BC Children's Hospital
The BC Children's Hospital Foundation helps pay for essential equipment, research and education benefiting over 80,000 young patients from across British Columbia. Omicron's Managing Partner, Bill Tucker, is the current Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Annual Building for Kids Charity Golf Classic which raised over $165,000 in 2009. Several Omicron staff members also volunteer for this golf tournament while others are actively involved in additional fundraising initiatives including the popular annual Jeans Day.
United Way
United Way of the Lower Mainland plays a leadership role in bringing together resources to care for the social service needs of the community. Omicron is a proud year-round supporter of this organization's initiatives, with our annual campaign running through October and raising in excess of $20,000. In 2005 and 2006, Omicron was nominated for the Quantum Leap Giving Award and in 2008, Omicron was awarded the employee campaign Silver Award (employee per capita of $85).
CANstruction
Omicron appreciates the constant need to provide food and related assistance to the less fortunate in our community. In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 we teamed up with Coast Capital Savings for the annual CANstruction event supporting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. This event combines the competitive spirit of an annual design/build competition with a unique way to help feed hungry people. Competing teams, led by architects and engineers, showcase their talents by designing giant sculptures made out of canned foods. All of the food used is donated to the food bank. Omicron also organizes Food Bank drives throughout the year.
Yaletown House
For the past three years Omicron has donated 1,000 daffodils to the Yaletown House Complex Care Facility. Funded by Vancouver Coastal Health, Yaletown House is a non-profit society providing health care and services to 130 elderly residents in a safe, supportive and homelike environment.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver
In an effort to eliminate poverty housing in Greater Vancouver, Habitat for Humanity coordinates and builds affordable homes for low-income families. Omicron volunteers have teamed up with GWL Realty Advisors to help build housing communities for people in need. Financial support and volunteer hours are donated yearly to assist Habitat for Humanity pursue this important social cause.
Gingerbread Men's March
Christmas at Canada Place is an annual festive season event with proceeds going to support charitable organizations in the Lower Mainland including the "Food Security for Children" program at the Strathcona Community Centre. This crucial program ensures kids on the downtown eastside are fed year-round in a safe, protective and caring environment.
The 2006 Gingerbread Men's March was one component of the festivities where local companies and organizations were invited to sponsor and decorate a 5-foot foam gingerbread man which was then displayed throughout the holidays. Our team jumped at the chance to be involved with such a fun event! Omicron's entry titled "Helping Build Knowledge One Book at a Time" tied for second place in the People's Choice Awards!
Omicron participates in this non-profit holiday craft event for children in the downtown eastside, along with 14 local interior design and architecture firms. We host a craft table giving the kids an opportunity to make holiday season gifts and enjoy a fun afternoon out.
Omicron also likes to show its commitment and support to the business community. Bill Tucker and Norman Laube are both former Presidents of the Vancouver Chapter of NAIOP (National Association of Industrial and Office Properties) and volunteer their time to this non-profit organization. NAIOP is one of 50 chapters within an extensive network that represent the interests of developers and owners of industrial, office and related commercial real estate throughout North America.
Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau
The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau provides assistance in the form of toys to families in the Vancouver area who have a low income or who receive income assistance. Every year, Omicron holds a toy drive with a twist: all staff are invited to join in an "inner child gift exchange" where each participant chooses a toy that reflects their colleagues "inner child". Staff have a great time opening the gifts which in turn get donated to the Bureau. We have proudly donated over 100 gifts to the Lower Mainland's less fortunate since 2006.
