As caring citizens in our society, we realize that we have to give back to our communities.  Strong communities nurture, serve, and help one another.  Strong communities foster belonging and raise leaders who believe in the community as well as strive to build better lives for all in the community. 

In our communities, we support local sports for kids and sports centres, like arenas.  Sports for children foster lasting friendships as well as self-esteem and self confidence.  The kids discover new skills and hone existing ones.  These children are our forthcoming leaders and it is our pleasure to help them develop self esteem and useful skills for the future.
As well as helping in our immediate neighbourhoods, we think about the planet at large and future generations by our diligent recycling routines and green initiatives.

Dave’s community involvement goes from helping local schools as needed, to being one of the main sponsors of the Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton Golf Tournament to being the major fundraiser for the past 6 years in Hamilton’s Heart and Stroke Foundation Walk.

The Down Syndrome Association of Hamilton (DSAH) is a local organization run by volunteers to help families with Down Syndrome members.  The DSAH is an active organization, committed to making available support, education, and activities
to a variety of community groups and members.  Dave’s business aids their annual Association Golf Tournament so that more money can go directly to helping the families that need it.

Support for the Heart and Stroke Foundation is very personal for Dave.  Since 1952, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has played a leadership role in the study, prevention and reduction of disability and death from heart disease and stroke in Canada.  Each year we raise, on average, with the help of our clients, about $5000.00 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Heart health is important to us all!

Dave’s strong sense of community spirit, leads him to ask for food donations for Community Care at his Christmas celebrations.

Rachel has always been active her community.  Her first taste of community contribution was with her children’s school.  She served on the Parent Advisory Association in addition to volunteering in the school with children who spoke English as their second language.  She branched out to help inner city kids from New York have a summer of fun in our community with Fresh Air Fund.  The kids from the city got to know a different, gentler type of community, while it fostered pride and love of their own community in her children. 

Also, if you know Rachel, you know that she is very committed to the St. Catharines Road Runners and Walkers, a running and walking social club that supports local charities and initiatives around Niagara.  Her long time involvement is not only about promoting healthy living, but she also encourages new members to find their own success.  The club holds several races each year to raise money to support other local organizations. Besides being a club member, Rachel’s business sponsors the 12 mile Creek ½ Marathon, held by the running club each year.  This sponsorship means more money goes to the community where it is needed. 

Rachel also gives back to her community by sponsoring the Welcome Wagon.  She helps newcomers get settled in their new neighbourhood as well as helping new parents get a handle on their financial goals.

Laura’s passion for her community shows in her involvement over the years at her children’s schools. When her children attended a small local Nursery school, she spearheaded various fundraising events to help improve the struggling school’s financial picture.  The nursery school is a local, long standing, low-cost institution in her community that supports many local families.  Laura also helps out at her children’s school whenever possible, from reading with kids to supporting school events and fundraisers.   

Laura’s philosophy that financial education is vital to leading a successful life and that everyone should be able to reside and succeed in their own community is shown by her contribution to Literacy Link Niagara (LLN).  LLN is a non-profit regional coalition of literacy programs committed to adult basic education that also provides a network for shared information and resources. Literacy Link Niagara also participates in important research and community projects. Laura serves as a board member of LLN. 

Laura also serves on Jordan Lions Minor Baseball Association executive board and Strictly Competitive Kids board.  Our future community leaders are participating in these important activities.  They are learning to encourage each other and work as team mates to build proficiency and confidence in their abilities.

Laura is, also, proud to be a member of the St. Catharines Thorold Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber promotes and supports the local business community in addition to advocating for and recognizing business excellence.