Showing posts with label Canadian charitable events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canadian charitable events. Show all posts

Monday, November 30, 2015

TMG brokers are a giving group

By Mark Kerzner, President, TMG The Mortgage Group

We are living in a volatile time. Every day there seems to be an economic or geo-political eruption somewhere in our ever-shrinking world. Even though our attention is fixed elsewhere, there are many great causes to support (especially during this time of year) in our own backyard.

TMG The Mortgage Group Canada Inc (TMG) has operated a charitable foundation for a number of years supporting local charities and families in need. While we continue to support our local communities we were introduced to the Breakfast Club of Canada two years ago and decided to get involved on a national scale.

And while the personal story of its founder Daniel Germain is very captivating, it was learning that one in seven  children in Canada go to school hungry each and every day that called us to action.  We met with and were interviewed by the Breakfast Club of Canada (BCC) to see if we were a corporate fit.

In our first year we raised over $54,000 through corporate fundraising initiatives, and also encouraged grassroots volunteering.

As we complete our second year supporting this amazing charity we are on target to raise $125,000. Perhaps more rewarding is the way that this was accomplished.  TMG brokers and staff across the country have taken it upon themselves to organize fundraising events in a number of very creative ways. They range from long distance walks to golf tournaments and auctions. In addition, a large number of TMG brokers make a donation with every mortgage they originate.

For me, one of the most rewarding days of the year is when we get to volunteer in the schools themselves during TMG’s National Breakfast Day. On November 19th, 15 teams from coast-to-coast made and served nutritious breakfast for students and got to see firsthand the appreciation from the wonderful students themselves.

Here are just a few of the comments we’ve received.

This was amazing! The gentlemen who came to my breakfast club were kind and generous and, most importantly, wonderful with the kids, Thanks TMG!” – Moncton

I want to start by thanking you and your team on behalf of our school for this morning’s treats to our students. The TMG team served over 100 smoothies to our students. – Winnipeg

Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to everyone involved in today’s volunteer effort – it was a huge hit with the kids and the TMG team was absolutely fantastic! We so appreciated their enthusiasm and positive attitudes – and, of course, the delicious smoothies! – Hamilton

These community events are where inspiration meets activism. What results is even great commitment to giving back. This is also why I am optimistic that next year will result in an even greater contribution to this wonderful initiative.

I am proud just to be a part of it.

Mark

Friday, May 30, 2014

TMG National Breakfast Club Day – what a success!



By Mark Kerzner, President, TMG The Mortgage Group

In the early Fall of 2013, I had the pleasure of meeting Daniel Germain, founder of Breakfast Club of Canada (http://www.breakfastclubcanada.org). Over the course of our meeting, Daniel shared his personal story with me -- to say I was touched was an understatement.  In his passion and commitment to helping others in a number of countries around the world, Daniel then focused his attention to his own backyard right here in Canada.

What surprised me during our conversation was that he was also ‘interviewing’ us (TMG) to ensure we were a suitable partner, with shared values. He asked a lot of questions about TMG -- our history and our people. I believe one aspect that may have impressed him was not only our desire to raise money for his organization, but also our interest in getting involved in the school communities across the country.

As soon as we ‘officially’ kicked off our national commitment to support Breakfast Club of Canada (BCC), TMG’ers were volunteering in local schools and raising money through regional events. As well, our passion for this organization has encouraged others in our small business community, including lenders, suppliers and customers, to get involved and give as well.  Within two months of launching our support for BCC we exceeded our first year fundraising objective.

On May 29, 2014, we  marked our first ever TMG National Day in the Schools where 10 teams from PEI to Victoria helped serve nutritious breaks and hand deliver ‘Smile Bags’ to participating students in some schools.  As president of TMG I am so proud of the level of engagement and am so excited to see how this initiative will continue to grow over time.

One in seven of our kids in Canada go to school hungry every day. For $1 we can feed one child. It’s that simple.

The volunteers of the Breakfast Club of Canada welcomes close to 130,000 kids every day.  Canada is the envy of the world. We live up to that adoration in the way we treat our own at home. 

On a personal level I want to thank John Charbonneau for introducing us to this amazing organization, which has given us the opportunity to give back in some small way.



Cheers,

Mark