CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF WORK Visit embersstaffing.com ǏȌȲ ǿȌȲƵ ǞȁǏȌȲǿƊɈǞȌȁ
November • 2023
globalheroes.com The power of positive, solution-based journalism.
ADVERTORIAL
Jobs With Purpose, Hope in Employment: How EMBERS Staffing Is Changing Lives In 2005, Marcia Nozick met Brian, a resident of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, at a community meeting to develop work opportunities in the neighbourhood. Brian approached Marcia after the meeting and said, “What we need in this neighbourhood is a temp-labour company that cares about the people. When we need money, my buddies and I go to day labour companies, but they pay us poorly and aren’t interested in us getting ahead. We could be paid more if we had a non-profit temp company, and you could help us get full-time work.” It was an elegant solution to a complex problem, and three years later, it led to the birth of EMBERS Staffing. Today, the company employs well over 2,000 people annually. As a social enterprise, EMBERS Staffing has both a social and economic bottom line. EMBERS Staffing is more than just a bridge to finding a job; it is an agent of positive change in people's lives and the communities they live in through
© COURTESY OF EMBERS CANADA
the simple act of dignified work. A job, after all, means so much more to people than the work itself. In addition to much-needed income, a job provides a sense of identity, purpose, belonging, and hope for a better future. “EMBERS is about giving people a new start. Some people have suffered enormous hardships, but I’ve seen people who were once facing homelessness now earning six figures, leading fulfilling lives, and all they needed was someone who gave them an opportunity and believed in them. EMBERS believes in everyone’s potential to succeed. Never give up hope.” —Marcia Nozick, Founder
Using the power of business to address social issues, EMBERS Staffing is operated by a charity, where all proceeds go back into the community through higher wages, access to training, free equipment rentals and a health spending account after three months of fulltime work. The core of EMBERS Staffing is their focus on giving a hand-up instead of a hand-out. This simple message embodies the organization's commitment to nurturing self-sufficiency and empowerment through the power of work. For a company that started small, employing just 10-15 people per week, EMBERS Staffing’s trajectory is a testament to their incredible work and impact.
Through partnerships with companies aligning with their vision of working for good, EMBERS Staffing now employs up to 400 people daily across their four locations. On top of that, EMBERS Staffing celebrated a significant milestone this year with the opening of their Edmonton branch, a first step in their national expansion strategy, furthering their mission of changing lives through the power of work in as many communities as possible. “EMBERS has been more than an employer. They have been like friends who go out of their way to be helpful, considerate and genuinely concerned about what’s going on in my life. They offer support in any way they can, which I am grateful for. I feel like they’re my family in lieu of me having no family. EMBERS is a great organization I am proud to work for, and I do my very best to show that I appreciate working here.” —EMBERS Staffing worker
EMBERS Staffing's innovative model and social impact achievement have garnered well-deserved recognition. Their unwavering commitment to sparking constructive change has earned them a long list of prestigious awards, including the Governor General’s Innovation Award, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Special Citation for Social Sustainability, BIV BC CEO Award for Lifetime Achievement, and Trico Social EnterPrize Award. But beyond recognition, the driving force behind EMBERS Staffing is the knowledge that their work is helping people re-claim and revitalize their lives. “Businesses are starting to see that they can contribute to social good,” said Nozick. “This is good for people who need a second chance, this is great for businesses who need workers, and it’s great for society! This is the way of the future.” Learn more at embersstaffing.com
Canadian Overseas Memorials Granted World Heritage Status A collection of Canadian sites from the First World War have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status, a designation that honours the history and upholds the significance of each site. The designations were extended to 139 cemeteries and memorial sites, including the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France, and the St. Julien Memorial “The Brooding Soldier” in Belgium. “I find those cemeteries very powerful places, sites of memory and sites of mourning,” historian Tim Cook told The Ottawa Citizen. “You feel the weight of history there. I’ve never met a Canadian
who hasn’t been physically moved by the experience. The cemeteries have always held a significant and a haunting place in the Canadian imagination.” The Canadian National Vimy Memorial honours all Canadians who served during the First World War. The memorial bears the names of those who died in France with no known grave, located at the site of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Similarly, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial site is a tribute to the Newfoundland soldiers who served during the war. The memorial features a bronze caribou, which is the emblem of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The St. Julien Canadian
BEAUMONT-HAMEL NEWFOUNDLAND MEMORIAL, FRANCE © ALL IMAGES VETERAN AFFAIRS CANADA
Memorial commemorates the actions of the Canadian First Division during the Second Battle of Ypres. There, Canadians withstood the first gas attacks of the First World War. More than 66,000 soldiers from Canada and Newfoundland died during the First World War, all of whom are buried or commemorated in Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries, many of which are among the honoured sites. Speaking to the historic designation, The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued a statement.
