Building a Better Community – Progress Report | 2023

Reflecting on 2023 – a Year of community, engagement, and Connection.

As we look back on 2023, we’re reminded once again of the resilience and strength of our community. This past year has been one of challenges and triumphs, but through it all, the unwavering spirit of Calgarians and our Westcor team has shone brightly.

Continuing Our Mission: Building a Better Community

At Westcor, our commitment to community service is at the heart of everything we do. 2023 marked another year of living out our “Building a Better Community” initiative, where we focused on giving back, supporting those in need, and fostering a sense of togetherness.

• Giving the Gift of Life: Westcor Employees Donate to Canadian Blood Services
  • To celebrate the New Year, twelve dedicated Westcor employees rolled up their sleeves to donate blood to Canadian Blood Services. This time of year often sees a drop in blood donations as the holiday season takes precedence, but the need for blood doesn’t take a break. Recognizing this, our team stepped up to contribute to a cause that saves lives.Their donations provide a lifeline for those facing medical emergencies, surgeries, and illnesses. The selflessness shown by our employees reflects the spirit of giving that defines Westcor’s culture. By donating during a time of increased need, they became real-life heroes, making a profound impact on the lives of others.At Westcor, we’re proud of our team’s dedication—not just to their work but to their community. Their actions embody our commitment to building a better world, one act of kindness at a time. We look forward to continuing to make a positive impact together in the years to come.

• Supporting Women in Our Community: A Clothing and Hygiene Pack Drive for the Making Changes Foundation
  • In 2023, Westcor proudly partnered with the Making Changes Foundation in Calgary, AB, to support women in our community who are striving to build better lives for themselves and their families. The Making Changes Foundation provides valuable resources and programs that empower women to succeed, and we were honored to contribute to their mission through a clothing and hygiene pack drive. We banded together to collect almost 400lbs of new and gently used women’s and children’s clothing, along with new hygiene and self-care items. After the drive, we supported their annual fundraising gala with a donated gift basket to help raise more funds for this valued work.

• Westcor Joins Forces with Forward Level to Support Good Humans Doing Great Things
  • A few members of the Westcor team joined in on the second annual Forward Level Marketing “Good Humans Doing Great Things” golf and charity event. The event aimed to raise funds for the Jim Button Community Builder Fund and support the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF), both focused on creating positive change in the community.Raising over $10,000 and playing on one of the nicest golf courses in the world sounds like a great day to us! When good people come together, amazing things happen, and we’re thrilled to play a role in building a brighter future for our community alongside Forward Level.

• Sharing the Love (and the Food): Supporting the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary
  • At Westcor Construction, Stampede season is about more than cowboy hats and rodeos—it’s about giving back to our city and the people who make it great. After our Stampede BBQ this year, we had a surplus of nonperishable food, and we knew just the place where it could make an impact.We proudly donated nearly 100 pounds of food to the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary. This incredible organization supports not only military veterans but also first responders, providing them with the dignity of choice. Clients can shop for what they need every two weeks, eliminating waste and giving them the freedom to select what suits their needs.This approach perfectly aligns with our values of giving back, reducing waste, and encouraging autonomy. It’s a reflection of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and supporting those who’ve served and protected us.While we’re in the business of building structures, our ultimate mission is to build a better community. We’re honored to be part of initiatives like this and look forward to future opportunities to support our local heroes.

• Running for a Cause: Westcor Joins the CIBC Run for the Cure
  • For our October 2023 community initiative, Westcor proudly participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 1st. This volunteer-led event is Canada’s largest single-day walk or run in support of breast cancer, raising vital funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.Westcor set up a team page with a goal to raise $2,000, and we were thrilled by the enthusiasm of our participants. Bob Robinson and Chris Brownlee led the charge, running the 5k and providing plenty of entertainment with their pre-race carb-loading!Thanks to the efforts of our team and generous donations, we made a meaningful contribution to the fight against breast cancer. This event underscored our commitment to supporting causes that make a real difference in the community, and we’re proud of everyone who participated and contributed.

