At Meridian, we’re proud to encourage a year-round culture of giving. Our employees and branches regularly create meaningful ways to give back. With their spark and drive, we’re able to support them at an organizational level.
See how, together, we’re building momentum and support for our communities.
Employee-driven initiatives
The Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario (RMHC SCO) gives families a place to stay together, when a child is sick and far from home. The Hamilton location has provided comfort for more than 10,000 families from Kitchener Waterloo, Halton and Niagara regions.
This year, 30 Meridian branches were matched with 13 family fundraising teams, all of which had received RMHC support. The result was over $43,500 raised, which will support a family for 200 nights.
Stephanie and Darren Harper, a fundraising family, had a 19-night stay at RMHC SCO when their daughter was born prematurely.
“While we will never truly be able to repay RMHC for their generosity and love, we believe that sharing our story is a powerful... way to support other families. In fact, we are actually Meridian Members as well, and proud to be a Meridian team.”
Mariko's Village, the fundraising team led by Stephanie and Darren, raised $3,630 for RMHC SCO. Another $2,000 was matched by the Meridian branch in Burlington.
To find out more, see Ronald McDonald House Charities - South Central Ontario.
Branch-driven initiatives
Project Plaid was created to help raise awareness around mental health issues, following the tragic loss of Amelia Durocher to suicide. Based in the Niagara region, the initiative aims to prevent suicide and support local programs at Pathstone Mental Health.
Meridian branches have been part of Project Plaid from the outset. This year, Meridian staff have volunteered 80 hours to help set up a Pop-Up Shop at The Pen Center in St. Catharines, where hats, scarves and other Project Plaid SWAG will be sold.
In addition, Meridian branches in the Niagara region have been holding Plaid Fridays to help raise awareness. The Niagara Ice Dogs joined the movement when they held a Meridian Night on Black Friday – and renamed it Plaid Friday.
To find out more, see Project Plaid – Pathstone Mental Health.
Leadership Team-driven initiatives
Kits for a Cause facilitates the assembly of customized kits to support the local community, from kits for Hygiene or Winter Warmth to those for Cancer Care, Women's Shelter and more.
Inspired by the impact their respective teams were making in the community, the Meridian Leadership Team wanted to give back, as well. In October 2022, 120 team members assembled more than 1000 personal hygiene and wellness kits, to be distributed to organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and other Ontario charities.
To learn more, see Kits for a Cause.
More support, where it matters
At Meridian, we are grateful that our employees and branches are so committed to the communities we serve.
Our internal donation portal – My Commitment to Communities – also helps our employees to give back, in meaningful ways, where they see a need. Throughout the year, Meridian matches employee donations to the portal, up to $1,000 per employee, per year.
During the giving season, this commitment doubles – for every community dollar contributed by employees, Meridian will donate two. So far, Meridian has matched $71,889 in employee donations this year.
By matching donations, we aim to support a culture of giving. At Meridian, we know that together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.
See how Meridian makes a difference in the communities we serve
Community investment and partnerships
Good Neighbour Program
Partnership with Community Food Centres Canada