ST. JULIEN MEMORIAL “THE BROODING SOLDIER,” BELGIUM
"I was delighted to learn of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee decision to inscribe the Funerary and memory sites of the First World War (Western Front) on the World Heritage List. This World Heritage site includes 139 cemeteries and memorial sites of the First World War, including the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the BeaumontHamel Newfoundland Memorial in France, as well as the St. Julien Memorial "The Brooding Soldier" in Belgium. Thank you to the French and Belgian delegation for advancing this important initiative. "These Memorials provide a space to pay respects to the hundreds of thousands who fought for peace and
freedom, and the thousands more who gave their lives in its pursuit during the First World War. "Commemorating those who served and died for our country is a profound responsibility borne by every generation of Canadians. This designation by the World Heritage Committee will further safeguard our Memorials and the grounds on which they stand, allowing for the stories of brave Canadian soldiers to continue to be shared with the world. "We look forward to working with our commemorative partners to ensure that all those who served and sacrificed in the First World War are remembered. "Lest we forget."
CANADIAN NATIONAL VIMY MEMORIAL, FRANCE
ADVERTORIAL
Ride This Way: iGO eBikes Are Engineered for Personal Freedom Cyclists everywhere will tell you that when you hop on your bike, you open up a world of freedom. iGO eBike riders take it one step further: powered by innovation and the thrill of exploration, these two wheels can take you anywhere. Whether you’re an urban dweller looking to escape traffic, a trailblazer seeking adventures, or simply enjoying the ride, iGO eBikes have you covered. Two-wheeled transportation is on the rise. Much of B.C. has already embraced cycling culture, creating and continuing to develop city infrastructure to ensure cycling is safe and practical for British Columbians. The engineers of freedom, iGO eBikes are redefining how we perceive transportation, with styles and technologies to suit every preference. Each bike is crafted to cater to your unique tastes, from simplicity to high-tech features, Bluetooth connectivity, unmatched comfort, and performance-tuned technology so that you can create your perfect ride.
DISCOVERY ROSEMONT LE - URBAN eBIKE
a world of endless riding opportunities. Unlike traditional modes of transport, iGO’s Discovery eBikes allow you to effortlessly explore neighbourhoods, uncover hidden gems, and discover local shops and eateries that are less accessible to cars. Imagine gliding through streets, bypassing traffic jams, and becoming part of the solution to congestion and pollution. That’s how iGO eBikes redefine your daily commute, transforming it from a dreaded chore into a treasured time to relax and explore. FOR THE URBAN CYCLIST But cycling isn't just about Say goodbye to traffic and hello to getting from point A to B;
OUTLAND SAWBACK RS - eMTB
OUTLAND CABOT RS - TREKKING eBIKE
it's a chance to take a moment for personal reflection, explore hidden shops and restaurants, and revel in the delightful surprises your city has to offer. Better yet, make it an experience to be shared and take the opportunity to ride with friends. Plan a trip to a park, meet up for coffee, or embark on group rides for both physical and mental health benefits. Riding together strengthens bonds and provides a sense of community, enhancing your overall well-being—the line between social hour and workout hour blurs without you even noticing.
BEYOND CITY LIMITS iGO eBikes break barriers, enabling you to journey beyond city borders. With extended travel ranges and maximized comfort, take your iGO eBike on an all-day ride with a single charge. For the daring, eMTBs elevate trail riding. Let your iGO eBike, like the Outland Sawback RS, handle the strain uphill so you can unleash your energy on the way down. It's all about reducing fatigue and muscle strain, allowing you to stay active on the trails for longer. But it’s not all extreme treks—if your perfect ride takes
you to the countryside, enjoying the routes less travelled while surrounded by natural beauty, your iGO eBike will be right there with you. No matter the season, iGO eBikes are ready to take on the terrain. Fatbiking on the Outland Torngat RS with its performance-tuned mid motor and extra wide tires lets you conquer snow-covered landscapes and sandy beaches alike, opening up new possibilities for exploration. The industry-leading 4.8-inch wide tires provide increased traction on challenging terrains. You can effortlessly navigate through extreme conditions with motor assistance, making all-weather adventures a reality. Bikes are not just a mode of transportation; they're a gateway to exploration and personal freedom. Whether navigating city streets or conquering extreme terrains, with iGO eBikes, you can take on new adventures, one pedal at a time. Find out what kind of rider you are at igoelectric.com/myridequiz
QUIZ WHAT KIND OF RIDER ARE YOU?
IGOELECTRIC.COM @igoelectric