The holiday season is all about giving. Giving gifts, giving thanks and most importantly, giving back. Here at Banfield, we take the last of the three most seriously.
That’s why on a professional level, we work with a number of national charities and organizations that work towards making the world be a better place. That’s also why on a personal level, we take the time to lend a hand during this time of year. Below, we’ve outlined a few of the many ways we’ve tried to do our part!
Working towards the greater good as a company
Ronald McDonald House Ottawa
The Manoir Ronald McDonald House Ottawa is dedicated to providing a caring, safe and affordable environment for families of seriously ill children. Each year, they raise funds through two key events: Skifest and RMH Open. We helped the House take both events to new levels by creating a new visual identity, tagline, website, video, social content and event banners for each.
Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD)
OCAPDD helps persons in Ottawa with developmental disabilities in many ways, one of which is through work programs. Combining our office-wide love for animals with our wide range of marketing skills, we helped develop the Hearty Tails pet treat social enterprise. By creating a name, brand identity, packaging and website for the product, we were able to lend our paws in the best way we know how.
Bike to Work Month Ottawa
Bike to Work Month Ottawa works to promote and encourage cycling as a viable and enjoyable commuting option for individuals and workplaces. As many Banfielders are bicycle enthusiasts, we were very happy to help the organization through a website refresh, social media graphics as well as a new visual identity and tagline.
Helping out on a more personal level
“Every year, I try to give back what little I can to a cause I feel particularly close to. With the help of coworkers, family and friends, I’ve collected warm clothing and other items for the homeless, toys, food and supplies for neglected animals at the Humane Society and this year I’m raising money for Suicide Prevention through the Canadian Mental Health Association. It’s been an unbelievably successful and humbling experience all three years since I started and I’ll continue with it every year.”
– Nick Lecuyer, Account Executive
“A few years back I made a deal with mother and step-father that we wouldn’t exchange gifts but instead give charitable donations. This year for my mom, it will be a goat (organizations like Plan Canada and World Vision have all sort of gifts that give back)! And my step-father will get a donation to his university!”
– Christina Flavell, Director, Strategic Services
“This year a few coworkers and myself are starting a new tradition by participating in Ronald McDonald House Ottawa’s Meals that Heal program. Basically we’re going to spend some time prepping and cooking a meal for the families staying at the house to enjoy. It’s going to be a fun and rewarding way of giving back. Plus, all four of us love to cook!”
– Emily Charette, Account Executive
“I know there are so many others who are less fortunate and so I always try to help out three of my favourite charities at this time of year. I buy a toy for Toy Mountain, donate money to the Ottawa Food Bank and to the Ottawa Mission. That way others can enjoy a nice holiday season!”
– An anonymous Banfield Elf
“Each year my family picks a different charity to donate to as part of our Christmas gift to one another. This year, we chose to all donate to a cause very near and dear to our hearts, the Heart and Stroke Foundation.”
– An anonymous Banfield Elf