Summary

• Qualico employees have contributed more than 2,500 volunteer hours toward the company’s 7,500-hour campaign goal in celebration of its 75th anniversary.
• Regional teams are driving impact through local initiatives across Canada and the US.
• Volunteer efforts support communities and reinforce Qualico’s culture of giving back.

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Qualico employees have reached an important milestone in the company’s volunteer campaign, contributing more than 2,500 hours of community service toward this year’s 7,500-hour goal. Now one-third of the way there, momentum continues to build across regions.

From food security and housing to animal welfare and community clean-ups, volunteer efforts across Qualico reflect the unique needs of each community while building a shared sense of purpose across teams.

“Giving back has long been part of Qualico’s culture, and the 7,500-hour goal gives us a meaningful way to build on that legacy,” said Katie Doerksen, Director, Communications & Corporate Responsibility, Qualico. “With the size and reach of our company, we have a real opportunity to make a lasting impact in the communities where we live and work.”

“Volunteer contributions play a critical role in supporting communities. They help keep essential programs and services running, especially for non-profits that rely on volunteer time to meet growing community needs.”

National data helps show the scale of that impact.

Canadians contribute nearly five billion hours of volunteer time each year, which is equivalent to approximately 2.5 million full-time jobs. In the US, the estimated value of a volunteer hour exceeds $30 USD, reinforcing how meaningful each contribution can be.

Qualico teams in action

Texas teams build momentum through local volunteer efforts

In Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin teams have contributed more than 300 volunteer hours to their communities. A recent Volunteer Day brought 32 Austin employees to Community First! Village, a master-planned neighbourhood that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for people coming out of chronic homelessness.

Pacesetter Homes Austin has a long-standing connection to the organization, having built one of the tiny homes at Community First! Village several years ago. During the volunteer day, employees supported the community by helping in the garden, preparing a breakfast gathering space, and cleaning up landscaping throughout the neighbourhood.

“My time at Community First! Village was inspiring and humbling. It reminded me that every person has a unique story, and that we often don’t know the challenges they’ve faced,” said Charline Coan, Contract and Closing Manager, Pacesetter Homes, Austin.

“The organization provides more than housing. They create opportunities for people to build relationships, develop skills, and rediscover purpose. Experiences like this reinforce the importance of giving back and show how small acts of service can make a lasting difference.”

BC teams support animal care, food security, and community clean-ups

In BC, teams have contributed more than 500 volunteer hours to support organizations focused on animal welfare, food security, and community care. Employees have volunteered with The Happy Herd, OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, Tiny Tales, and the Langley Food Bank, while also taking part in community clean-up efforts in Coquitlam.

This was the second year the BC team organized a Volunteer Day at The Happy Herd, an animal sanctuary that relies on volunteer support to help care for injured and sick animals.

“We originally chose The Happy Herd because we thought it would be a fun way to give back and get a few animal cuddles in the process,” said Karen Thompson, Office Administrator, Qualico BC. “Once you’re there, you quickly see how much love and care goes into supporting the animals. It makes you want to be part of it.”

During the volunteer day, employees helped tear down an old shed, cleaned up after the animals, fed them, and restocked their pens.

“There were a lot of simple chores for us to do, but that support goes a long way in helping the sanctuary run smoothly,” added Karen.

Edmonton teams lead with nearly 750 volunteer hours logged

Across business units and verticals in Edmonton, employees have contributed 743 volunteer hours to a variety of organizations in the region.

A key milestone came from serviceQ, where all 35 team members used their annual Volunteer Day by June through various shifts at Edmonton’s Food Bank. This made serviceQ the first business unit in the region to achieve 100 per cent participation.

“Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to the communities where we live and work. Small actions can make a real difference, and I’m proud to be part of a company that values community involvement,” said Carrie Armstrong, Warranty Coordinator, serviceQ.

The team has also gone beyond its allotted volunteer hours, further expanding its impact through additional support for the organization.

Calgary teams support children and families through volunteer efforts

Among Calgary’s volunteer efforts is the region’s ongoing participation with Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids. Through the monthly activity, employees have prepared approximately 5,000 healthy snacks for children in elementary schools across the city.

For employees, the activity offers both a team-building opportunity and a meaningful way to support children in the community.

“It’s a win-win: team building for employees and meaningful contributions to the community,” said Xenia D’Souza, Senior Business Analyst, Operations, Sterling Homes Calgary.

Michaella Bachinski, Marketing Manager, Sterling Homes Calgary, shared a similar perspective.

“Knowing that just a few hours of our time can help make a child’s day a little easier is a great reminder of the impact small contributions can have,” she said.

Calgary teams also came together for a signature Volunteer Day supporting Variety, the Children’s Charity of Alberta. The Go Baby Go event brought together 10 business units and 60 employees, giving back an impressive 300 hours in one day.

Together with Calgary’s other volunteer activities, the teams have contributed approximately 636 hours to their community.

Manitoba teams support Habitat for Humanity build

In Manitoba, employees have contributed more than 365 volunteer hours through a range of events and charitable initiatives, including hands-on support for Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.

Over two days, 20 employees volunteered at the 900 Pandora Ave. W. build site, Habitat Manitoba’s largest homebuilding project to date. With the project entering its final stretch, Qualico employees helped move the work forward by rolling up their sleeves and putting in full days on site.

The effort reflects Qualico’s long-standing support for Habitat for Humanity, an organization the company has supported through volunteer time, fundraising, and donations.

Keep the momentum going

With strong momentum underway, employees are encouraged to continue building on this progress throughout the second half of this year.

There are several ways to get involved:

• Sign up for volunteer opportunities through Regional Hubs.
• Coordinate a personal Volunteer Day with a cause that matters to you.
• Organize a team volunteer event to support a local organization.

Every hour contributed helps strengthen communities and supports organizations that rely on volunteer efforts to deliver essential programs and services.