Community, Connection, & Fun: A Mid-Year Reflection
At the heart of co-elevate, having fun and giving back are not just activities—they’re part of who we are. As we move through the year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the first half of 2024, celebrate our achievements, and share the joys we've experienced as a team.
During the Ramadan season, we came together with a purpose. Our offices rallied to collect donations for the Ronald McDonald House, a remarkable organization that provides crucial support to families who must relocate to access medical care for their children. From accommodations to meals and essential resources, Ronald McDonald House ensures families can focus on what matters most—their child's health. At the end of May, several of our co-elevate team members volunteered to host a dinner for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House, sharing not just meals, but warmth, care, and community spirit.
In May, we kept the momentum going with a team of runners joining the Shopper’s Run for the Cure in Waterloo. It was an incredible experience, not just for the cause, but for the camaraderie that blossomed as we ran side by side for something bigger than ourselves.
Our love for learning and personal growth shone through in this quarter’s book club, where we dove into Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. With the discussion led by Peter, we had an engaging discussion on navigating difficult conversations, both in our personal lives and at work. One of the key takeaways was how important it is to make sure, when engaged in conversation, that you focus on what the two of you both want, so that you can be sure you are after the same goal. It also highlighted the importance of actively listening to the other person’s story, rather than coming to them with your own story and preconceived notions. It was a powerful reminder that how we communicate shapes our relationships and our success.
June brought the heat—and our inaugural Summer Ping Pong Tournament! It was the perfect way to kick off the summer season, with friendly competition, laughter, and plenty of ping pong action. Funds raised went to our charity of the year. The energy was electric, and the ultimate champs were no surprise with their mad skills – Said and Ryan!
We also hosted a company barbeque that was a highlight of the season. Employees and their families gathered for an afternoon of fun, food, and festivities. The event was a great opportunity for everyone to relax, enjoy delicious grilled fare, and participate in our very own company Olympics. From archery challenges to three-legged races, the spirit of friendly competition was alive and well, and it was the perfect way to celebrate our collective successes and strengthen our bond as a team.
Our commitment to community continued with backpacks. In a heartfelt effort to support the next generation, we packed and donated 98 backpacks for United Way London and the Waterloo Regional Police Backpack Drive. These backpacks will be distributed to families in need within our local communities, helping to set students up for academic success. It was an inspiring event, driven by our desire to empower and uplift those around us!
As we move forward into the rest of the year, we're excited to see what more we can achieve together. Whether it’s through giving back, coming together as a team, or simply having fun, we’re committed to making every moment count. Here’s to the next half of the year—let’s continue to make it one to remember!