1 + 1 = 3 at Mosaic Forest Management

For over 30 years, Mosaic Forest Management, its union (United Steelworkers Local 1-1937), and employees have been proud supporters of United Way BC. One word that frequently comes up in conversations with them is “community”— a strong sense of family and connection that surrounds their work and their annual United Way BC Workplace Campaign.

“It brings people together, which is a challenge at times because we are in such a vast workplace,” says Mark Slocum, Woods Charge Hand.

Passion and purpose fuel impact

Mosaic’s grassroots, employee-led campaign is driven by a group of passionate and enthusiastic people from across the organization. Many of them started when they first joined the company and have continued to serve for multiple years.

“It just feels good as an employee to be able to engage with the community,” says committee member Adam Chouinard, Area Planner. “We all feel very fortunate to work for a company like Mosaic that supports things like this.”

When it comes to the committee, Adam believes it’s a rewarding experience and one that has given him the opportunity to make friends and connect with people he normally wouldn’t have. However, at the end of the day, “it’s the smiles on their faces and being able to announce as a whole what we achieved working together,” that really makes Adam proud to be on the team. “We can achieve pretty big things with just a small group of dedicated people.”

Putting the fun in fundraising

Mosaic’s United Way BC Campaign Committee organizes great opportunities for everyone to come together and do something really positive for their community. But some of the events, like their annual signature auction, also stir up a lot of excitement.

“The other personal side that I just thrive on and love is our auction,” enthuses Louise Bender, Vice President, People & Administration. “There’s such competitiveness, fun and engagement with all of our community partners who donate  prizes. It’s probably the biggest event that stands out in our campaign.”

Besides the auction, they also hold bake sales, 50/50 raffles, draws, and a burgers and beer night at the Rusted Rake, just to name a few. Every event generates connections, opens up dialogue, and provides something to talk about other than work.

Giving is easy

There are many ways to raise funds, from seamless payroll deductions to special events, but what makes Mosaic Forest Management stand out is their commitment to matching their employees’ donations.

As per Louise, “We believe it’s important because we think that if employees can see the connectivity from when they make a donation and we match it, it just helps with the whole momentum. You know, it’s almost like 1 + 1 = 3. But why does Mosaic choose to do it? “Because Mosaic wants to support what’s important to their employees.”

That commitment gives their staff confidence to donate, and as Adam says, “You know every dollar you put in is being matched by your company. It feels like it’s even more impactful”.

Every little bit matters

For Sarah Munro, Letter of Credit Coordinator, the connection to United Way BC is personal. “I grew up feeling hungry,” she says. “I grew up using the food programs with United Way. Whatever I can do, from that experience, to help and shape what other people think about it, I’ll do. Every little bit matters.”

Sarah isn’t the only one to have personal reasons to support the United Way BC Workplace Campaign.

“I’ve always donated to charities,” says Peter Slootweg, Forest Information Systems Specialist, and long time donor. “About 10 years ago I ran into a pretty serious health issue and my coworkers really came through for me and my family. At that point I resolved to be more intentional in my giving and pay it forward to other people in the community.”

For Peter, that intentionality means supporting United Way BC because “of the support for families, elderly people, just a whole variety of things that clicked with my giving intention… I’m sure everybody in the company has seen somebody who benefits from United Way BC.”

Just do it!

For those thinking of starting an employee giving campaign, it’s good to know that help is always available.

“I would encourage people to do a fundraising initiative at their work,” says Kitty Chadwick, Sales Administrator. “It’s easy to work with the administration at United Way BC. I feel like we’ve gotten intensive support.”

While Mosaic’s campaign is well established, any organization can start a campaign. As Louise advises, “Start small and have fun with it.”

The rewards and connections that a campaign brings to an organization is something everyone feels. “The experience you get from it and how rewarding it is, it just makes it all worthwhile,” enthuses Adam. “My advice. Come and talk to us. We got a pretty good system and a good team.”

United for people in need

Whether they’re part of the committee, management, union, or a donor, everyone believes in the importance of making a difference in their community. At its core, the United Way BC Campaign truly reflects Mosaic’s values.

Carly Amirault, Human Resources Generalist, says it best, “I think this is a big part of who Mosaic is. We are part of the community and it’s in our DNA as a company. We want to make sure that we are leaving an impactful and lasting good impression on the communities where we live and work.”

Thank you, Mosaic Forest Management, and everyone who participates and contributes to your United Way BC Campaign! You are truly an inspiration.

Interested in learning more about running your own United Way BC workplace campaign? Contact us at RDADmin@uwbc.ca.