GMI Insurance volunteers at Good Samaritan house in Phoenixville

PHOENIXVILLE — The entire staff of GMI Insurance took a day to give back to the community on Oct. 19.

Twenty six employees from GMI Insurance, 99 Starr St., Phoenixville, spent GMI Cares Day at one of Good Samaritan’s houses painting rooms and performing administrative work. A group of employees helped stuff invitation envelopes for the shelter’s annual fundraiser, A Taste of Phoenixville, which will be held in January.

GMI Insurance Partners Mark, Karen, Michael and Carter Trudel said that instead of just contributing money to Good Samaritan, they wanted to do something that was hands-on to help the community. The lead organizers of the day were Karen Trudel and Lynise Walton.

The company was founded by Norman Trudel, the partners’ father, in 1980. His children said that it was important to him to give back to the community so they are carrying on the tradition in Phoenixville. GMI was originally located in Manhattan and then was moved to Phoenixville in 1994.

According to the partners, the company has supported national and local charities. Some of the organizations it has supported include the American Melanoma Foundation, Alzheimers Foundation of America, The Hermanus Waldorf School in South Africa, The Clinic, Police Athletic League of Phoenixville and Mom’s House in Phoenixville.

In addition to helping out at Good Samaritan, resident advocate Matt McNeil talked to employees about the mission and history of Good Samaritan.

After work was completed, employees went back to GMI for lunch catered by Mesa Grill. They enjoyed some fellowship there with McNeil and Good Samaritan Shelter Director of Resident Services Timothy Barr and two residents.

GMI Insurance Business Development Manager Carol Stinson said she is happy to work for a place like GMI.

“GMI is one of the most caring companies I have ever experienced,” Stinson said. “Norman and Jean Trudel have done a great job rearing four beautiful children. The community of Phoenixville is very proud to have GMI Insurance in our town.”