Group Involved Volunteering (GIV) Days are a powerful way organizations can support nonprofits in their communities. Hull Services is grateful for the GIV day Strathcona Resources has provided to our Agency over the years, and we are pleased to share their story.  

Below, Adrienne Lem, Senior Communications Advisor, Strathcona Resources, shares her perspective on their GIV days with Hull and what community involvement means to Strathcona Resources.

How long has Strathcona Resources been supporting and volunteering with Hull Services?

 We’ve been volunteering with Hull Services for the past three years.

What about Hull Services and our mission stands out to Strathcona Resources?

Hull Services has deep roots in Calgary, which is home to our head office and many of our employees. Investing in programs that support youth and mental health in our own community strongly aligns with our community investment mission, and we believe that strengthening the well-being of young people helps build a healthier, more resilient Calgary for the future.

Through which ways does Strathcona Resources support Hull? What excites you about your reasons to support Hull?

Our team members have taken part in large-group volunteering activities with Hull the past three years and we’ve made small donations to support your efforts in hosting our groups. Hull has always been eager to host us and has been collaborative in nature – it’s been a pleasure partnering with you in this capacity. While other organizations also provide volunteering opportunities, it is rare to find one that can accommodate larger groups (I think our group this year is almost 30 people).

By supporting Hull, what do you hope to achieve in the community?

We hope our small contribution helps further the important work you do for youth and families in our community. If we can help support your programs and raise awareness about youth mental health, we’re proud to play even a small part in that impact.

Speaking of community, how important is community to you? How does Strathcona Resources enhance community spirit?

Our community investment strategy focuses on three priority-giving areas: sport and performing arts, education and community. We strive to build partnerships that remove barriers, create opportunities and make a meaningful impact in the communities where we operate. Strathcona team members are very engaged and involved within their communities – whether it’s coaching their children’s sports teams, sitting on boards and associations, or giving back through volunteerism. We recognize this by helping our employees make an even greater impact through donation and volunteer matching.

To what degree do you feel your support has made a difference at Hull?

 The volunteering opportunities have encouraged direct engagement between our employees and your organization. These experiences help raise awareness within our teams about Hull Services and your mission, and bring greater attention to the importance of supporting youth and family mental health in our community.

Is there anything else you would like to add that we haven’t talked about, but you think would be important to say?

I got this note from one of my colleagues, Heather Ford, Integrity Administrator, who coordinated our last two volunteer activities: “Learning about Hull Services and hearing the passion in Debbie’s voice when she talked of who benefits at the Woodbine location – it was an easy decision to go back and support Hull Services for a second year in a row. Woodbine houses vulnerable children/teenagers in a safe environment. To volunteer and help make their surroundings more beautiful is a good thing; the entire team was inspired and eager to contribute their time and efforts to this important cause.” 

More about our volunteering event last year, from Heather:

Hull Services was able to accommodate our needs at their Woodbine location and was able to offer an outdoor or indoor activity, depending on the weather. As well, Debbie Wheeler was so easy to work with and very patient with me as I sent many random emails, asking questions.

We were very fortunate to have a blue sky, 20C day when we volunteered so our job was “Outdoor Clean Up” consisting of:

• Spring cleaning of flower beds, pulling weeds, cutting off dead branches, planting annuals and laying down mulch
• Raking and bagging leaves (over 100 massive black garbage bags)

Thank you, Strathcona Resources, for your ongoing support. 

Is your company interested in participating in a GIV day at Hull Services? Visit our Group Volunteering Opportunities page and complete our Inquiry Form: Group Volunteering Opportunities – Hull Services