On June 3, the Edelman Vancouver team launched into 48 hours of giving as a part of Edelman Canada’s corporate social responsibility program, The Little Give. Now in its ninth year, The Little Give continues to be a remarkably fulfilling experience and a unique opportunity for our office to make a positive impact in the communities in which we live and work. This year, we were honored to connect and collaborate with three extraordinary local charities: Watari Counselling and Support Society, Whole Way House and North Shore Turning Point Recovery Society. These organizations supply greatly needed services and empower and provide dignity to those struggling with issues such as mental health, addiction and homelessness.
The Edelman Vancouver team rolled up their sleeves, tucked away their laptops (in spite of the inevitable separation anxiety) and tirelessly tackled various tasks. Our nifty Little Givers renovated a kitchen back splash, tackled fix-it and build-it jobs, painted walls, removed invasive plants, designed a wall mural, and hosted a pancake breakfast for 30 residents. We met inspiring people in our community, challenged ourselves and embraced the opportunity to work alongside our colleagues in a completely different way. Who knew our perfectly poised General Manager had a green thumb and a mean talent for ripping out unwanted greenery? We love that each year, people walk away with not only a great feeling of accomplishment, but also new skills under their belt.
The Little Give is one of the most enriching experiences that we, as Edelman employees, take part in as a collective. Each year, our teams come back reinvigorated, with a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie. Thank you to the organizations that invited us into their spaces and allowed us to be a small part of their big commitment. We have gained a deep respect for the people that work relentlessly day-in and day-out to support their causes.
Watari Counselling and Support Society
Watari Counselling and Support Services Society was established in a response to a lack of services and programs for street involved youth and families. Watari services focus primarily on populations affected by substance misuse or mental health issues and provide family strengthening, cultural enrichment, and community/public education projects.
North Shore Turning Point Recovery Society
Turning Point Recovery Society is one of BC’s leading non-profit providers of residential addictions support recovery located in the Lower Mainland. Programs typically run three to five months and are open to adults aged 19 and older who are wanting help. Turning Point has been serving the community for more than 30 years.
Whole Way House
Whole Way House is a Vancouver-based charitable society serving the residents of the Avalon Hotel in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Their vision is to create a safe and welcoming environment where residents can build meaningful relationships and a community that instills worth, value and dignity.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”
Sunita Bassra is a community manager in Vancouver.