A Philosophy of Giving Back
Giving back has been at the heart of The Skyline Group of Companies' (“Skyline”) philosophy since co-founders Jason Castellan, Roy Jason Ashdown and Martin Castellan started the company over 20 years ago. The three founders realized very early on that the communities they serve are the backbone of Skyline’s continued success. That’s why fostering vibrant communities has been integrated into Skyline's corporate structure since Day One.
Of course, as Skyline steadily grew over the years, its community initiatives evolved accordingly. Today, its robust community outreach program entails everything from staff volunteer days and food drives to sponsoring local sports teams and a university scholarship program.
Skyline is particularly active in its hometown of Guelph, Ont., where it has been honoured with a host of community recognition awards over the years. Most recently, it was incredibly proud to be recognized as 2011 Corporate Sponsor of the Year by The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington, and Corporate Partner of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph. It was also humbled to receive the 2012 President’s Business Recognition Award for Community Building by the Guelph Chamber of Commerce.
Skyline takes its role as a community ambassador seriously. It constantly strives to improve the lives of its residents, employees and the community at large in any way it can. Its corporate and personal philosophies demand that the bar continuously be raised to set new standards for giving back and getting involved. Skyline's unwavering commitment to supporting the communities in which it exists is reflected in how it manages its buildings, the charities it supports and the example it sets as a community partner, a corporate leader and a dedicated group of individuals.
Employee Volunteer Program
Skyline offers its employees the opportunity to take one paid work day per year to volunteer for a cause of their choice. Through this unique program, Skyline team members have planted trees, served breakfast to children, wrapped gifts for families in need during the holidays, delivered food, gathered clothing and so much more to do their small part to help others. These are just some of the examples of the small actions that are helping to propel Skyline’s charitable and community-centric vision forward.
As a result, Skyline and its employees donate a combined total of over 2,000 hours of community service each year while promoting philanthropy and social responsibility within its corporate culture. It is Skyline’s hope that this initiative will help spark long-term charitable commitments, community dedication and an understanding of the incredible rewards that come from helping others in need. Skyline employees know that they can make a difference in their communities, and that Skyline will continue to support these efforts every step of the way.
Community Initiatives
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Have a Heart for Kids' Sake Gala The 18th annual Have a Heart for Kids' Sake Gala, which raises funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph, was a huge success. Skyline was proud to be the event's presenting sponsor, and for six months leading up to the event, Skyline employees volunteered many hours of their time to help make the evening fun and memorable. Skyline thanks all of its volunteers for their amazing efforts! |
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Movember is a month-long campaign driven to “change the face” of men’s health. Participants spend the month of November letting their moustaches grow free as a demonstration of support. They may join teams on the Movember website and ask for donations via social media, email or in person. The campaign has been running in Canada since 2007 and raises millions of dollars annually for Prostate Cancer Canada and the Canadian Male Health Network. Skyline “MOs” Partake in MovemberEvery November, Skyline cuts “clean-shaven” out of its vocabulary as it commits to the Movember campaign. The Skyline MO team is comprised of nine of the company’s owners and employees, captained by Martin Castellan, Founding Partner and Chief Development Officer of the Skyline Group of Companies. The Skyline MOs also participated in last year’s campaign, partnering with the Guelph Storm MOs. Throughout the month, both teams acquired generous ‘staches – and donations from benevolent-minded individuals – until the teams had a MO Showdown at the end of the month. The Skyline and Guelph Storm MO teams collectively raised $13,000, and Skyline hopes to once again make a great contribution toward the research and prevention of men’s cancers this MO season. The 2012 Skyline MO team and donation page may be viewed here.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph provides preventive mentoring programs to the children and youth within Guelph and its Skyline Hosts a Special Day for Special Kids
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The Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington is dedicated Skyline Employees Adopt-A-Family each Holiday SeasonEach year Skyline employees ensure at least three families are able to enjoy the holiday season by generously donating toys, clothing and food for them. Without these donations, the families would not be able to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season. Skyline was thrilled to be named as Corporate Sponsor of the Year 2011 by the Children's Foundation. For the complete story, please click here.
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Onward Willow- Better Beginnings, Better Futures is a non-profit charitable organization providing support to enrich the quality of life for the Willow Road area of Guelph. In 1990, the Ontario government launched the Better Beginnings, Better Futures project to discover effective ways of supporting the healthy development of young children, as well as strengthening family and community life in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Onward Willow Better Beginnings, Better Futures is one of eight projects throughout Ontario.
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Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing worldwide. Through community involvement, Habitat partners with families in need to make the dream of decent, affordable shelter a reality. Skyline Announces the Donation of Land to Habitat for Humanity
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University of Guelph's Real Estate and Housing Major is one of only two undergraduate programs in Canada that specializes in the real estate sector. The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of residential and commercial/investment real estate. Topics such as the development, financing, valuation, market analysis and management of real estate are taught in the context of economic, legal, political and social factors affecting this large and growing field of business in Canada and the world. Skyline is Investing In Future GenerationsSkyline has donated $1,500 towards an annual scholarship for the students of the Real Estate & Housing (REH) program. Skyline believes in the power of education and that through investing in a student, it is investing in the future of the industry. 2012 Scholarship Recipient Announced
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Ovarian Cancer Canada is a registered Canadian charitable organization whose mission is to overcome ovarian cancer. The organization provides leadership by:
Skyline employees donate the money raised from 'casual days' to this worthy cause. Over $1,500 has been donated in the last year. |
