Social responsibility a hallmark at PCL
PCL puts as much passion into giving back as it does into building quality projects. Its community investment effort is based on company values and an employee ownership model that supports the communities in which its employees work and live. Social responsibility is one of PCL’s guiding principles, and community giving is at its core. As a result, PCL focuses philanthropic efforts in the areas of community development, health, education and sustainability.
“One of the things employees often really take to at PCL is the sense of being part of a larger community,” says Mike Olsson, vice- president of human resources and professional development. “We often say that we’re a construction family, and that culture of support extends to where we do business.”
PCL contributes to various not- for- profit organizations through the commitment of time and financial resources. Throughout the year, employees come together to help people in need, and their passion for giving yields impressive results. In 2015 PCL donated more than $6.9 million and employees contributed thousands of hours of volunteer work and community service.
A UNITED WAY
LEGACY
PCL’s histor y of gi ving back has strong ties to United Way. Their 47- year relationship with the United Way is founded in a multitude of district- run campaigns and a corporate matching program. Every year, employees across the organization co- ordinate donation challenges, fundraisers and silent auctions, all with the goal of helping the United Way change lives. This kind of consolidated giving has a huge impact on individuals and families in the communities in which PCL operates.
This year, PCL employees raised more than $ 3.7 million (plus an additional $3.7 million from PCL’s corporate matching program, doubling the impact to $ 7.4 million) for United Way and member organizations.
THE RED CROSS
In addition to support of United Way, PCL continues its important relationship with the Canadian and American Red Cross. PCL is in the second year of a second $ 600,000 commitment to provide relief to victims of natural disasters worldwide. Split between the two national Red Cross organizations, PCL’s donation will provide financial support for emergent, lifesaving services — and will help the organizations to better prepare communities for crisis situations.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
While PCL recognizes that corporate giving is a critical part of being part of a community, they also understand that each community has specific and varying needs.
“Whether it is collecting food for a local food bank, raising money for a children’s hospital or rallying together to build a home for Habitat for Humanity, PCLers across the company have found creative ways to make a lasting impact on the communities we call home,” says Olsson. “We’re proud to give back locally to organizations that support health and wellness, education and literacy, the environment, the arts and community development. Each PCL office gives back in a unique way to support our employees’ desire to improve the quality of life in their communities.”