A Big Thank You to Volunteers
In light of the recent challenges we’ve all been facing, and the kindness of neighbors that has been critical to so many people, there is no better time to celebrate Volunteer Recognition Day. Let’s take a moment to not only recognize the countless volunteers who selflessly donate their time to help others under normal circumstances, but also the many heroes who have gone over and above during this time of crisis for us to all get through it together. They don’t do it for money; they don’t do it for praise, but so many important causes couldn’t thrive without them, so let’s give them the recognition they deserve.
Supporting our healthcare community
Volunteer work has always been an important value at Ardene, and supporting our community is more crucial now than ever. We’re stepping up and supporting healthcare workers on the front-line fighting COVID-19 by sending women’s sneakers and socks in assorted sizes to hospitals, medical centers, and COVID-19 screening clinics across Canada. The need for new, unworn, and comfortable footwear continues to increase as hospital teams change their shoes and socks multiple times a day to avoid contamination and the spread of the virus.
- More than 30,000 pairs already donated since March 24th
- Over 100 hospitals in 9 provinces
The Dedication of Our Employees
Giving back has always been part of our DNA, and our employees make a huge difference. Cumulatively at head office, we do an average of 1500 volunteer hours per year; giving back to our community through company volunteer initiatives or on our own. Throughout the year, Ardene organizes opportunities for staff to participate in tree planting with Tree Canada, garbage picking with Guepe and Big Bike for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. We also host Community Day every year giving employees the chance to volunteer at organizations like the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Moisson Montreal and the Old Brewery Mission, and no matter if our employees are serving meals to the homeless, packing food for families in need or helping sick children, one thing their experiences have in common is leaving them with the motivation to want to do more.
Francine Parent is an example of one of our employees doing more. She hand makes blankets with love for people in need. She upcycles leftover fabric donated by Ardene into blankets for homeless people in Montreal and personally hands them out. She is also planning to work directly with various women’s shelters in the community to help them help others. We are so proud to be part of her initiative and empower all our employees to help shape a better world.
With Earth Day right around the corner, let’s not forget to be good to each other just like we try to be good to the planet. We have overcome some incredible obstacles as a community, and we will get through this together. Offering a helping hand to a neighbor in need, feeding a stray animal or just being kind to strangers can make a big difference in someone’s life, so let’s celebrate all the incredible volunteers out there by taking a step in their direction and doing something nice for someone else.
#ardenecares