The Bear Cares - United Way Niagara

Philanthropy at the Heart of Algoma’s Corporate Culture

United Way is proud to be the charity of choice for many businesses in Niagara. We take pride in partnering with local change makers, businesses with philanthropy entrenched in their culture and reflected in their corporate values.

By definition, philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, through the donation of time and money to valuable causes. At Algoma Central Corporation, this principle is weaved into everything they do. Headquartered in St. Catharines, Algoma is a leading Canadian marine shipping company operating the largest fleet of self-unloading and gearless dry-bulk carriers and product tanker vessels in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

“Workplace campaigns are responsible for nearly half of our annual revenue, and without strong partners like Algoma, the network of agencies supported by United Way investments would not have the funding they need to respond to critical social issues.”

“We could not accomplish what we do without our workplace partners,” said Frances Hallworth, CEO of United Way Niagara. “Workplace campaigns are responsible for nearly half of our annual revenue, and without strong partners like Algoma, the network of agencies supported by United Way investments would not have the funding they need to respond to critical social issues.”

Every year, Algoma runs a successful employee giving campaign, raising critical funds that support thousands of people in Niagara and across the country. Their campaign, led by a dedicated committee of volunteers, is full of incentives, team engagement opportunities and fun events. But perhaps most importantly – it has full support from the top.

“Workplace campaigns are responsible for nearly half of our annual revenue, and without strong partners like Algoma, the network of agencies supported by United Way investments would not have the funding they need to respond to critical social issues.”

President and CEO Gregg Ruhl, a strong United Way supporter, encourages his team to give back in many ways and supports them in doing so. The company generously offers a 100% corporate gift matching program, provides company incentives – like Bear Bucks and swag – for donating to the campaign and supports volunteer activities for staff.

Algoma employees have been key volunteers behind the Backpacks for Kids program for more than 13 years, helping to assemble and distribute backpacks every summer. This year, they opted to add another volunteer element and kicked off their workplace fundraising efforts with a Day of Caring at the Vineland Garden Hub.

Through these initiatives, members of Algoma have strengthened bonds with one another – an important part of the company’s culture – and built a stronger connection to their community.

With a two-acre farm in front of them, fifteen volunteers from across the organization representing leadership, United Way committee members and students, rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

Katie Marino, Coordinator, Human Resources, United Way Committee Member and volunteer GenNext cabinet member, strongly believes in helping improve the quality of life in Niagara and is thrilled to be working with United Way. They are very supportive and encourage people to get involved” said Marino. Through these initiatives, members of Algoma have strengthened bonds with one another – an important part of the company’s culture – and built a stronger connection to their community.

“We recognize that we all live in this area, there’s a personal level to this.”

Bart Reynolds, Algoma’s Executive Vice President, Operations & Technical, grew up on a farm and is no stranger to the hard work involved. While bundling corn stalks for sale, he reflected on his passion for helping his community and understands the impact these events have. “We recognize that we all live in this area, there’s a personal level to this,” said Reynolds. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the United Way team, as they are continuously welcoming and always makes people feel useful.

The pride Reynolds has in his team is undeniable. They make great accomplishments by helping those in need all while finding joy in the experience. “No matter what, we always have fun together,” said Reynolds.

Algoma Central Corporation and their employees have contributed nearly $2M to the community through United Way over the last 20 years, proving that it really is true what they say; The Bear Cares.