As we start the new year, we’re putting our philanthropic plan to work for 2021 and are also reminded of the work we did to help our community over the last year.
And with many unforeseen challenges for so many in 2020, the need to work together and stay connected as a community was more important than ever. Looking back, here’s a few of the ways we made sure we harnessed the power of community:
Food Bank of Waterloo Region
Full Bellies. Happy Hearts.
We exceeded the goal of ½ million meals and raised a record-breaking 1,108,475 meals (and counting)! The Full Bellies. Happy Hearts. ½ million meal challenge is about the community coming together during a critical time of need and helping to ensure no one goes hungry.
The support allowed Food Bank of Waterloo Region to navigate the fallout of the pandemic and plan for a 30 per cent increase in food assistance needs throughout the year as COVID-19 continued to unfold.
Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE)
Near and dear to our hearts, the FWE is a Canadian charity that educates, mentors, energizes and empower women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and challenges that women face in today’s economy. From raising capital to developing a pitch to growing your HR, sales, and leadership skills, FWE supports women entrepreneurs leading business at any stage, of any size and industry, anywhere in Canada.
KW Habilitation
A local not-for-profit organization that provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with any special need and adults with developmental disabilities. A good life is fostered through early learning supports, respite services, residential services, community involvement and employment supports. We’re happy to make donations to help individuals celebrate abilities and realize aspirations and dreams.
YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo
YW programs provide a positive avenue for women and youth to challenge themselves and develop skills that will help them become self-reliant. Our programs nurture the growth of women and young people in the community, helping them build the confidence and self-esteem needed to be a changemaker. Our donations help a woman and her family find temporary shelter, warm food, and crisis support at our emergency shelter, they also help women find supportive housing and leave a life of homelessness through Mary’s Place. They also help improve the life of local girls and youth, gain self-confidence and a sense of belonging in our community and help build entrepreneurial skills in women who’ve faced barriers to employment to gain economic security.
Centre for Family Business
As a lead sponsor for the Centre for Family Business, we’re striving to help business families reach their fullest potential and has become one of Canada’s largest membership-based family business associations. Since 1997, CFFB has been delivering relevant educational programs and providing the necessary support that allows families to achieve their entrepreneurial goals, fulfill their dreams and strengthen their families.
Women's Crisis Centre of Waterloo Region
This Centre operates two emergency shelters for abused women and their children: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge plus a regional Outreach program. Serving women age 16 plus, with or without their children. It is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs, and one that needs a lot of community support and donation.
GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday Waterloo Region taps into community advocates, partners and leaders to encourage everyone to give what they can – whether it’s time, goods, or funds. The more awareness is created, the more giving activity will take place. We’re happy to support this initiative.
CIBC Miracle Day
A proud tradition that has helped improve the lives of millions of children since it began in 1984. Every year, on the first Wednesday in December, the CIBC Capital Markets team and CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors donate their fees and commissions to help kids in need. Since its inception, CIBC Miracle Day has raised over $106 million for children's charities across Canada and $256 million globally.
KidsAbility/Rotary Club
Rotary Waterloo had been set to tee off celebrating the 20th anniversary of the annual Golf Fore KidsAbility Classic golf tournament when organizers were forced to cancel the milestone event due to COVID-19 restrictions. Determined to rally the community to support the cause, they reimagined this signature event that over the years has raised over $625,000 in support of KidsAbility.
KW Art Gallery
As a big believer in the arts and its positive impact on the community, the annual Black and Gold event, which is the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery’s biggest fundraising event of the year, contributes $50,000 a year to exhibitions, education and public programming.
University of Waterloo - Basketball Scholarships
Two scholarships are provided annually to two female student-athletes who are recognized for athletic talent, academic achievement and contribution to their team and school. As a long-time supporter of Basketball athletics for young females, this initiative is important to the team.
The Visram Foundation - REACH (Empowering Girls Through Education)
Founded in 2000 as The Sherali Fazal Visram Memorial Foundation, REACH was born out of Mr. Visram’s foremost conviction, that compassion and service are the greatest of all human achievements. Today, the organization continues to further the legacy through a combination of fundraising efforts, donor support, and the help of skilled volunteers generous with their time and knowledge. The Visram children continue to oversee the major operations and day-to-day affairs of REACH, in the hopes that education and support can transform lives and communities.
We look forward to continuing to support our community in 2021 and beyond!