Molson in the Community

Part of our A-team in Toronto: Will Forbes, National Chair, Judy McClelland, National Executive Coordinator, Drew Stevenson,  Ontario Chair

I’m often amazed by what people can accomplish when they work together, and this year’s United Way campaign at Molson is one of those moments of awe.  Along with many other companies across Canada, we held our internal 2008 Molson United Way campaign for three weeks in October. This was my first year being part of the campaign as a Molson employee, and I was *seriously* blown away by the efforts of everyone.

I’ve been planning to write about the campaign in detail for a few days, and I’ve now got all the results, all the pics and all the videos — so here it is:

Our 2008 United Way campaign launched October 15th where, (here at 33 Carlingview in Toronto), employees gathered together in the cafe for the kick off.  Bob Duff, a very inspiring United Way volunteer and the Manager of  St. Simon’s Shelter in Toronto took the time to share his United Way story and really helped us understand the impact that United Way can have — Thanks Bob.

A team of ambassadors were put to the test to come up with some great activities to engage and excite employees about the campaign.  Let me tell you — these guys did an AMAZING job.  We had online auctions, a 50/50 draw, casino night, a Halloween party, beer bingo, beer carts, jeans week, CN tower climb….even a hair-growing challenge.

From the internal pledges alone, Molson employees pledged $154,000 — a 10% increase over last year. From special events, over $107,000 — an increase of 77% over last year!

In addition to the internal activities, many Molson’ers volunteered their time for the United Way’s Days of Caring series (read more Days of Caring from Ferg).

Photo: Days of Caring — Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre, Toronto: Employees educated schoolchildren about the health benefits of trees in urban environments and the simple steps for proper tree care, while also helping to mulch & water trees in schools and parks.

Video: Will Forbes, Molson United Way National Chair

Simon Brockett in Calgary getting his head shaved for United Way

The beer cart boys in Toronto…sorry guys, couldn’t resist!

In total, with pledges, special events, corporate donations, and Molson’s matching gift program, Molson raised just over $610,000 for the United Way — an increase of 15% from 2007.

I had some conversations recently with friends who work in the non-profit sector who have said, yes, we are worried that people won’t be able or willing to give during these tough times, and it’s true — it will be more difficult to give, but it’s still possible.  I saw this possibility become a reality when Molson employees took the challenge, reached AND surpassed goals….while having a great time!

What do you think?  Will your giving habits change while we go through tough financial times?

Tell us about your United Way efforts….share you stories and photos — we’d love to hear from you.

Cheers,

Tonia

Well, Earth Hour is over, and what a success it was!  I spent my Earth Hour at Molson, watching the brewery and offices go dark.  Above is a picture of the brewery, just after 8:00 p.m.  It was still a little bit light outside, so I took another couple shots closer to 9:00 p.m. (below), when it was really dark!

The offices were just as dark as the brewery, so I decided to wander around with my little video camera and take some clips.

Thanks to everyone for making Earth Hour such a success at Molson.  It was wonderful having so much enthusiasm for climate change awareness — let’s keep it going! 

Molson’s Earth Hour task force in action.  The team went around on Friday afternoon to make sure each office, room, desk, etc. was Earth Hour Certified. 

Above from left:  Carole Berry, Sebastien Charbonneau, Denise Walter

For the last couple days, Carole Berry (also a Molsonemployee) and I have been traveling around Toronto, asking our City Councillors, M.P.P.s, M.Ps, and the Deputy Mayor what their planning to do tonight for Earth Hour!

Our first stop was at City Hall in Toronto, where we met with Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Joe Pantalone, and City Councillor John Parker.

Joe Pantalone, Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina

John Parker, Ward 26 Don Valley West

Next Carole and I went to Queen’s Park to visit Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, M.P.P., Etobicoke North.

Our last stop was with the Honourable Roy Cullen, P.C., M.P. Etobicoke North.

 Thank you to everyone for taking a moment to talk about Earth Hour with us!

 Cheers.

The video posted above was created by Tenzing Interactive Marketing.  Thanks guys!

Earth Hour is just about here, and Molson is ready to go!  Nation-wide, our breweries and offices are shutting down their lights on Saturday from 8-9 p.m.

Here in Toronto, we’re planning some great things to get everyone involved and aware of how Molson is participating in Earth Hour.   On Friday, our cafeteria will be serving a Earth Hour Lunch! Only cold, raw food….and lights off (where safe, of course).  No power will be used to cook the lunch.

We have also created an Earth Hour ‘task force’ — a group of Molson volunteers will be going around the offices on Friday afternoon, making sure each office, desk, room, etc. is Earth Hour Certified.

What will you Earth Hour certify on Saturday?

Wait………make that 3 days, 2 hours, 39 minutes…..

It was really neat arriving home from March break and opening up an email from a neighbour inviting the family down the street for a neighbourhood celebration of Earth Hour next Saturday. My neighbour writes for the Toronto Star and I think it is great that employees at participating companies in Earth Hour are banding together to raise awareness on this important date. And as reported in The Toronto Star, Canada is leading the way.

Our family will be shutting down the power at our home and wandering down the street to join neighbours for a fondu dinner with an eventual trek over to the Leaside Bridge over the Don Valley to witness what we hope will be a visible change in the downtown Toronto skyline…lights off folks !

Our Molson breweries across the country will be focussed on energy savings initiatives.

What are you doing to raise awareness and participate in Earth Hour between 8 and 9pm on March 29th ?