Saskatchewan Blue Cross is engaging employees and supporting charitable initiatives through its employee giving program.
Each year, the organization asks employees to decide which charitable organizations receive its not-for-profit dollars. This year, the program allocated more than $18,100 in support to 68 community organizations across Saskatchewan, all of which are registered charities with a focus on health and wellness.
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Cheryl De Villiers, director of brand, external affairs and community at Saskatchewan Blue Cross, says the program is engaging employees by giving them a say in how these funds impact local charities. “Every year, they look forward to being able to designate where these funds should go.”
The organization has compiled a list of charities that are approved as non-profits by the Canada Revenue Agency, she adds. “Every year, we always leave a space for more organizations [to be included] — the employees are out in the community and we want to have their input [on local charitable organizations].”
The program also boosts employee morale by fostering a sense of pride in representing Saskatchewan Blue Cross in the community, says, De Villiers, noting the program, which is introduced during an employee’s onboarding, also helps the organization in its talent attraction and retention strategy.
“It’s rewarding to be able to give back. Our employees are visible in the community and it certainly differentiates us as a company in the competitive hiring market.”
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