FWS is proud to highlight the Employee Giving Committee, an initiative created and led by employees to strengthen the company's culture of philanthropy.
FWS has long supported community causes through its corporate donations program, but the Employee Giving Committee represents an employee-driven initiative that aligns with the company's values. It provides staff with the opportunity to shape their own impact while contributing to a collective effort that strengthens FWS's culture of philanthropy and community leadership.
The Employee Giving Committee focuses on three priority areas: Health, Children, and Communities. Employees identify causes, organize fundraising activities, and recommend donations to local organizations that reflect these priorities. Decisions are guided by a balanced approach that prioritizes the welfare of children, mental health initiatives, and local organizations in the communities where FWS operates.
Brent Clegg, CEO & President of FWS, explains why supporting employee-led initiatives is essential to FWS's culture of leadership and giving:
"At FWS, we believe in building beyond the job site. By supporting our employees in their own giving initiatives, we are helping them contribute to the communities where they live and work in ways that are personally meaningful."
In 2019, FWS shifted from supporting a global non-profit to focusing on local organizations where employees could better see the impact of their donations. Since then, the committee has led several successful campaigns.
In 2020/2021, employees rallied behind the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation. The committee set a goal of raising $15,000 to purchase 10 iPads for children with communication barriers. Employees across offices and field sites collectively donated $21,441.63. This generosity funded not only the 10 iPads originally planned, but also four additional iPads and six other pieces of specialized equipment, including bicycles, chairs, a walker, and a stroller. These gifts directly improve the lives of children in need.
Beyond large campaigns, the committee has also organized Christmas Cheer Board collections, collection drives for food banks in Yorkton, SK, Kitimat, BC, Surrey, BC, Calgary, AB, among others, and collection drives for food banks in Yorkton, SK; Kitimat, BC; Surrey, BC; and Calgary, AB, among others. Additionally, it has supported Ronald McDonald House Manitoba's Fill the Pantry holiday food drive. To encourage participation, employees enjoy events such as hockey tournaments, pancake breakfasts, and 50/50 draws, providing both fun and inclusive experiences, regardless of the donation size.
Jennifer McMurray, Human Resources Advisor, shares what the committee means to employees:
"This committee serves as a platform for employees to bring forward the causes they are most passionate about. It empowers our people to turn their ideas into action, knowing they have full support from the company. By fostering collaboration, mentorship, and trust, we ensure that every initiative not only strengthens our workplace culture but also creates meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work."
This year, employees joined Make-A-Wish Canada's Trees of Joy, an event that brings joy and hope to children facing critical illnesses. Our team decorated a 6.5-foot tree for Logan, an energetic eight-year-old with Williams syndrome, and raised $1,281 in support of the Make-A-Wish Manitoba & Nunavut Chapter.
Through the ongoing initiatives of the Employee Giving Committee, FWS reinforces its commitment to making a positive difference both corporately and through the actions of its people.
