Introduction

Since the 1980s, Rogers Sugar employees have celebrated the holiday spirit with a heartwarming tradition of giving to those in need. Located in Vancouver, this dedicated team not only enjoys festive potluck meals but has also taken their generosity a step further by organizing a unique raffle to benefit The Province's Empty Stocking Fund.

The Origins of the Tradition

The origins of this charitable initiative can be traced back several decades. It began with a simple decorated Christmas tree at the workplace, where employees placed candy canes and left donations as they took them. This grassroots effort has since evolved into a well-established fundraising tradition, attracting participation from all corners of the company.

Raffle Prizes and Contributions

"We engage our suppliers and vendors to gather items for our raffle," said Lisa Harry, the Health and Safety Manager at Rogers Sugar. This year, the raffle features exciting prizes such as a Thatcher Demko Canucks jersey, handcrafted Adirondack chairs made from recycled wooden pallets by retired employee Bill Day, and a selection of comic books donated by longtime employee Ron Trayling, who boasts an impressive personal collection.

The Impact of Employee Participation

Ron Trayling, who has been with the company for over 30 years, is regarded as a significant contributor to the Empty Stocking Fund initiative. "He's one of the original members of the team that started this tradition, and his commitment continues to inspire others," Harry noted.

Event Details and Fundraising Goals

The festive potluck and raffle typically take place a week or two before Christmas, with the potential to generate impressive results. Past events have seen a variety of enticing prizes up for grabs, from tickets to popular sporting events and luxury hotel dinners to high-definition televisions. What started with homemade treats and small swag items has dramatically grown into a major community effort.

Organizational Generosity

With around 202 employees at Rogers Sugar, the generosity shown each year is remarkable. The raffle alone raises approximately $10,000, which is then graciously matched by the company, doubling the impact of their efforts.

Special Tax Credit Opportunity

In the spirit of holiday giving, every employee's name goes back into the drawing bowl at the end of the event for a special tax credit opportunity based on the total amount raised.

Support for the Empty Stocking Fund

The Province's Empty Stocking Fund has been a beacon of hope for underprivileged families in British Columbia for over 106 years. Thanks to the generosity of community members and fundraisers like the one at Rogers Sugar, the program supports 25 local charities that provide food hampers and gifts to families and individuals in need.

Conclusion

While this year's holiday season presents challenges for many, the employees at Rogers Sugar are exemplifying the true meaning of giving. Those interested in contributing to the Empty Stocking Fund can donate online or by calling the fund directly. Join the festive spirit this holiday season and help bring joy to those less fortunate – your generosity can make a world of difference!