Why We Walk: HR Luvs Kids 2
Our Human Resources team is deeply committed to supporting our employee family—ensuring our Cincinnati Children’s team members can focus on the important work they do every day for kids and families. And for the members of HR Luvs Kids 2, Cincinnati Walks for Kids is an opportunity to do something directly for our patients.
“We love seeing the children and families at the walk,” says Diane Wall, co-captain for her employee team. “It really drives home for us the reason we work here. It’s such a fun, inspiring event to be part of.”
This year’s walk gives us something extra to celebrate: it’s the first time we’re able to safely gather in person since the pandemic began. We’ve seen monumental support during the past two virtual walks, but there’s something about coming together as a community again that rings of hope.
“People welcome the opportunity to gather in person to support the hospital’s mission,” says Nerissa Morris, senior vice president and Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer. “At the end of the day, whether you come to the walk in-person or join as a virtual walker—what really matters is the reason we’re having it. I am hopeful that we will have a record turnout.”
Team members walk for different reasons. Some designate their fundraising to the hospital’s area of greatest needs. Others, like co-captain Mary Conners, walk for a specific area.
“I give to support care and research for cancer or heart disease,” Conners says. “I’ve lost people to these illnesses—and I know the medical center is doing great things to save lives.”
Morris often contributes her fundraising to the Anita Brentley Community Impact Fund, an exciting initiative where Cincinnati Children’s employees support meaningful projects, such as food pantries and safety education, right here in our neighborhoods. “I knew Anita personally, and I know how committed she was to our community, and in particular, our communities of color. Being able to further the work that she started is important to me.”
Strong and compassionate leadership inspires many of our employees to go above and beyond by participating in the walk.
“I encourage every department to create a team,” Morris says. “It’s a way we represent ourselves as One Cincinnati Children’s. It’s also a way for colleagues to be together and promote team spirit and camaraderie. Our patients and families are walking to support our mission and to celebrate their journeys—and we owe it to them to walk beside them.”
Create a team with your division today! Team captains with 15 or more team members will get a cool, commemorative T-shirt. You can also earn up to 100 MyPathPoints—so join us in celebrating the work we do together for the kids in and families counting on us.