At Allan Bush Investment Team, we believe in the power of community and its collective ability to change the world around us. As we finish the first quarter of 2022, we're looking back at the last year and ahead to the rest of the year to put a thoughtful plan in place.

 

As we continue to work our way out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's essential to stay connected as a community, look to areas that require significant need, and do what we can to lend a hand. Here are a few important local charities that have our support.

 

 

Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Full Bellies. Happy Hearts.

Running, June - September every year, last year, we exceeded the goal of ½ million meals and raised a record-breaking 1,108,475 meals (and counting)! The Full Bellies. Happy Hearts. ½ million meal challenge is about the community coming together during a critical time of need and helping to ensure no one goes hungry.

 

The support allowed the Food Bank of Waterloo Region to navigate the fallout of the pandemic and plan for a 30% increase in food assistance needs throughout the year. We look forward to seeing what we can achieve in 2022.

 

Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE)

Essential to support, the FWE is a Canadian charity that educates, mentors, energizes and empowers women entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and challenges that women face in today's economy. From raising capital to developing a pitch to growing your HR, sales, and leadership skills, FWE supports women entrepreneurs leading business at any stage, of any size and industry, anywhere in Canada.

 

KW Habilitation

A local not-for-profit organization that provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with any special need and adults with developmental disabilities. A good life is fostered through early learning supports, respite services, residential services, community involvement and employment supports. We're happy to make donations to help individuals celebrate abilities and realize aspirations and dreams.

 

YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo

YW programs provide a positive avenue for women and youth to challenge themselves and develop skills that will help them become self-reliant. Our donations help a woman and her family find temporary shelter, warm food, and crisis support at our emergency shelter. They also help women find supportive housing and leave a life of homelessness through Mary's Place. Local girls and youth gain self-confidence and a sense of belonging in our community and help build entrepreneurial skills in women who've faced barriers to employment to gain economic security.

 

Centre for Family Business

Near and dear to our hearts, we act as a lead sponsor for the Centre for Family Business. We strive to help business families reach their fullest potential and have become one of Canada's largest membership-based family business associations. Since 1997, CFFB has been delivering relevant educational programs and providing the necessary support that allows families to achieve their entrepreneurial goals, fulfil their dreams and strengthen their families.

 

Women's Crisis Centre of Waterloo Region

This Centre operates two emergency shelters for abused women and their children: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge, plus a regional Outreach program. Serving women age 16 plus, with or without their children. It is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs, and one that needs a lot of community support and donation.

 

CIBC Miracle Day

It is a proud tradition that has helped improve the lives of millions of children since it began in 1984. Every year, on the first Wednesday in December, the CIBC Capital Markets team and CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors donate their fees and commissions to help kids in need. Since its inception, CIBC Miracle Day has raised over $106 million for children's charities across Canada and $256 million globally.

 

KidsAbility/Rotary Club

Celebrating its 22nd year in 2022, the Rotary Waterloo's Golf Fore KidsAbility Classic remains a charity event of choice for many supporters of KidsAbility. It has raised almost $700,000 in support of KidsAbility, since its inception in 2000. The generosity and continued support from participants help kids in our community reach their communication, physical, social and behavioral goals and realize their potential every day.

 

KW Art Gallery

As a big believer in the arts and its positive impact on the community, the Allan Bush Investment Team is one of the largest sponsors of the annual Black and Gold event, providing free admission to the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KWAG) in 2021. It is KWAG's biggest fundraising event and contributes $50,000/year to exhibitions, education and public programming.

 

University of Waterloo – Basketball Scholarships

Two scholarships are provided annually to two female student-athletes recognized for athletic talent, academic achievement and contribution to their team and school. As a long-time supporter of Basketball athletics for young females, this initiative is vital to Allan Bush Investment Team.