positively impact many families in Bermuda with the meals they cooked.”

PwC’s efforts were part of the Centre on Philanthropy’s Fall 2014 Community Day on Friday, October 24, which involved five companies and more than 50 volunteers.

The other teams who took part were from AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, Legal & General Reinsurance Company Limited, Logic Communications and Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty.

The organisations to benefit were Saving Children and Revealing Secrets, Bermuda Gymnastics Association, Packwood Home and Meals on Wheels.

Jennifer Pitcher, volunteer programme co-ordinator at the Centre on Philanthropy, said the community days were in the seventh year and were valuable for everyone involved.

“Volunteering offers many other benefits to companies and their employees such as opportunities for leadership training, skills development, and team building,” she said.

“Volunteering also cultivates new relationships, both internally and externally, and enables employees to connect with the local community, supporting employee integration and enhancing employee morale.

“Overall, employees are more likely to feel loyal to their company if it is known to support the community and as a result benefit from increased retention rates.”

Companies or non-profit organisations interested in taking part in future community days should e-mail jpitcher@centreonphilanthropy.org or call 236-7706.