Connect for Good: The Impact of Corporate Philanthropy

November 28, 2024
Community spotlight

Corporate philanthropy has the power to help transform communities and address complex social challenges through thoughtful collaboration and shared purpose. This commitment to meaningful change forms the backbone of initiatives like the Canuck Place Connectors Program, which unites engaged professionals who understand the importance of giving back. Across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, business communities are embracing new ways to support impactful change, finding innovative approaches to give back while fostering a culture of compassion and connection.

Corporate Philanthropy and Canuck Place

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, the only pediatric palliative care provider in BC and the Yukon, has long invited dedicated corporate partners in a shared vision of compassionate care for children and families facing the most unthinkable circumstances. These partnerships are essential, enabling Canuck Place to deliver highly specialized services to children with life-threatening conditions and their families. Together, corporate partners and Canuck Place create a compassionate network of care that makes every moment count. For over three decades, these relationships have helped shape Canuck Place’s ability to provide an environment where families facing the unimaginable are met with expert care, comfort, and compassion.

The Canuck Place Connectors Program: A Network for Change

In this spirit of collaboration, the Canuck Place Connectors Program was created to deepen ties with community leaders who are passionate about making a difference. Through the Connectors Program, leaders join a network committed to impactful change and lasting relationships. Participants engage with special events and learning experiences that foster both connection and community, while their contributions support critical Canuck Place care. Since its inception, the program has gained momentum across Vancouver’s business community, uniting professionals from diverse sectors. Led by six accomplished industry leaders from organizations like Google, PwC, Tera Development, Coho Collective and Hammerco Lawyers, the Connectors Program exemplifies how philanthropy and leadership can work in tandem to drive community impact.

ConnectforGood image

Natasha Krotez (Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Associate Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving), with Canuck Place Connectors Leads Alexia Majidi (Partner, Hammerco Lawyers LLP) and Amrit Maharaj (Founder and COO, Coho Collective) at Glen Brae hospice in Vancouver

ConnectforGood imag

Canuck Place Connectors Lead and Canuck Place Mom, Mireille Larosa (Account Executive, Axis Insurance)

ConnectforGood imag

Canuck Place Connectors Leads at the launch event, Robert Coard (Partner, PwC Canada, Canuck Place Board Chair), Anna Baird (Executive Advisor, Google) and Amrit Maharaj (Founder and COO, Coho Collective)

ConnectforGood imag

Canuck Place Connectors Lead Tom Huang (Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Tera Development) with his wife Claire at Canuck Place Gift of Time gala


The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Creating Lasting Impact

True corporate success extends beyond financial results; it encompasses a commitment to building healthier, stronger communities. Recent research by Imagine Canada underscores the powerful role that corporate philanthropy plays in fostering lasting social impact. At Canuck Place, corporate partnerships are foundational to our ability to deliver exceptional care. This alignment between business success and community well-being demonstrates that corporate impact and growth are not mutually exclusive—they strengthen each other. Programs like Connectors help business leaders deepen their engagement, expand their understanding of local and global challenges, and align their professional success with a sense of purpose.

Get Involved with Canuck Place

We need your support. For companies and leaders who want to be part of this journey, Canuck Place offers various ways to engage in meaningful partnerships, from one-time contributions to ongoing collaboration by joining the Connectors Program. For more information on how you or your organization can support Canuck Place, please contact Prathna Batra at prathna.batra@canuckplace.org or 778-900-4627.