How Stantec employees gave back in the first quarter of 2023
May 12, 2023
May 12, 2023
A look at our colleagues engaging in community initiatives around the globe
Our employees are active in their communities, volunteering their time and skills with various organizations and causes. We believe that giving back is not only a responsibility but helps to build stronger communities and create positive change. Here are just a few stories of what our employees have been up to so far in 2023:
Every day, thousands of young people in the United Kingdom find themselves homeless. The country's vulnerable young people have suffered as a result of rising rents and benefit payment reductions, and institutions that provide essential services are trying to keep up with an increase in demand. For over 30 years, LandAid has been bringing together remarkable businesses and individuals from across the property industry to support projects that provide life-changing accommodation for young people facing homelessness.
Every year, LandAid puts on a SleepOut where over 1,000 professionals across the country come together to endure one night outside to raise funds to support young people who don’t have a safe and secure place to call home. This year saw over £677,000 raised.
On March 2, 42 Stantec colleagues braved the cold across Cambridge, Bristol, London, Birmingham, and Manchester to raise money for this cause. Not only did our teams fundraise a total of £12,670, the most they ever raised at a SleepOut, they were also recognized by LandAid as the biggest team at the SleepOut with Ambassador representation. LandAid Ambassadors are professionals in the property industry, often in the first 10 years of their career, who are committed to playing a vital role in driving LandAid’s mission to end youth homelessness.
DIFFA provides financial support to organizations that offer care, instruction, and assistance to those affected by HIV/AIDS, homelessness, hunger, and mental health problems. DIFFA provides services to a wide range of groups and communities, including LGBTQ youth, minority groups at risk, and incarcerated populations. The DIFFA grant philosophy is to fill the gap left by inadequate and diminishing government financing by addressing the most urgent community needs. Recent years have seen a rise in the importance of preventing new HIV/AIDS cases among at-risk populations, such as the homeless population and those struggling with opioid addiction.
At the end of March, Stantec was a gold sponsor for DIFFA’s Lip Sync for Life event. Stantec colleagues raised over US$46,000 that will go toward the DIFFA Chicago’s Excellence in Care grants, which directly support Chicagoland service agencies that are helping those affected by and living with HIV/AIDS.
NSBE engages its student body through technical programs that apply the skills they acquire in class through creative, interesting, and interactive programming. Every member who participates in these technical projects and courses puts their abilities to use and gains valuable experience, offering not only a fun, engaging experience but also useful additions to a developing resume.
At the University of Central Florida (UCF), Stantec employees Shavonne Hoyte-Rene, Craig Walker, Dominic Rego, Ariel Hadley, and Mike Perrego participated in the Industry Night where they spoke to NSBE UCF chapter members about what they do and how they got to where they are today in their careers.
“The young men I spoke with at the Industry Night were amazing. They were having fun and were quite conversational while listening well,” Mike Perrego said. “They connected with me on LinkedIn, and we’ve messaged to remain in touch for any future internships or guidance—they have bright futures ahead!”
We are proud of our employees for their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and the organizations we work closely with.