Engineering firm raises money for teenage violinist through bottle drive
September 16, 2008 (Calgary, AB) – Vista Projects Limited (Vista), a multi-discipline Calgary-based technical engineering firm, has taken the simple, every-day task of recycling and turned it into a fundraiser for a talented young violinist.
What is now a company-wide initiative to help 14 year-old Talisa Symons excel, started off as nothing more than one employee’s hope for a bright future for a friend’s daughter.
Former South African resident, Gavin Hulbert, presented the idea of an employee bottle drive to his company, when he found out Symons and her father couldn’t afford to feed themselves after moving to Cape Town to study with some of the most acclaimed violinists.
“I have been sponsoring Talisa for years,” says Hulbert. “She is going to be absolutely spectacular. The only thing that could possibly prevent her from improving is finances. If that happened, and I didn’t support her in every way possible, I would feel terribly guilty.”
After hearing about the exceptional musician, the Vista management team was not only receptive, but excited to organize a fundraiser all staff could easily take part in.
They felt a bottle drive was unique from most corporate fundraisers because staff are not asked to donate money but something they have on hand already.
“A company-wide bottle drive is an ideal way to raise money for this incredibly talented young girl. Because everybody has bottles and cans to contribute, it’s virtually effortless and yet makes a huge impact.” says Richard Campbell, Managing Partner, Vista Projects. “It’s easy and straightforward so almost everyone is happy to participate.”
Vista employees drop off their bottles and cans in bins at the company’s loading dock whenever it’s most convenient. Once a week Hulbert collects the recycled products and brings them into the bottle depot, before sending the money to Symons’ father.
The fundraiser is especially rewarding for staff because they receive updates and letters from Symons, updating them on how their donation is being realized. So far they have raised enough money to pay for Symons’ private tutoring for more than a year.
Not only has the bottle drive been the foremost reason Symons has been able to continue studying the violin, but it’s also increased the morale around the Vista Projects office.
“The bottle drive has connected the entire team because we are all working together to achieve a common goal,” adds Campbell. “Everyone is proud of what we have accomplished and we look forward to watching Talisa reach her full potential as a result of our efforts.”
Vista has committed to fundraising for Symons for three months and then plans to continue with the bottle drive, indefinitely, to raise money for other causes.
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About Vista Projects Limited
Vista Projects Limited is a multi-discipline, technical engineering firm providing solutions to energy firms in Western Canada. While Vista Projects Limited has been active in all aspects of the oil and gas market, over the past five years, it has grown to become a leading engineering firm for thermal energy projects, working on some of the largest SAGD projects in the Alberta Oil Sands and many smaller projects.
Contact:
Rebecca Eras
Senior Account Executive
Brookline Public Relations for Vista Projects
Phone: 403-538-5641 ex. 108
Fax: 403-538-5642
reras@brooklinepr.com
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