On Side Restoration, along with its close vendor partners, successfully raised $12,000 for Boyle Street Community Services during their 4th Annual Donation Drive-Thru event on September 23, 2023. This fundraiser collected in-kind and cash donations for individuals who depend on Boyle Street programs, especially during the winter months.
Doug Irwin, Senior Vice President, Sales & Operations, On Side shared, “We live by our company values, one of which is generosity, and that includes giving back to the communities in which we live and work. This event is a great example of our culture and how invested our team is in making a difference. Although our relationship with Boyle Street started out as a response to a flood several years ago, we are touched and motivated to continue to grow our support for this worthy and much needed cause.”
To engage and motivate participation, this year’s theme for the donation drive was science fiction! The event witnessed an outpouring of help from Edmontonians in the form of generous donations. This year, total cash donations surpassed $12,000 which included a generous contribution from Intact Financial Corporation, as well as the collective support from local participants. In-kind donations included large quantities of new and gently used sweatpants, socks, sleeping bags and new packs of personal hygiene items filling up three large storage bins. The money raised will support Boyle Street’s Emergency Response Fund for the winter, allowing them to buy high quality gloves, warm clothing, and other in demand items to keep people warm and safe all through the cold winter months.
Dwayne Harris, Operations Manager, On Side Edmonton said, “We are eager to help and hosting this event for Boyle Street is the highlight of our year. Despite this being our fourth year, our team was very excited to collaborate with our industry partners to support those in need who live in Edmonton. This fall, it was nice to see an increase in foot traffic as well as in-kind donations!”
On Side Edmonton’s parking lot was transformed into a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie with characters including Darth Maul, Imperials and Jawas greeting the donors and treating them to selfies. Vintage cars, sports cars, and sport motorcycles also grabbed people’s attention. Everyone who attended the event was treated to tasty treats and food, giveaways, a photobooth and rocking DJ music.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support and organizing partnership of On Side’s close vendor partners including CEP Forensic, Blue Goose Edmonton Pond, Salco Group Demolition, Skyline QS, Wesco, Glow Edmonton and Envirospec Solutions.
Kass Green, Manager of Development, Boyle Street Community Services shares, “The partnership between On Side Restoration and Boyle Street Community Services shows the power of partnership and what we can accomplish when we work together towards ending chronic homelessness. At an event that not only has a direct impact on the folks we serve, but also brings joy and belonging to the broader community – we couldn’t be more grateful to have friends and partners like those who make this event happen year over year.”
It was a day filled with giving, happy faces and enthusiastic, caring people who made another year of this donation drive an incredible hit!
