The Marianist Community dates back to the early 1800s with the first members residing in France. Today, the Marianists are present in more than 30 countries across the world and involved in educational ministries at the university, secondary and primary levels.
The Marianists’ strive to work in education, social justice and pastoral ministry, with a focus on building strong communities of faith and service.
In the early ‘60s, the Marinists came to Hollywood, Florida, to open Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School. Now, Hollywood is home to a Mariantist congregation of brothers and priests including several members that are in their ‘80s and ‘90s. Brother Mike, who helps oversee the management of the community and school, began looking into Indoor Air Quality after the emergence of the novel coronavirus.
Skip Farinhas, owner of GMC Air Conditioning Services & alumni of Chaminade-Madonna College Prep run by the Marianist, felt it was important to share information on Indoor Air Quality as the health of the community might depend on it, especially now.
“We've been looking at this situation with Skip for several months, because he said it would be a good idea for the older folks that live here,” Brother Mike explains.
“We proposed it to our provincial administration in Saint Louis in hopes they would support the expenses for that. I mentioned it to Skip, and he said ‘you know what, why don’t we just do it. I'll take care of it. The brothers are very important.’ That’s how he put it. It's very important to us to know that we are getting a house free of anything harmful in the air.”
Farinhas felt it was his responsibility to return the favor of caring for the brothers as they cared for him while in school. Farinhas states that without the Brothers he might have taken a different path in life and he is thankful for all that they’ve done for him and countless others over the years.
An Indoor Air Quality System would ensure this community is provided with clean, breathable air free of bacteria, mold and viruses while also decreasing odors, smoke and VOCs circulating throughout the home.
“We have three brothers in their 80s and 90s so for them it is critical. It's nice to know we can have a guest in the house and not worry about anything happening to them,” continues Brother Mike.
“It is like a nursing home and we would not know how to do this or the importance of having these devices if it weren’t for Skip. Skip came through and was conscious of the need and for that we are thankful.”
The Marianist now have five iWave Air Purifying Devices across two houses protecting the air of a community that has dedicated their lives to helping others.