• Pedaling for a Purpose: Westcor’s Support for One Aim at the Ride to Conquer Cancer
  • On June 1st, 2023, Westcor proudly supported the Ride to Conquer Cancer event, contributing 10 cases of water and team signage for the One Aim Conquer Cancer cycling club. One Aim is a community of passionate riders with a mission—to support the incredible work of The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the world’s leading cancer research and treatment centers.This year’s Ride to Conquer Cancer brought together 1,200 riders, all sharing a common goal: to conquer cancer. Their dedication and effort helped raise an astounding $5,560,000, which will go directly to support groundbreaking cancer research and treatment at The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.While our contribution may have seemed small, we know that every bit counts in the fight against cancer. We’re honored to have played a part in this powerful event, which united so many people for a cause that impacts all of us.At Westcor, we believe in the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together. Thank you to all the riders, supporters, and volunteers who made this event such a success. Together, we’re pedaling towards a cancer-free world, one step at a time.

• Supporting Pause4Change: Fundraising for Paws, Claws, and Community Cause!
  • In 2023, Westcor proudly supported Pause4Change, an organization dedicated to improving animal welfare and community well-being. Our efforts included a silent auction donation and a staff party fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards the cause.

• A Successful Day at the Calgary Drop-In Centre: Free Goods Program Volunteering
  • Joined by our friends over at Caon Services Inc., a group of 11 volunteers spent a day at the Calgary Drop-In Centre to support their Free Goods Program. We were divided into groups to assist with various tasks: organizing tech donations, assembling furniture, and sorting clothing.

The Free Goods Program, funded by the Calgary Homeless Foundation, provides essential items at no cost to low and no-income Calgarians. Our day was both productive and fulfilling, and we were grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a well-run initiative that makes a real difference in our community.

• Backpacks for Kids in Support of the Siksika Nation | Partnering with Stawowski McGill
  • Another July, another successful campaign supporting the “Backpacks for Kids” charity! Westcor, in partnership with Stawowski McGill, was proud to once again join forces to prepare the children of the Siksika Nation for the September 2023 school semester.The Siksika Nation, a community rich in culture and tradition in Alberta, faces unique challenges, especially when it comes to providing children with the resources they need for a successful education. Our support for the “Backpacks for Kids” campaign is all about easing that burden. By providing essential school supplies, we’re helping ensure that every child in the community has the tools they need to excel in their studies and pursue their dreams.This initiative is close to our hearts because education is a key part of building a brighter future. This year, we had Westcor backpacks custom-made for the initiative and accepted many more from our valued partners.

• Supporting the Parkdale Community: Stampede Lunch and Sledge Hockey Tournament
  • Westcor takes great pride in our ongoing support of the Parkdale Community Association, and 2023 was no exception. Each year, we partner with them to help serve their annual Stampede lunch, feeding over 1,000 people from the community. Our trusty “Westcor Griller,” a fully equipped BBQ trailer, is always a crowd favorite, and our team loves getting involved in this fun and festive event. It’s not just about serving great food—it’s about connecting with the Parkdale community and celebrating Calgary’s Stampede spirit together.In addition to our Stampede involvement, Westcor also supported the Parkdale Sledge Hockey tournament held at the Parkdale Community Rink—Canada’s first fully accessible outdoor hockey rink. This incredible facility sets a new standard for recreational spaces, one that is inclusive and accessible for everyone. Watching the athletes compete in this inspiring tournament is a reminder of the power of inclusivity and community, and we’re proud to be part of an event that represents these values.Both the Stampede lunch and the Sledge Hockey tournament are highlights of our community calendar each year, reinforcing our commitment to building lasting relationships and supporting meaningful events in Parkdale.

• Supporting Operation Christmas Child: A Tradition of Giving
  • Since 2017, Westcor has proudly volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse in Calgary for their annual Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing initiative. This heartwarming project, which involves packing shoeboxes with gifts for children in need around the world, has become a cherished tradition for our team.

Each year, our volunteers come together to fill shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, hygiene items, and other small gifts that bring joy to children in difficult circumstances. These shoeboxes are then distributed by Samaritan’s Purse to children in over 100 countries, spreading hope and happiness during the holiday season.

We are incredibly proud to contribute to an initiative that touches so many lives and brings smiles to children around the globe. The opportunity to work alongside Samaritan’s Purse and other volunteers in our community has been both humbling and rewarding, reinforcing our dedication to building a better world, one shoebox at a time.

