Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses across Canada and around the world. Head-quartered in Mississauga, they have nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software and exceptional products.
As a leading corporate citizen in Canada, Microsoft Canada is passionate about creating a real impact for a better tomorrow. They do this by working every day with their customers, partners, employees and communities to accelerate economic growth, empower youth and address a range of societal opportunities and challenges.
When the company chose to support Habitat HMD with a $25,000 donation and send their employees out to don work boots, helmets and gloves at Habitat HMD’s Plains Road site, their commitment to making a difference to the communities in which they live and work was clearly evident.
John Gerrard, CEO of Habitat HDM, has always welcomed the participation of like-minded businesses and community organizations who want to make a difference in their community. “We are always grateful for the strong continuous support of a company like Microsoft,” says Gerrard. “They laboured and hammered with us for one week on our Plains Road build site and offered an extremely generous donation of $25,000 to our cause. Their invaluable support has brought us closer to fulfilling our goal of building 75 homes in just five years.”
Included in that goal is the construction of 13 townhouses on Plains Road in Burlington. Microsoft employees spent four straight days helping to frame walls for the townhouses in an effort to close in the townhouses so that volunteers, businesses and organizations can continue to build during the winter months.
For many Microsoft employees, the week at Plains Road marked the first time they had ever experienced volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity build site. And for Roxanne and Mark, who have worked with Microsoft as a National Delivery Practice Leader and a Delivery Consultant for 11 and nine years respectively, the experience was amazing.
“I heard about taking part in the build at Plains Road from my manager and immediately jumped on the chance to participate,” says Roxanne.
Mark, too, was made aware of the opportunity through a notice at Microsoft and feeling the urge to give back and help his community, he leapt at the opportunity.
“I was impressed at how organized they were at the site. Everyone knew what they were doing which made it easy for us, especially for those of us who had no building experience whatsoever,” says Mark.
Ensuring a great volunteer experience is critical as it is through the help of committed corporate partners like Microsoft that Habitat HMD can continue to provide a hand up to families who need it, a fact that Gerrard knows well. “We are so pleased that Microsoft had a great experience at our build site and we are thrilled to call them our partner. On behalf of the families who will soon call Plains Road home, thank you, Microsoft, for your generous support.”
Updated: July 2, 2021