By Judy Wark of the Hospice Calgary
What happens when a company like Simply Elegant gets involved with an organization like Hospice Calgary?
Every December, Robert Vidra and his team come down to Hospice Calgary and serve a full course Christmas dinner to the participants in our support group for people living with a palliative cancer diagnosis.
Simply Elegant doesn’t stop there, each year they help us raise needed funds by entering a team into Hike for Hospice Calgary.
“It’s important to give back, to take care of the people who take care of us and those we love, especially at the end-of-life. That is why Hospice Calgary is Simply Elegant’s charity of choice,” says Robert.
This year, Simply Elegant is going even further in their giving to Hospice Calgary. They offered to provide a BBQ lunch for the entire Hike for Hospice participants and volunteers. When we told them it could be for as many as 700 people, Robert said, “No problem.”
He approached his suppliers and managed to get all the food and drinks at cost or donated. “When I asked my staff if they would like to turn our giving into something tangible, something we are really good at, they all jumped onboard,” says Robert.
“We’re a small company, but supporting Hike for Hospice Calgary allows us to make a difference for a worthy local organization. In so doing, my staff connects with each other and with our community. ” says Robert.
“Whenever I see Robert and his team here at Hospice Calgary, I know our participants are in for a treat. It’s not only the great food they serve but also their smiles and a positive attitude reflects the way they genuinely care,” says Sarah Walker, Hospice Calgary Executive Director.
Cultural anthropologists, Margaret Meade, said, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Simply Elegant may be small but our participants have benefitted greatly from their involvement with us. Thank you
Simply Elegant!