As part of our pledge to Corporate Social Responsibility, each Lett team member has selected an organization that resonates with their values and individual purpose. A donation has been made to each of the organizations listed below, on the team member’s behalf.
The David Suzuki Foundation – Ailan McKenzie
I choose to support the David Suzuki Foundation because they work to create a transformational paradigm shift; “that respect for nature and interdependence with it must be our species’ top priority.” They engage, on a large-scale, in activities related to activism, education, and policy to affect positive change on many levels, creating a healthier world. These issues resonate deeply with me, and as such, it is important to me to support not just a local change. But a larger national and potentially international change as well.
The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides – Amanda Motyer
I have chosen to support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, which is a national training school and charity that breeds, trains, and places service dogs with individuals across the country who need them. The dogs are provided at no cost to the recipients and provide them with freedom, independence, and safety. My connection to Dog Guides Canada is personal – I graduated from the Hearing Ear program with my service dog Tilley in February of 2012. For almost eight years, we walked side by side in life. Tilley was the inspiration for my Master of Architecture thesis and rightfully got to walk across the stage with me when I graduated in 2014. Tilley was a familiar face at the Lett studio. Sadly, at the time she was scheduled to officially retire, Tilley started to develop serious and life-threatening health issues and passed away. Her loss has been felt profoundly. But I will be forever grateful for the positive impact she had on my life.
The New Canadians Centre – Bill Lett
I choose to support the New Canadians Centre (NCC) because they empower immigrants and refugees to become full and equal members of Canadian society and provide community leadership to ensure cultural integration in a welcoming community. Founded in 1979, The NCC is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting immigrants, refugees and other newcomers. Lett is committed to supporting the communities in which we work. The immigrant and refugee population supports and enhances the community and ensure longevity and future growth. Diversity and inclusion are important for a culture and community to thrive.
Nature Conservancy of Canada – Harry Teng
I chose to support the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), because of their work to safeguard the lands and waters for their natural values today and for the long term. Since 1962, the NCC and its partners have helped to protect 14 million hectares of the Canadian wilderness, coast to coast. Canada is home to a quarter of the earth’s wetlands and 20 percent of its freshwater. Land and water are essential ingredients that sustain life and biological diversity. I believe it is important to create a legacy for future generations by conserving the biologically rich world.
The Narwhal – Janet Stewart
I have chosen to support the non-profit independent journalism organization The Narwhal, and its Ontario bureau. Many of my personal convictions align with that of The Narwhal’s mission, and I recognize the need for a strong voice on the frontlines of environmental journalism. There is a great need in balancing the inequalities in Canadian media and in Canadian society, as a whole, and I am proud to support an organization that recognizes both this privilege and responsibility.
Five Counties Children’s Centre – Kristy Hook
I choose to support the Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) for their dedication to working with families and community partners to provide innovative evidence-based care for children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs: building their independence and enriching their quality of life. Our family, like so many others in this community, has seen first-hand what a difference Five Counties Children’s Centre can make in the lives of kids and their families. As Chair of the Board of Directors, I work diligently on behalf of the Centre and encourage giving whenever and wherever I can.
Sinai Health Foundation – Logan Brazeau
I have chosen to support the Sinai Health Foundation, in benefit of the Sinai Health System. Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto is home to the Frances Bloomberg Centre for Women’s and Infants’ Health. Offering the largest program in Canada of its kind for high-risk pregnancies and early infant care. Providing highly specialized treatment for some of the most complexed pregnancies and fragile babies. Having seen the life-changing effects their care has on expecting parents and infants. It is no wonder they are recognized around the world as the leading centre for maternal, fetal, and neonatal medicine.
Save The Children Canada – Matthew Philip
I chose to support Save the Children Canada and their mission to help the most marginalized and hard-to-reach children around the world. I have a personal connection with Save the Children Canada. In 2010, I had the opportunity to volunteer through Algonquin College with a company called Housal, which was hired by Save the Children Canada to build engineered, dome structures on top of raised wood floors in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We built seven domes during my time in Haiti, which can house up to 100 people during events of extreme weather.
United Nations World Food Programme – Michael Gallant
I chose to support the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The WFP uses food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change. The concept of using food, our most basic human need, as a catalyst for change is powerful. Using what connects us to unite us and create a better world.
Canadian Blood Services – Michael Stock
I have chosen to support the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) because their aid will be needed by over half of all Canadians. This means over 42,500 people in Peterborough, and at least twelve of us at Lett. I started donating after my grandfather passed away, and I am closing in on my 50th donation of whole blood and platelets. In addition to physical donations, CBS uses financial donations to advance research, expand its national supply, and fund mobile donation clinics. With the constant shortages, I think it’s important to rally our communities in which we design by becoming CBS Partners for Life, assisting in group donations, hosting a donation event, raising awareness, or starting a pledge.
Alzheimer Society of Ontario – Mitch Cossitt
I have chosen to support the Alzheimer Society of Ontario. This organization is dedicated to helping people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. They engage in providing care, support, information and education for people living with dementia. This organization has programs and resources to educate decision-makers about the need for improved health care services and qualified health care workers to support people with dementia. They are also committed to funding research and increasing awareness of dementia and its impact on families. This organization is very dear to me as I have personally witnessed this disease turn a loved one, into someone who saw me as a stranger.
The Youth Emergency Shelter – Scott Donovan
Peterborough’s Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) is a youth and family emergency shelter and is my community-based organization of choice. They provide basic but essential supports for young individuals and families in crisis, namely housing and counselling. I believe every young person should be given the opportunity to be their best self. YES provides transitional supports for youth to bridge into full and positive lives. YES relies on the generosity of people and organizations from Peterborough and area to continue to bring much-needed stability to the lives of youth at risk.
The Canadian Cancer Society – Scott Patterson
I choose to support the Canadian Cancer Society because they are committed to finding a cure in by means of their research as well as supporting individuals affected by the disease. The likeliness is that we have all have known someone diagnosed with cancer. I personally have lost close family and friends to the disease. There are many cancers and it is encouraging that some progress has been made in research by making some cancers treatable. Thus reducing fatalities as a result. I take every opportunity to donate and engage in fundraising events in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
