Giving back to communities where we live and work is one of three founding principles that guide our work. As Concert Properties celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, our commitment to this remains as strong as ever. From partnerships and sponsorships to volunteerism and employee-driven initiatives, following are some highlights from a year of giving back.
Strengthening Trades Training and Education
Annual Charity Golf Tournaments
In September, we welcomed our partners, consultants and suppliers to our annual charity golf tournaments in Vancouver and Toronto. Both events offered an enjoyable day on the course to raise funds for trades training programs. Thanks to the generosity of our valued partners, we raised over $300,000 to support four trades training institutions across Canada—the British Columbia Institute of Technology, Camosun College, Central Ontario Building Trades and George Brown College.
Empowering Lives Through Service
Dress for Success
On International Women’s Day, employees in Vancouver volunteered with Dress for Success—a not-for-profit that helps women and gender-diverse individuals achieve financial independence by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools. In addition to a $500 donation, our team donated clothing and accessories and assisted with merchandise preparation.
North York Women’s Shelter
Our Ontario team celebrated International Women’s Day by working with Kits for a Cause, an organization that helps put together and deliver customized supply kits for various charities. With Kits for Cause providing 100 hygiene and warmth kits, our staff packed and delivered the kits to the North York Women’s Shelter (NYWS), providing essential supplies to women escaping domestic violence. NYWS offers essential services, including a 17-bedroom emergency shelter, advocacy and 24-hour crisis support.
BC and Alberta Guide Dogs and Pacific Assistance Dogs
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs and Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS) are two organizations that breed, raise and professionally train service dogs, empowering individuals with disabilities to live more independent lives. This year, we raised over $2,500 for both organizations through tenant appreciation events across our commercial sites.
Fighting Food Insecurity
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
On March 21, over 20 volunteers from our Property Management team in Vancouver spent time with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB), organizing and handing out food and supplies to over 100 families. Reflecting on the experience, Thomas Sprott, Property Management Assistant, says, “Volunteering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank was an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. Organizing the event required coordination and teamwork, which brought us closer together while supporting a vital community resource.” This month, the team is also supporting the GVFB’s Virtual Food Drive, with staff and tenants at our commercial buildings providing donations.
Salvation Army Harbour Light
On May 24 and May 27, Vancouver Information Services and Technology volunteered at Salvation Army Harbour Light, serving over 400 meals to individuals in need. The 70-year-old organization continues to provide a lifeline through its 24-hour shelter, addiction recovery and housing programs for people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Reflecting on his experience, Joe Wong, Senior Vice President, IST, says, “[it] gave me a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for how a small act of serving lunch can have a powerful and positive social impact.”
SHARE Family & Community Services
Our Property Management team in BC held their annual fall Harvest Food Drive, with all proceeds going to SHARE Family & Community Services (SHARE). Based in the Lower Mainland’s Tri-Cities, SHARE helps newcomers and refugees settle into their new lives in Canada. This year, employees and residents contributed 26 boxes of non-perishable food, totaling 1,125 pounds of non-perishables to assist those in need.
On March 2, employees from our Development and Property Management teams attended SHARE’s IMAGINE Gala. The event was a great success, raising over $292,000, with Concert Properties participating as a Diamond sponsor.
Supporting Vulnerable Communities
Rotary Ride for Rescue
On June 8, members of our Development team in Vancouver participated in the Rotary Ride for Rescue, an annual cycling challenge that invites riders of all ages to take on the trails at Cypress Mountain. Concert Properties made a $3,000 donation to the event, with funds going towards several local causes in Greater Vancouver’s North Shore, including North Shore Rescue, Marine Rescue and Rotary Club of West Vancouver.
Union Gospel Mission
In July, Union Gospel Mission (UGM) held their 25th annual summer barbecue in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. 21 employees joined the celebration, helping to serve over 3,000 meals to local families. The day included games, music, great food and reinforced UGM’s mission of providing hope and support for the community.
Youth Without Shelter
Our Toronto team partnered with Youth Without Shelter (YWS) to host the annual Youth Engagement Day—an annual celebration that brings together employees and YWS staff and residents for a day of games, team-building exercises, prizes and a lunch, all to support homeless youth. Additional initiatives for YWS this year included our August food drive that brought in 1,640 lbs of donations, and a $5,000 donation match towards their Home for the Holidays campaign.
Binners’ Project
For the fourth consecutive year, our Winter Donation Drive supporting the Binners’ Project is underway. By collecting winter gear and food items, we contribute to their mission of reducing stigma and creating opportunities for informal recyclers.
Raising Funds to Support Critical Research
Terry Fox Foundation
On September 15, Concert Properties employees, friends and family from across the country laced up their running shoes for the Terry Fox Run. In addition to the run, several employee initiatives were held throughout September, with over $37,000 raised in support of the Terry Fox Foundation and cancer research.
Down Syndrome Research Foundation
Employees in Vancouver attended the annual Up the Down Market on September 19, where they made a $4,500 donation to the Down Syndrome Research Foundation. The initiative is a friendly but competitive stock market simulation where participating teams go head-to-head, while making a lasting investment to the Down Syndrome Research Foundation. Reflecting on the evening, Joyce Chung, Business Analyst, says, “It was so meaningful to see what we can all accomplish when we work together as a community. Thank you, Concert Properties, for sponsoring the table!”
Thank you to every employee and partner for their work and generosity throughout the year. Together, we’re building stronger, brighter futures for our communities.