SPOTLIGHT
Responding to the needs of our communities
Being a strong community partner means stepping up in times of crisis. Over the last year, some of our communities have been significantly impacted by unprecedented and devastating wildfires. People were forced to abandon their homes and businesses, properties were damaged or destroyed, and lives were turned upside down.
In response, our local teams stepped up to help in any way they could.
Nova Scotia rallies to support impacted community members
In 2023, the Halifax/Dartmouth region faced a series of daunting challenges. A devastating wildfire, spanning over 950 hectares, ravaged the area, destroying more than 150 homes. This disaster struck amidst an ongoing housing crisis, exacerbating the difficulties of many residents. However, in the face of adversity, the community showed a spirit of resilience and generosity.
The MNP team in Halifax/Dartmouth quickly mobilized to support those affected by the wildfire. They launched a matching fundraising campaign and organized donations through the United Way, aiming to assist both the victims and the front-line workers tirelessly battling the blaze.
“When disaster struck, our team did not hesitate to step up and provide support for whatever our community needed,” says Robert Dean, MNP's Regional Managing Partner for Atlantic Canada.
The impact was substantial. The United Way Fire Recovery Campaign saw contributions from MNP and its team members totalling over $10,000 in financial and supply donations within just three weeks.
Building on momentum
Our team's efforts went beyond the immediate recovery effort and inspired a renewed focus on community support. After seeing the impact of their work, the team created a holiday season fundraising initiative to support people experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months.
In December 2023, the MNP team organized a Winter Survival Support drive, raising more than $5,000 in financial and supply donations in just one week. This initiative provided crucial support to those without adequate shelter or resources.
The spirit of giving extended well into the winter months. The team hosted a food bank donation drive, ensuring that local food banks were well-stocked to support families in need. Additionally, a team member participated in the Coldest Night of the Year event, raising funds for a youth drop-in space that serves unhoused youth. This participation not only raised much-needed funds, but also brought awareness to the challenges faced by vulnerable youth in the community.
"Finding ways to give back to our community has created a new momentum. These efforts are bringing our team closer together and making a meaningful impact in the region," added Dean.
Supporting the Thompson-Okanagan region during the B.C. wildfires
In 2023, the Thompson-Okanagan Valley region in British Columbia endured one of its most destructive fire seasons on record. Over two intense months, thousands of residents, including MNP team members, were evacuated, and nearly 190 properties were damaged. Amidst this crisis, the MNP team stepped up to support their community.
Our regional partner foundation made a $41,000 donation to the Central Okanagan Food Bank and initiated fundraising efforts. The food bank played a crucial role in wildfire relief, distributing over 600 food hampers daily to evacuees throughout the impacted areas. These hampers provided essential items, ensuring that displaced families had access to nutritious food and necessities.
“It’s difficult to witness and experience the damage that wildfires bring to our community, but our local team of partners recognizes that we have a responsibility to step up in times of need,” says Jennifer Hollis, MNP's Regional Managing Partner, Thompson-Okanagan. MNP Kelowna’s involvement extended beyond financial contributions. Many team members volunteered at the food bank, helping to pack and distribute hampers. Team members organized donation drives to get supplies to those in need, especially supporting more vulnerable groups like young mothers.
In times of crisis, doctors and nurses often work long hours. To provide some relief, our Professionals team visited the local hospital and brought coffees for the hospital staff who had been working around the clock.
“I’m inspired by the unique ways our team comes together to support our community in times of crisis, and we’ll continue to play an active role in our community, whatever comes next,” Hollis says.
The collective hands-on approach demonstrated MNP’s deep commitment to community.