• Supporting The Happy Birthday Project: A Fundraising Competition for a Cause
  • In 2023, Westcor proudly supported The Happy Birthday Project, an initiative dedicated to ensuring every child, regardless of their circumstances, has a special birthday celebration. To raise funds for this meaningful cause, we held a friendly competition between teams, reaching out to our business partners, friends, and community to gather support.

The energy and generosity from everyone involved were incredible, and the competitive spirit only made the effort more exciting. Through this collective effort, we were able to contribute to bringing joy and smiles to children who might not otherwise get to experience a birthday celebration.

At Westcor, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back, and this fundraiser was a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a great cause.

• Supporting Silvera’s Livingston Terrace Community: Local Artisan Market & Community BBQ
• • In 2023, as part of our ongoing commitment to community engagement, Westcor hosted a special event at the Silvera for Seniors Livingston Terrace project site—a community BBQ and “pop-up” market that brought together local artisans from Calgary. This event was not just about enjoying good food and supporting local talent; it was about building connections and celebrating the vibrant community that surrounds us.

The BBQ was held right on the project site, offering a unique setting that highlighted the progress of the Livingston Terrace development. We were thrilled to see Silvera staff, residents, and community members come together to enjoy the day. Local artists and makers set up their booths, showcasing a wide array of handmade goods, from crafts to artworks, adding a colorful and creative vibe to the event.

• Feeding the Community: Westcor & Stawowski McGill Partner with Feed the Hungry
• • In 2023, Westcor, alongside our valued partner Stawowski McGill, once again had the privilege of supporting Feed the Hungry, a vital initiative serving warm and nutritious Sunday dinners to people experiencing homelessness, underprivileged individuals, and families in need at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. This well-established program makes a meaningful impact, serving approximately 350 people weekly, and 12,000–14,000 guests annually.

This year, our sponsorship of $6,000 covered the full cost of hosting a Sunday dinner, ensuring that every guest was welcomed with a hearty meal in a warm, supportive environment. In addition to sponsoring the dinner, we had over 20 enthusiastic volunteers from both Westcor and Stawowski McGill, who joined forces to serve the meal and engage with the community.

Feed the Hungry’s approach is about more than just providing food—it’s about creating a sense of community. With sponsorships like these, every dollar is directed to the food itself, while the Diocese of Calgary covers all organizing and administrative costs. Even if sponsors can’t provide volunteers, Feed the Hungry ensures that there are always people ready to step in and serve, keeping the program running smoothly.

Having participated in this initiative for several years now, Westcor is proud to be part of a wider community of corporations, organizations, and individuals committed to making a difference. The experience of serving alongside colleagues and connecting with the guests is always deeply rewarding, and we look forward to continuing our involvement in the years ahead.

• Building Support for FearIsNotLove: A Fundraiser and Drive for the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter
  • Continuing our support for the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, our team coordinated a fundraiser in the form of a food drive to support those in need. This was our 5th year joining forces with the shelter, now known as FearIsNotLove, and each time is just as rewarding as the last. As always, our trusted business and trade partners stepped up to the plate to help fill our quota for the 40 or so days we were taking donations. Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say!

• Holiday Cheer: Christmas Cards for Seniors
  • Building on the success of previous years, we once again organized our Christmas Cards for Seniors initiative. This year, we expanded our reach, delivering over 200 personalized cards to seniors in Bethany Care Society’s Riverview location. The warmth and gratitude we received in return were heartwarming, reminding us of the importance of connection and kindness, especially during the holiday season.

For many seniors, these cards were the only “present” they received this year. The love and effort put into each card undoubtedly brought smiles and warmth to their holiday season. The response from both the seniors and our team was overwhelming, with many expressing how deeply meaningful this simple act of kindness was.

This initiative not only brightened the holidays for those in assisted living but also taught our children the importance of giving and connecting with others, especially those who may feel isolated during this time of year. It was a beautiful way to involve the whole family in our mission of building a better community, one act of kindness at a time.

Thank You for Your Support

As we close the chapter on 2023, we carry forward the lessons learned and the relationships strengthened. Our community initiatives are more than just acts of service—they are a reflection of who we are at Westcor. We are proud of what we have accomplished together this year, and we are excited to continue building a better community in 2024 and beyond.

To everyone who contributed, volunteered, or simply cheered us on, thank you. Your support enables us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others and fuels our passion for service. Together, we are building something truly special—one act of kindness at a time.