City of Vaughan

Corporate social responsibility can help businesses increase awareness and support among employees and customers about their own organization’s environmental and social achievements. Our Better Your Business program aims to empower local businesses to engage with environmental and social initiatives – as they align with their organization’s strategic priorities.

Environmental and Social Causes

Matching environmental and social causes to my organization can take time and effort. How can I find a cause that resonates and aligns with my strategic priorities?

Promoting awareness while building responsible business practices can provide opportunities for strategic partnerships. Learn more about how to integrate social responsibility into your business through our environmental and social partnerships below.

Sponsorships and Donations

I want my business to donate funds or goods in-kind. How do I start?

Monetary and in-kind support happens when an organization donates money, services, or products to a cause. Learn more about sponsorships and donations through our sponsorship and donation initiatives below.

A. Gold Star Inc. has made the decision to commit to contributing business practices and activities that respond to the Sustainable Development Goalsas issued by the United Nations. The following is a list of the 17 goals outlined by the UN, and how we plan to commit to practices that best meet those goals.

Extended payment plans for select products and services will be offered to those who need financial support. As well, donations to registered organizations that assist the poor in Vaughan will be made when feasible.

In addition to donations to local Food Banks, we commit to supporting programs in Vaughan that encourage urban gardens and home-grown agricultural projects.

In areas concerning public health, we commit to following local and federal government guidelines that are currently in place and that may be introduced in the future. As part of our benefits package for those we employ, we offer extended health coverage.

We commit to offering seminars for the community on the subject of gemstones and jewellery design. Additional educational information on precious metals and other jewellery-related goods and practices will be made available on our website.

Our hiring practice affords equal opportunities to all people of legal age to work in Vaughan. Our policy is not to discriminate based on gender in our employees, customers, or partners.

In addition to providing clean drinking water free of charge for our staff and clients, we commit to supporting local initiatives to ensure clean water and sanitation throughout Vaughan.

Our corporate goal of becoming carbon neutral includes changing all our lights to energy-efficient LED lights as well as changing our light switches to more efficient models. We also commit to providing information on clean energy through our social media platforms to help educate our customers and followers on affordable and clean energy options in Vaughan.

We aim to build our company to a level that includes more staff and more employment opportunities for the people of Vaughan. We also commit to providing safe working conditions for all staff. Furthermore, we also have the willingness to provide flexible work hours to better serve our team’s family needs.

Our company is committed to innovative ways of developing environmentally-friendly new technologies by expanding our business through digital channels such as Shopify and to use our social media platforms for new and innovative ways to advertise and promote our business.

We commit to raising the awareness of those suffering from social inequalities by providing information that address these issues in our social media channels. In this regard, we aim to provide opportunities that reduce inequalities for those living in these conditions. We will also visit shelters in Vaughan to become more familiar with our city’s inequalities issues.

Our company is committed to developing sustainable city projects. We will be supporting activities that aim to change the city planning and make smarter, greener communities; we also support city plans to provide free wifi access and increased green spaces.

We practice responsible consumption and production through the regular disposal and recycling of plastic waste and technical components. We limit our consumption of plastic through reusable bags.

We also commit to supporting climate action groups such as the UNFCCC and its Youth Climate Report programs through social media subscriptions, website links and information postings. Climate change information related to Vaughan as well as the world in general will be shared with our staff and customers.

We commit to reducing non-plastic bags for our customers to reduce the amount of plastic that makes its way into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. With an end goal of using only sustainably produced alternatives, and provide information that helps our customers reduce their use of traditional plastics.

We commit to recycling with the goal of using only environmentally-friendly materials in manufacturing our products. We plan to go 100% digital to reduce our use of paper. We also commit to never using chemical pesticides and to join local clean-up programs offered by the City of Vaughan.

We support Vaughan’s rehabilitation programs as well as programs that support police initiatives in our local community. We plan upgrade our surveillance equipment and automatic door locks to help reduce crime.

