Company Highlights

January 21, 2016

STEP and its Professionals Raise Over $25,000 towards Annual Christmas Spirit Campaign

Calgary, AB (January 21, 2016) – In what proved to be a challenging holiday season for many, STEP’s annual Christmas Spirit Campaign raised $26,814 in Canada, and $2,690 in the US, and helped ease the financial stress on local charities. STEP matched all donations made by its professionals dollar-for-dollar, including the many internal campaigns that were held in support of the campaign.

“Giving back to the community is ingrained in STEP’s culture, so it was important for us to continue to match contributions in a year that was especially difficult,” says Regan Davis, CEO. “I’m extremely proud of our professionals for stepping up this year and donating what they could. We know it made a significant impact for many families.”

 More information about each service center’s charity and donation follows:

 Calgary – Calgary Seniors Resource Society AND The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter

STEP’s head office in Calgary supported two different charities: The Calgary Senior Resource Society (CSRS) is an agency that provides a variety of innovative and much needed programs to seniors throughout Calgary with the goal to end senior isolation and help them remain in their homes as long as possible; The Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter (CWES) is focused on ending family violence and abuse in the lives of Calgary women, children, youth and men. Monies raised help provide hampers full of food, toiletries and gifts to single-parent families, as well as seniors who are alone during the holidays.

Total amount donated to charity: $9,158 ($5,079 CSRC/ $4,079 CWER)

Blackfalds – Blackfalds Christmas Bureau

The Christmas Bureau operates solely through donations and relies on the generosity of the Blackfalds community. One hundred percent of the donations go to local individuals and families in need. For the 2015 season, STEP's financial contribution helped feed 66 families, 24 seniors or individuals, and provide gifts and toys for 181 children. In addition to its financial contribution, Blackfalds professionals also donated food and toys.

Total amount donated to charity: $6,272

Red Deer – Red Deer Food Bank

The Red Deer Food Bank provides emergency food assistance for people in Red Deer; monetary donations are stretched to help the community and provide nutritional requirements to those who need it most. The 2015 Christmas season revealed much higher usage of the food bank than in previous years. Of the 523 hampers that went out this year, 212 were for families supporting 431 children. STEP Red Deer professionals also donated food and toys in combination with its financial donation.

Total amount donated to charity: $8,394

Fort St. John – The Women’s Resource Society

The Fort St. John Women’s Resource Society is committed to promoting equality and well-being to the women of this community through education, advocacy and social justice. This year’s donation supported two separate Fort St. John families in need this holiday season.

Total amount donated to charity: $2,990

Floresville Food Pantry and Resource Center

STEP’s US division held a similar campaign to support the Floresville Food Pantry and Resource Center. The FFPRC is an all-volunteer organization formed in 2014 by a coalition of nine houses of worship and concerned citizens. Its main purpose is to overcome food insufficiencies and hunger in Floresville, and is dedicated to providing for the needs of hungry people by collecting and distributing food and grocery products; educating the community about hunger; and providing comprehensive support services to promote the emotional and physical well-being of those in need.

Total amount donated to charity: $2,690