PHILADELPHIA – June 30, 2022 – On Sunday, June 26, a group of FS Investments’ employees volunteered at the Nationalities Services Center’s (NSC) World Refugee Day at the Philadelphia Zoo. The volunteer event was curated by the newly formed FS Ukraine Response Task Force, created by the FS Inclusion Council.
Co-sponsored by PECO and the FS Foundation, FS Investments’ philanthropic arm, the event celebrated refugees in the Philadelphia area with food, activities for kids and music by performers of various immigrant backgrounds. This event was the first of many to come from the FS Ukraine Crisis Response Task Force, which was formed in March. The task force aims to respond locally to the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, to aid those impacted due to Russia’s invasion in February.
For many employees at FS Investments, the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis is close to their hearts. Adam Cook, Director of Operations and Administration at FS, is a member of the Ukraine Response Task Force and volunteered at the event. Cook expressed his appreciation for FS Investments’ dedication to the cause. “The Ukrainian immigration crisis hits close to home for so many of us at FS that have roots in other countries, and it has been incredible watching the firm mobilize so quickly to support this cause,” said Cook. “It is inspiring being surrounded by colleagues that care so much about others and I am honored to be involved with something that’s so much bigger than any one of us.”
The NSC is the Philadelphia’s largest immigrant and refugee service organization. In addition to directly supporting efforts of the crisis, the organization provides wellness, legal, communal and language resources to those who have immigrated to the United States. FS Investments, the FS Foundation and FS employees see working with the NSC as an opportunity to support efforts of creating a sustainable and safe livelihood for immigrants in Philadelphia. Allora Buckshon, Task Force Member and Executive Director of Marketing Communications, said, “It was great to have the opportunity to volunteer with Nationalities Services Center and so many other organizations this weekend for World Refugee Day. As part of the FS Ukraine Crisis Response Task Force, I’m thankful for the incredible work done by these organizations as well as the volunteers and look forward to FS Investments’ continued support of NSC.” The Task Force and FS Foundation aim to remain involved in the weeks and months to come.