VERNON, British Columbia – Tolko Industries is pleased to launch a community investment program that will support 20 not-for-profit organizations in the communities in which we operate in Western Canada. Tolko will donate $150,000 in 2017, and partner with community groups that serve the health, wellness and protection of youth. This program will enhance the company’s charitable efforts already in place in each community, and provide a focused approach for future support.
“Our focus is on supporting organizations that provide programs and services for at-risk youth,” says Brad Thorlakson, Tolko’s President and CEO. “The organizations we are partnering with do excellent work in our communities, and we are very happy to support their efforts and the programs they provide to assist children and families.”
The community partners were selected by local Tolko employees, who defined a list of organizations that provide an essential service to their communities. Some of the programs Tolko is supporting include Boys and Girls Clubs, Breakfast Clubs, Starfish Pack program, Kamloops YMCA, Positively Parenting, High Level Play Association, KidSport, and Women’s Shelters.
One of these organizations is Positively Parenting in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, which offers numerous support groups and classes for parents and children in the Meadow Lake area.
“Our proposed summer camp will give leadership opportunities to university and high school students and youth mentors. We plan to build youth up through volunteerism while providing quality activities for children and families,” said Alicia Lehoux, Executive Director at Positively Parenting. “Everyone has value! So much can be learned from making the effort to build relationships. We want to thank Tolko for being an organization that cares for its community and the youth that live here.”
With assistance from the school district in Vernon, British Columbia, the Starfish Pack program aims to help children in need of food over the weekend, and provides a backpack of healthy food for children to take home.
“We started a pilot program with 20 backpacks in one school in April 2016,” explains Dr. Carmen Larsen, Community Services Director for Kalamalka Rotary Club. “We had overwhelming support for the program from students, parents and the community. With the recent support from Tolko, there is now a total of 67 backpacks being delivered to children at six elementary schools in the Vernon area each week.”
“We want our people to be proud, not only of the work we do, but of the difference we make in our communities,” continues Brad Thorlakson. “Working with these organizations not only aligns with Tolko’s strong family values, it is something we can all be proud of.”
