The end of the year is a time to look back and appreciate the positive effect of giving. At Allnorth, our offices embrace the spirit of supporting their local communities, reflecting the heart of our company culture. Whether through volunteer efforts, item drives, or monetary contributions, each team tailors its approach to make a difference where it matters most—right at home. Together, we celebrate the strength and diversity of the communities we’re proud to be part of.
The office held a Jasper Wildfire BBQ Fundraiser to support one of their team members who has many family members that live in Jasper. The devastating fire profoundly affected their lives. In response, colleagues rallied together, generously donating cash and sending e-transfers to help the family recover and rebuild—truly exemplifying their care and support for one of their own.
The big fundraising effort focused on food stability for kids. Through fun activities including Pi Day, bottle drives, 50/50 draws, and old-school candy jar guessing games, they raised $1,105 for the Kamloops Food Bank Starfish Backpack program. The program distributes backpacks filled with fresh food for school-aged children to bring home with them each weekend.
To round out their year of giving, the team chose to adopt a family with three teens for Christmas. With everyone chipping in, they assembled a package of fun and practical gifts including tickets to the local junior hockey team, gift cards, games, clothing, toiletries, and a grocery gift card for a festive meal.
“I am very proud of our team, who donate their time and money/donations to these great causes. I am proud to be part of a team that gives back to our community.” – Sarah Grootendorst, Project Administrator
Learning about Vancouver’s Partners for Life program with the Canadian Blood Services, the Kelowna office took up the mantle and brought some more team members on board. Through the Kelowna plasma donor centre, the Kelowna team is saving lives one donation unit at a time.
Not content to stop there, the Nanaimo office also donated to other groups such as the Nanaimo Diamonds softball team, U13 Kamloops hockey tournament, and branched into the arts this year by supporting the Nanaimo Tidesmen choral group.
This year, they donated $1,250 each to three local charities voted on by the office: the Prince George Salvation Army, the Prince George Rotary Hospice House, and the Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern BC.
In addition to the larger donations, they also support other local charities and groups: Northern Ringette U19, School District 57 bursaries, PG U13 Thunderbird Fastball, Buckhorn Elementary Munch n Lunch program, UNBC (University of Northern British Columbia) High School design competition, CSCE (Erosion & Sediment Board) Bridge Presentation lunch, U13 Tier 2 PG Cougars Hockey, and the Ness Lake Bible Camp Polar Bear Dip.
Never one to turn down a tasty meal, the team takes part in special charity campaign days: A&W’s Burgers to Beat MS Day partnering with MS Canada; Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day: Making Miracles Happen for Saskatchewan Kids supporting Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Saskatchewan; Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Day with donations going to local charities and community groups; and the Nestor’s Bakery fundraiser for a seriously injured local student. Perhaps to work off the treats, the team donned their walking shoes for the Parkinson Canada SuperWalk. Food bank donations figured large, with the team supporting the Saskatoon Food Bank, and the Saskatchewan Construction Association’s Load the Loader food drive.
Other community support included sponsorships for the Martensville Buster Days, the Renegades hockey team, the Whitecap Dakota Language Gathering Dakota Language and Culture, the 15U AAA Fort McMurray Oil Giants, the Husky Prospects Hockey, and Osler School’s schoolground upgrades.
With food insecurity top of mind, especially during the winter months, Vancouver office team member Amy Heigl once again did an amazing job pulling in the donations for this year’s annual food drive for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB). With a little sweet encouragement from the lunchroom cookie table, the office raised $3275. The GVFB buying power is about 2:1 which means that the $2325 could purchase up to $6550 worth of food! On average, the GVFB registers 580 new Food Bank clients each month, many of whom are families struggling to make ends meet. Set up as a temporary relief to the hunger crisis in 1983, today it helps approximately 15,000 individuals a month.
As we reflect on the year’s efforts, it’s clear that Allnorth’s commitment to community and giving is at the core of who we are. From volunteer projects to donation drives, each office has made meaningful choices, showcasing the unique ways we come together to support those around us. These acts of generosity not only strengthen our local communities but also unite us as a team. As we look ahead, we’re inspired to continue building on this legacy of care and connection.