We commit to partnering with groups, organizations, and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable business practices. This collaboration will advance our commitment to adhering to all of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Centro Dry Cleaners has made the decision to commit to adopting business practices and activities that respond to the Sustainable Development Goals as issued by the United Nations. The following is a list of the 17 goals outlined by the UN, and how we plan to commit to practices that best meet those goals.

Affordable options and specific discounts on services will be offered to those who demonstrate a need for financial support. As well, donations to registered organizations that assist the poor in Vaughan will be made when feasible.

In addition to donations to local Food Banks, we commit to supporting programs in Vaughan that encourage urban gardens and home-grown agricultural projects.

In areas concerning public health, we commit to following local and federal government guidelines that are currently in place and that may be introduced in the future. We never use the carcinogenic solvent perchloroethylene (commonly known as “perc”) in our cleaning.

We commit to customer training of the process we use in dry cleaning. We also extend our education to the general public on our website and social media through a program that promotes fabrics that are environmentally friendly and that explains why cleaning existing garments is a better alternative to buying new ones.

Our hiring practice affords equal opportunities to all people of legal age to work in Vaughan. Our policy is not to discriminate based on gender in our employees, customers, or partners.

In addition to providing clean drinking water free of charge for our staff and clients, we commit to supporting local initiatives to ensure clean water and sanitation throughout Vaughan.

Our corporate goal of becoming carbon neutral includes the use of energy-efficient lights and other electric systems. We also commit to providing information on clean energy through our social media platforms to help educate our customers and followers on affordable and clean energy options in Vaughan. We are also interested in solar power opportunities when they become viable for our current location.

We aim to build our company to a level that includes more staff and more employment opportunities for the people of Vaughan. We also commit to providing safe working conditions for all staff as well as customers.

Our company is committed to innovative ways of developing environmentally-friendly new technologies and methods for stain removal. We also use our social media platforms for new and innovative ways to advertise and promote our business.

We commit to raising the awareness of those suffering from social inequalities by providing information that address these issues in our social media channels. In this regard, we aim to provide opportunities that reduce inequalities for those living in these conditions. We will also visit shelters in Vaughan to become more familiar with our city’s inequalities issues.

Our company is committed to developing sustainable city projects. We will be supporting activities that aim to change the city planning and make smarter, greener communities with 30 to 40 percent green space.

We practice responsible consumption and production through the regular disposal and recycling of plastic waste. We have also switched to a more costly, yet more sustainable paper protector for our clothes hangers. We have also introduced a paper bag for customers, replacing our previously used plastic bag.

We also commit to supporting climate action groups such as the UNFCCC and its Youth Climate Report programs through social media subscriptions, website links and information postings. Our website explains the dangers of Perc as a greenhouse gas as part of our educations program explaining why we do not use this solvent.

We commit to reducing non-plastic handbags for our customers to reduce the amount of plastic that makes its way into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. With an end goal of using only sustainably produced alternatives, and provide information that helps our customers reduce their use of traditional plastics.

We commit to recycling with the goal of using only environmentally-friendly materials in manufacturing our products. We plan to go 100% digital to reduce our use of paper. We also commit to never using chemical solvents such as Perc.

We support Vaughan’s rehabilitation programs as well as programs that support police initiatives in our local community. We have installed surveillance equipment and video cameras to help reduce crime.

We commit to partnering with groups, organizations, and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable business practices. This collaboration will advance our commitment to adhering to all of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2023 cohort of grant recipients offered a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women’s RivInt Interpreter program!

Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women (ehcw) is a twice-accredited, charitable non-profit organization established in 1992 to empower immigrants through advocacy and services focused on promoting healthy families, community relationships, and economic self-sufficiency. ehcw meets the growing needs of culturally diversified communities through its leadership in innovative and collaborative programs.

RivInt Interpretation and Translation Services is an award-winning social enterprise operated by ehcw, that has been providing outstanding language services since January 2001. This program offers language and interpretation training to volunteers and staff who are fluent in languages other than English. Talent City Vaughan funding will be used to train staff and volunteers at Hospice Vaughan to help individuals and their families who access services as they journey through a life-limiting illness, with language needs.

