<p style="text-align: justify;">Though the act of ‘paying it forward’ is not a new concept, in today’s business climate, the phrase has taken on a larger, more impactful meaning. Gone are the days of the 9 to 5 mentality &#8212; instead, we now live in an age where work is fueled by people who care about the community and want to help those in need of a hand.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to the 2018 Global Trends in Giving Report, data shows there is a real interest in paying it forward at both an individual level as well as across generations. In fact, 40% of millennial and 49% of gen-Xers were enrolled in a monthly giving program. The<a href="https://givingreport.ngo/Infographics/infographic-6/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> report</a> also found that Canada and the U.S. ranked among the highest in the world for the number of donors who volunteer (76%, compared to the global average of 66%), and attend fundraising events (66%, versus 56% globally).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Over the past 10 years, corporate philanthropy has “transformed” from annual donations to the CEO’s pet causes to a much more strategic plan that “can build a better world and the bottom line simultaneously,” <a href="https://business.financialpost.com/financial-post-magazine/payback-for-paying-it-forward-for-companies-its-not-charity-anymore-its-community-giving" target="_blank" rel="noopener">says </a>David Hessekiel, founder of Engage for Good, which helps set up business/non-profit alliances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Companies across Canada and their employees are using their influence and resources to make an impact on social issues. A great example of this is Bell Canada’s Let’s Talk campaign, which was established in 2010 to address the social stigma around mental health and improve access to care.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://business.financialpost.com/financial-post-magazine/payback-for-paying-it-forward-for-companies-its-not-charity-anymore-its-community-giving" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speaking</a> to mental health issues further is Mary Deacon who works with Bell’s Let’s Talk Program: “Since we started this program we see so much more political interest and so many companies in Canada adopting some aspect of mental health into their priorities — that’s a major breakthrough.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ottawa’s Martin Vervoort, in-house legal counsel for InterRent REIT and <a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/stoney-creek-towers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLV Group</a>, has always been active in giving back to the community. Since 2013, he’s been an active board member of the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ottawa Branch, serving as the President and Chair of the Board for two years. Martin Vervoort, along with his colleagues at <a href="https://www.worthview.com/clv-groups-stoney-creek-towers-build-community/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLV Group</a>, have also been involved with several local and national charities over the years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“I get a lot of feedback from employees who love what we are doing in the community and say it gives them a deeper sense of purpose”, explains Vervoort.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In agreement, Canadian business leader, David Struke, says it’s all about hiring talented people and letting them do what they do best.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“Having a great group of people on a team that are all galvanized around one cause or purpose you can pretty much accomplish anything,” he<a href="https://www.itworldcanada.com/slideshow/slideshow-10-canadian-business-leaders-explain-the-keys-to-their-success-at-the-2018-cata-awards" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> says</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Many corporate leaders are making employee philanthropy a pillar of their business models, believing it is a company’s responsibility to support and nurture good causes in their communities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Canada’s Telus Inc. recently contributed $120 million towards the creation of the Telus Friendly Future Foundation, a cause which supports disadvantaged youth. The grant is the largest one-time donation made by a publicly-traded Canadian company. The organization’s goal is to tackle the social and economic challenges preventing youth from reaching their full potential by using grassroots charities on the frontlines.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">“In the last number of years, we’ve really focused on: What is our social purpose as an organization?” <a href="https://business.financialpost.com/financial-post-magazine/payback-for-paying-it-forward-for-companies-its-not-charity-anymore-its-community-giving" target="_blank" rel="noopener">says</a> Jill Schnarr, vice-president of corporate citizenship and communications at Telus.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As organizations continue to expand globally, corporate donors understand the importance of investing in social issues on a local level will also yield better employee engagement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">United Way Greater Toronto CEO, Daniele Zanotti <a href="https://business.financialpost.com/financial-post-magazine/payback-for-paying-it-forward-for-companies-its-not-charity-anymore-its-community-giving" target="_blank" rel="noopener">supports</a> this idea: “It’s imperative to note that corporate giving is a catalyst in employee giving, too.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the day, one person can make a difference by brightening up another person&#8217;s day. Paying it forward is a simple act that anyone can participate in, anywhere and at any time. When it comes to the workplace, the ‘roll up your sleeves’ commitment is a good indication that as a society, we are all doing our best to pay it forward.</p>
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