We can share more about our CSR program through Charity Miles because it’s an initiative that everyone can be a part of. It’s a bridge from CSR to all our teams, in the office and field. It lets everyone feel like they can give a helping hand.”
After introducing a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Modern Niagara looked for ways to engage more employees in their CSR initiatives.
“We’re in six different regions from Vancouver to Toronto,” says Hannah Ireland, CSR coordinator. When the CSR team holds virtual events, like Lunch and Learn about a charitable partner, “[the events] may be at a time where those on the east coast can’t attend. Or our field staff may be on sites where they don’t have access to a screen.”
That’s why Modern Niagara has made Charity Miles a “backbone” of their CSR program since February 2021.
“We can share more about our CSR program through Charity Miles because it’s an initiative that everyone can be a part of,” says Hannah. “It’s a bridge from CSR to all our teams, in the office and field. It lets everyone feel like they can give a helping hand.”
Modern Niagara, a Canadian contractor and construction company, partners with many organizations through their CSR program.
“We choose organizations that align with our core values,” explains Hannah. Modern Niagara also seeks out organizations that they can help by offering construction expertise, like Habitat for Humanity.
Every month, the CSR team highlights a different charitable partner as the recipient of Charity Miles donations that month.
Hannah appreciates that the Charity Miles program lets the CSR team nurture relationships with partners year-round, while also allowing educating employees on the work they do. For example, Modern Niagara may donate to a partner at the beginning of the year, then use Charity Miles halfway through the year to reestablish that relationship.
In 2021, Modern Niagara donated nearly $40,000 to charities including Enactus Canada, Canadian Blood Services, the Canadian Red Cross, and Food Bank of Canada’s initiative to address food inequality in indigenous communities in Canada’s northern provinces.
Hannah has been happy to see how engaged employees are, “, especially in this odd time when people have been in lockdown in a lot of the regions.”
Modern Niagara particularly appreciates that Charity Miles lets them promote the mental health benefits of physical activity.
“We are trying to bring awareness to mental health and break the stigma around it,” says Hannah. Modern Niagara encourages employees to “get outside and moving”, both to relieve stress through physical activity and to establish a work-life balance.
“Charity Miles helps us put action behind our words,” says Hannah.
Congratulations to the whole team on your amazing achievement in 2021! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next year. #EveryMileMatters