A Team Building Experience with Furnish For Good
When it comes to team building events, one often thinks of activities such as escape rooms or picnics. However, our most recent team outing proved that an engaging and enjoyable team building experience could also make a tangible difference in the lives of others. This week, our team participated in a Furnish For Good event, where we helped create an elevated shopping experience for families transitioning out of homelessness. Furnish for Good’s mission is to connect well-loved home furnishings to local underserved communities through an experience of empowerment. Rather than simply distributing donated items, Furnish for Good curates and showcases them so that recipients receive more than home furnishings – they receive self-respect and dignity.
Our evening began with a blank stall, representing the gathering space of an empty home. Our task was to search throughout the warehouse, filled with donated items, and put together a visually pleasing arrangement of furniture and decorations. The vignette would be photographed and made available for ‘purchase’ by the client family. Clients pay a small fee of $200-$250 to furnish an entire house.
The creative challenge was exciting, as we had to select furnishings from donated items that included a wide range of styles and make it look cohesive and aesthetically pleasing. We split into groups, with each group taking on a different part of the space. One group focused on seating options, another on artwork and accessories, a third found lighting options. We worked collaboratively to create a space that felt like a true haven for the new residents.
Once the vignette was completed, a small group of us moved on to setting up kitchen and dining essentials. A proper place setting is essential for a family meal, and we were determined to provide these families with tablescapes that inspired connection, warmth, and love. We put together a package for a family of six, ensuring that each family member had everything they needed to enjoy meals and create memories around the dinner table.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team dove into a mountain of donated bedding, ready to sort and coordinate mismatched pieces into beautiful, coordinating sets. This was such a fun and rewarding task that allowed us to utilize our design skills. We found ourselves laughing and swapping stories as we gathered sheets, pillowcases, and comforters, transforming them into stunning ensembles that would provide comfort and rest for the families we were helping.
As our time came to an end, we stepped back to take in the beautiful vignette we had created, the meticulously wrapped kitchen set, and the carefully coordinated bedding sets. It was incredibly gratifying to know that our collective efforts would enrich the lives of these families, providing them with a space to call their own and start anew.
Our Furnish For Good team building outing was an experience we will never forget. Not only did we enjoy the creative challenges, but we were grateful for the opportunity to turn a day of teamwork into a philanthropic mission that serves the community in a meaningful way. We look forward to more experiences like this – where we can channel our creative energies, strengthen our bonds, and contribute to the greater good!
To volunteer or donate furnishings or home decor to Furnish for Good, see their website - https://furnishforgood.org/