Interpreter training will give the opportunity for Vaughan participants to expand their language services and generate income for themselves by registering with language service agencies as trained interpreters. This training creates employment opportunities for people who specifically live or work in Vaughan. Training will be provided to individuals to gain the necessary knowledge to work as an interpreter in the business, healthcare, legal, and medical sectors.

Are you a non-profit organization that offers upskilling or reskilling training? You can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to run training programs for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses. To learn more about Talent City Vaughan click the button below!

TALENT CITY VAUGHAN

Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2023 cohort of grant recipients offered a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like COSTI’s English as a Language Training in the Workplace program!

COSTI is a dynamic community-based agency committed to fostering social impact, offering a comprehensive range of services encompassing employment, education, settlement, and social support to diverse immigrant communities, new Canadians, and individuals seeking assistance. COSTI’s far-reaching initiatives span language training and digital literacy education in the provision of over 70 different classes. These learning opportunities, provided through both virtual and in-person channels across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), underscore COSTI’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity. With a seasoned team at its helm, COSTI designs tailored curricula and administers training across a spectrum of employment-focused programs, reinforcing its role as a pivotal contributor to individual growth and community empowerment.

COSTI’s Language Training in the Workplace (LTW) is a complimentary program catering to Vaughan-based employees, facilitated by employer requests. Talent City Vaughan funding will provide the LTW curriculum to employees of Vaughan based businesses offered through either personalized individual sessions or dynamic group classes. Flexibility remains key, with in-person sessions available on-site or the option for virtual delivery, as per the employer’s preference. Proven successful for more than 10 years, the program has demonstrated its effectiveness in elevating employee language proficiencies, bolstering employer satisfaction and contributing to improved staff retention rates.

COSTI’s presence and engagement in Vaughan are deeply rooted. With a dedicated Employment Centre and active involvement at the Vaughan Welcome Centre, as well as collaborations with other community partners, COSTI has fostered a strong local connection. This connection is further strengthened by its collaboration with the City of Vaughan Economic Development Department, working jointly to identify employers in need of workplace language training. Drawing on its established networks, including partnerships with TRIEC and the Workforce Planning Board of York Region, COSTI intends to reach out to potential participants from its Employment Services. COSTI’s commitment to Vaughan is also evident in its regular organization of job fairs in partnership with local employers. These efforts are mirrored by the broader community agency partners within the Vaughan Welcome Centre, collectively working to execute job fairs throughout the year, further solidifying COSTI’s role in promoting opportunities for both job seekers and local businesses.

Are you a non-profit organization that offers upskilling or reskilling training? You can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to run training programs for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses. To learn more about Talent City Vaughan click the button below!

TALENT CITY VAUGHAN

Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2023 cohort of grant recipients offered a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like The Career Foundation’s skilled trades program!

The Career Foundation is a non-profit organization and registered charity that has been connecting job seekers and employers through workforce development initiatives since 1988. The Career Foundation focuses on creating fair labour market access for marginalized and equity-deserving groups with a strong focus on labour market preparation and industry alignment. The Career Foundation seeks to challenge traditional barriers and aim to move all people into sustainable and equitable prosperity. The organization maintains relationships with over 2,000 employers and over 400 community groups to support the success of traditionally marginalized groups.

The industry that will be supported through the Talent City Vaughan program will be the Skilled Trades Industry with a specific focus on finishing trades. It is no secret that addressing labour shortages in the skilled trades continues to be a major priority for all levels of government, employers, unions, and trades associations. Taking a local focus on this industry in Vaughan will allow residents to learn more and understand the importance of the skilled trades as it relates to the Vaughan economy and the growing career opportunities that the sector offers. Training will include includes a trades careers awareness session, career discovery day, and 4 -week paid Internship with potential for full-time employment upon completion.

The Career Foundation currently works with employers in Vaughan across different sectors including construction, manufacturing and technology. We have community partners including membership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, training schools, unions and different social service agencies to assist unemployed individuals with sustainable employment opportunities and life stabilization resources.

Are you a non-profit organization that offers upskilling or reskilling training? You can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to run training programs for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses. To learn more about Talent City Vaughan click the button below!

