Giving back to the communities where we work, live and build is not just a central part of Concert’s corporate philosophy, it’s a value that is consistently demonstrated by our people – and spring was no exception. Throughout the season, Concert employees volunteered their time and gave funds to several initiatives:
Share Family and Community Services
With rising food costs, the demand by those who rely on food banks has been steadily increasing. Meanwhile, food bank organizations have faced an enormous strain in keeping shelves fully stocked.
Concert’s rental properties recently wrapped up their annual Spring Food Drive. A group from Concert’s BC Property Management team delivered 770 pounds of non-perishable food items to Share Family and Community Services, supporting those in need in the Tri-Cities area of the Lower Mainland.
Baby Give Back
The Toronto investments team volunteered for the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Baby Give Back drive in early June where they participated in a ‘packing party’. The Baby Give Back team provides packed diaper bags which contain clothing, food, toys, medication and other newborn supplies, for new parents and families throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
This year Baby Give Back packed 600 diaper bags and the donations were distributed through UJA partners including Jewish Immigrant Aid Services, Jewish Family & Child Service, Kayla’s Children Centre, the Jewish Addiction Community Services, as well as various clinics and shelters throughout the GTA.
BC Children’s Hospital Jean Up
Jean Up (formerly known as Jean’s Day) is an annual online fundraising initiative held in May to support BC Children's Hospital. As the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to children, each year, over 93,000 kids receive specialized care and treatment from the facility.
The funds raised support ground-breaking research and advanced technologies to help conquer the illnesses that affect our province’s children and families. Concert employees raised $2,842, which was matched by Concert, for a combined total donation of $5,684.
Great Vancouver Food Bank
Not even a downpouring of rain could dampen the Vancouver investments team’s enthusiasm as they volunteered at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. On average, the Vancouver location serves 600-700 people per day – with one in three a child. The volunteers helped to distribute a large amount of food and helped clean up at the end of the day.
Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal
Throughout all of our Tapestry active aging communities, residents and employees have been inspired to take action to support those who have been impacted in Ukraine. All funds raised have gone directly to organizations that are supporting those most impacted by the war, including the Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
At Village Gate West, residents and employees raised funds by purchasing T-shirts, pins and generously making financial donations, while enjoying specially prepared Ukrainian delicacies.
In Vancouver, Wesbrook Village raised funds by raffling two baskets filled with Ukrainian food items and hosting a special Ukrainian dinner.
At Arbutus Walk, the community raised funds by selling its own “rooftop” harvested honey, home-made mini apple pies and hosting a 50/50 draw (where the proceeds were generously re-donated by the winner).
And finally, a group of residents at Victoria Harbour have designed and created a spectacular quilt which will be raffled at a special event at the community on September 1, 2022. The stunning, hand-made quilt features a glorious sunflower (the official flower of the Ukraine) and the now fully recognized yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag. To learn more about how you can support this upcoming project, click here.