Since our founding in 1989, taking care of people in the communities where we live and work has been at the heart of what we do. After more than three decades, we continue to support philanthropic initiatives through partnerships with not-for-profit partners and organizations that are making a positive difference.
Over the past three months, Concert Properties has contributed funds to several important initiatives across Canada, and employees throughout our organization have also volunteered their time. We are pleased to share a round-up of these recent philanthropic efforts in support of our valued partners.
SHARE Society
Photo credit: @butterstudios
On March 2, employees from our Development and Property Management teams attended the IMAGINE Gala, hosted by SHARE Society—a non-profit dedicated to addressing the social needs of residents across the Tri-Cities area of Greater Vancouver. The event aimed to raise funds for crucial services managed by SHARE Society, including the food bank, counseling and family support programs, which the community relies upon.
With over $292,000 raised, the gala was an overwhelming success, with Concert Properties pleased to participate as a Diamond sponsor.
“The gala was a great opportunity for SHARE Society to showcase the inspiring work they do in the Tri-Cities,” remarked Michael Guenter, Vice President of Development, Concert Properties. “Concert is privileged to partner with SHARE Society at our 55One Building and we are honoured to contribute to their important mission of providing essential services in the community.”
Our employees also reconnected with our partners at 43 Housing Society, SHARE Society’s sister organization and non-profit housing operator that manages the 100 non-market suites at 55One, our residential rental building that forms part of our master-planned community, the Heart of Burquitlam.
Women’s History Month
In support of Women’s History Month, employees from our Vancouver office volunteered with Dress For Success Vancouver (DFS), an organization focused on empowering women and gender-diverse individuals through employment support.
Our team donated clothing and accessories and assisted with merchandise preparation, under the guidance of two DFS employees who have benefited from the organization's services in the past.
This experience provided invaluable insights for Concert Properties employees, deepening their understanding of the organization's impactful work and potential avenues for further involvement.
Mina Rafighi, Resident Services Agent, found the experience particularly profound as an immigrant woman, stating, “Moving to a new country can be daunting, especially when navigating unfamiliar cultural norms and professional landscapes. Having resources like Dress for Success available to immigrant women is invaluable and provides a strong sense of community. It was incredibly fulfilling to see how a simple act, such as providing appropriate attire for interviews or the workplace, could empower these women and instill a newfound confidence within them.”
Employees from our Toronto and Brampton offices assembled and delivered personal hygiene and warmth kits to the North York Women's Shelter (NYWS). A total of 100 kits were distributed to women and families seeking refuge from domestic violence.
NYWS offers essential services, including a 17-bedroom emergency shelter, advocacy and 24-hour crisis support, to assist women and their families during times of need.
To support this initiative, our staff collaborated with Kits for a Cause, an organization that facilitates connections between charitable causes and groups like Concert Properties that are seeking impactful ways to contribute.
Hearts for Giving
On March 22, Tapestry at Victoria Harbour residents and staff are kicking off their inaugural Hearts for Giving campaign. This fundraising initiative runs until the end of April and seeks to raise financial support for the development of the BC Cancer Victoria Integrated Care and Research Pavilion. The Pavilion will offer specialized care services for cancer patients and their families, including counseling.
For those interested in contributing, donations can be made online, with a generous anonymous donor matching all contributions made by the end of April, up to $75,000.