TALENT CITY VAUGHAN

Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2023 cohort of grant recipients offered a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like Humanity First’s, Lend a Hand Learn a Skill program!

Humanity First is an international humanitarian relief organization operating in 60 countries across the world. Humanity First has been working on human development projects and responding to natural disasters providing humanitarian aid to those affected. Humanity First also initiates projects to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life in regions that have suffered major natural disasters.

Humanity First provides an extensive platform to its volunteers to receive ongoing training at various levels of their engagement with our organization. Talent City Vaughan funding is directly supporting ocal residents, especially newcomers, refugees and students by providing them with a diverse range of opportunities to hone their professional skills through hands-on experience. We call this approach “LEND A HAND – LEARN A SKILL”. Through our program participants will gain professional development skills training for volunteers in warehouse management, customer/client service, and Microsoft Excel.

Humanity First offices and the HF Food Bank are located in the City of Vaughan. Humanity First primarily serves the local community in Vaughan by providing food assistance to needy people and helping newcomers, refugees, and international students by providing them, with resettlement services including food, shelter, clothing, and other necessities. Humanity First also offers various programs for the senior communities that include educational, recreational, and social programs.

Are you a non-profit organization that offers upskilling or reskilling training? You can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to run training programs for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses. To learn more about Talent City Vaughan click the button below!

TALENT CITY VAUGHAN

Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2023 cohort of grant recipients offered a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like the Memory Loss Foundations Understanding Dementia & Montessori Approach for Dementia program!

The Memory Loss Foundation was established in 2013 and is dedicated to serving individuals with dementia through community-based support and quality care. A primary focus of The Memory loss Foundation is the education of both paid and unpaid caregivers, especially PSWs, by providing them with the proper techniques, specialized knowledge, and tools to prevent burnout, ultimately leading to improved care for those with dementia.

The Memory Loss Foundation collaborates closely with Dementia Support and Peak Healthcare College to offer comprehensive dementia care training. Dementia Support has a decade of experience providing dementia education and is a recommended trainer for Long Term Care Homes, Hospitals, Retirement Homes, Day Centres, and community caregivers across Ontario, the United States, and internationally. Their certificate holds recognition in healthcare work environments, including the United States.

The Talent City Vaughan funded training program, “Understanding Dementia & Montessori Approach for Dementia,” empowers participants with valuable skills. Participants earn a certificate issued jointly by Peak Healthcare College, an accredited healthcare college, and Dementia Support, a leader in dementia training. This innovative and practical approach equips caregivers to effectively manage individuals with dementia, encompassing different forms of dementia, responsive behaviors, and the application of Dr. Maria Montessori’s methods to elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. The training, completed in a single day and offered on weekends, prioritizes convenience for those with commitments. The Memory Loss Foundation’s strong affiliations with healthcare facilities and healthcare colleges in or nearing Vaughan, enable us to extend this training to alumni and newly graduated PSW students seeking community work.

Are you a non-profit organization that offers upskilling or reskilling training? You can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to run training programs for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses. To learn more about Talent City Vaughan click the button below!

TALENT CITY VAUGHAN

Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2023 cohort of grant recipients offered a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like the Woof-A-Palooza Pet First Aid program!

Woof-A-Palooza is a non-profit organization that aims to engage the pet community in Vaughan by promoting for responsible pet ownership. The organization does this through various social and educational events and by providing a platform for networking and showcasing pet related businesses and services in the community.

Woof-A-Palooza is hosting pet first aid training exclusively for Vaughan’s animal care workers. This training will provide key skills in the safety and wellness of animals while in the care of local pet businesses and services. The training will also provide an upskill for some working in this field and re-certification for those that may have outdated training.

Woof-A-Palooza has been partnering with local pet businesses since 2016 in various ways to bring more education to pet owners. The organization has provided a platform through our events and social media for these businesses to grow their client base and is dedicated to helping pet owners connect with reliable and credible services for their pet’s wellbeing.

Are you a non-profit organization that offers upskilling or reskilling training? You can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to run training programs for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses. To learn more about Talent City Vaughan click the button below!

TALENT CITY VAUGHAN