Tourism Winnipeg

20 2017-2018 INVESTOR DIRECTORY JOHNSTON GROUP PREFERS to let its products and service do the talking. An employee benefits provider quietly serving over 30,000 companies nationwide, it's also a company dedicated to enriching the community. If you ever attend local functions that support charities or community programs, chances are good you'll see Johnston Group's logo on the sponsor list. The company generously donates to dozens of organizations—youth programs, community development agencies, entrepreneurial supports, major sporting events, charities, etc.— some of which fly well under the radar. The company focuses its efforts on initiatives that improve lives and communities. Company owner and president Dave Johnston believes businesses are the fabric of our communities. "As part of that, we have the privilege and responsibility to inspire people to achieve better, more fulfilling lives," he says, "so we can build better communities together." Similar to many Winnipeg companies, Johnston Group punches far above its weight from a philanthropic standpoint, setting an example for its employees by doing all it can to support, strengthen and improve the community. For their part, employees have completely bought in to this philosophy—and not just for the chance to get out of the office for a day to participate in a sponsored event. In fact, they largely volunteer on their own time. For instance, teams walked with the Bear Clan Patrol in the evenings to help protect neighbourhood streets. As well, groups went out on their lunch hours to collect dozens of trash bags full of garbage and recycling. When Siloam Mission asked for socks or hats and mitts or toiletries, Johnston Group employees showed up with boxes and boxes. And for the United Way Day of Caring, volunteers painted rooms at a youth drop-in centre. Finally, when the United Way came calling for its annual donation drive last year, over 95 per cent of employees made donations, which the company subsequently matched. Not content to rest on their laurels, employees also held various events throughout the year to raise even more money for that charity. Johnston Group makes donations to an array of organizations, and employees work hard to add extra value to the money contributed. Ultimately, it's great for the community. Whether they're following the company's lead or the other way around, Johnston Group and its employees believe their own well-being depends on their ability to help others. Moving Forward, Giving Back JOHNSTON GROUP Johnston Group punches far above its weight from a philanthropic standpoint, setting an example for its employees by doing all it can to support, strengthen and improve the community.

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