Mark Dearborn, vice president of corporate accounts, accepted the award from LACMA Immediate Past President Walter Laffitte on behalf of Arpin International Group. 

Mark Dearborn recently joined about 40 of his industry peers in Guadalajara, Mexico, to take part in a community service project organised by the Tacho Program where he helped build five houses for the homeless in the two days before the LACMA Conference in Puerto Vallarta. The Tacho program is a social responsibility initiative that runs throughout Latin America. It focusses on building houses for hand-picked communities with the goal of making them sustainable. 

Mark described his feelings about returning home after the experience: “I came home after LACMA with a completely different perspective and have tried to pass that message along to friends, family and co-workers. We take things for granted and especially in the United States. Tacho has reminded me of that and my message to everyone is that life is good for us, love life every day and do not worry about the small things. It can always be worse.” 

Arpin Group seeks to positively transform the moving industry through its green initiatives. Understanding that the world’s natural resources are limited and fragile, the company considers environmental protection and sustainability to be consistent with its overall goals and values and an important consideration in its operations. 

The Arpin Charitable Fund, also known as Arpin Strong, was formed to help those in need during natural disasters, or when unfortunate circumstances arise, by participating in community-based volunteer projects and fundraising events. Arpin Strong announced in its 2016 year-end report that it has raised over $80,000 and donated to 37 charitable organisations. Since its founding, Arpin Strong has raised over $234,000 for the community. 

Photos: Mark Dearborn (back row, second from right) with other house-building volunteers; middle right: (in front) helping to unload timber for the project.