Construction in Vancouver - Issue 1589

VRCA news feature

A P R I L 1 3 – 1 9 , 2 0 2 0 v R ca . ca

giving BACK: industry embraces philanthropy BC Children’s Hospital among the many beneficiaries of industry’s charitable efforts By Brigitte Petersen

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rom volu nteer i ng t i me and skills to raising money for charities, Vancouver’s regional construction industry contributes to local communities in more ways than building bridges, hospitals, schools and homes. The industry is a strong supporter of BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCCHF) through a variety of initiatives, according to Allison Hepworth, philanthropy officer at the organization. Hepworth, who manages BCCHF’s relationship with the construction industry, said the foundation is “so appreciative” of the sector’s continuing support, which helps fund advances in medicine for children in B.C. “Cumulatively, since 1992, the real estate and construction industries have raised over $24 million, and of that, about $10 million comes from the construction industry through annual corporate giving,” she said. From supporting the Building for Kids signage program to sitting on two of the foundation’s committees, industry members make significant contributions. Companies like Ledcor Group hold fundraisers and organize annual employee and corporate giving for BCCHF, while the Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s (VRCA) 2019 holiday luncheon raised more than $8,000 for the foundation through 50/50 raffle ticket sales. The annual Building for Kids Charity Golf Classic, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has raised about $3 million to date for the foundation. Real estate, construction and development industries combined raise about $1.6 million annually for BCCHF, celebrated during the foundation’s Miracle Weekend telethon on Global BC every May. About half of the money is raised by Re/Max real estate agents, and a significant

Participating in the Building for Kids signage program is one way the local construction industry raises money for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation | Etro Construction

Mott Electric vice-president Ellisha Mott says employees donate part of their wages to their charity of choice during an annual Day of Giving  | Mott Electric

portion comes from the Building for Kids golf tournament, which raised $300,000 in 2019. The construction and development industries raise the rest, supporting the hospital’s most urgent needs, such as new medical equipment and research. Taking the lead Burnaby-based Etro Construction Ltd. supports BCCHF by participating in fundraisers throughout the year. Through the Building for Kids signage program, Etro teams up with

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Regional real estate, construction and development industries raised more than $1.6 million for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation in 2019. Celebrating during the annual Miracle Weekend telethon, left to right, are Mike Maierle, Etro Construction’s principal and chair of the foundation’s real estate, construction and development committee, with his two children; committee member Mark Marshall, Pacific Reach senior vice-president of development and construction, and his daughter; and past committee member Carlee Groves with her son | BC Children’s Hospital Foundation

construction project clients and developers to raise money for the foundation. Signs are posted at construction sites listing the names of participating partners and BCCHF, raising at least $10,000 per project for the foundation and boosting the profile of all involved. Mike Maierle, Etro principal, said he hopes to increase amounts raised by building up more partnerships through the recently revamped program. “We’re in the process of really ramping it up right now,” said

Maierle, chair of the BCCHF’s real estate, construction and development committee. “I think that our industry as a whole can do more. I’m hoping that it’ll become the largest component of our committee’s fundraising campaign.” Etro also provides its employees with two paid volunteer days annually to allow them to help out a charity of their choice. “We just think it’s an important part of creating a good culture of giving,” said Maierle. “It feels good to give back.”

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T he company also plans to have a team participate in the inaugural Brand Battle for Good to create an idea of how to get Vancouver to zero waste. Organized by the non-profit Brands for Better Foundation, the twopart event aims to bring 25 teams from across the city together in the fall to strategize on waste reduction. “We’re on a mission to disrupt how we build today,” said Maierle. “Our industry contributes about continued on page B2

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