Community Involvement

Goodtimes is aware of the bigger picture - we're a business that cares about the global community. We pursue every effort to make the world a better place by donating to charitable causes, protecting the environment and sponsoring worthy causes.

STRIDE

STRIDE (Supported Training and Rehabilitation in Diverse Environments) is a non-profit, community based vocational rehabilitation program founded in 1983. STRIDE is the only Halton-based organization whose primary purpose is to serve the employment needs of residents who are living with a mental illness.

STRIDE is committed to creating opportunities for people in the Halton community facing mental health issues to gain meaningful employment. We recognize employment and earning power contribute significantly to a person's sense of dignity, independence and quality of life.

It has been estimated that 85 percent of people who have been labeled as seriously mentally ill are unemployed. Experience has shown that for many of these people, their lives can be transformed by something most of us take for granted - a job.

CDE

Challenging Directions Enterprises (CDE) is a voluntary vocational outpatient program operated from a community setting. At CDE clients learn work skills, social and independent living skills and have the opportunity to enjoy employment within a positive supportive environment.

An innovative and successful community program aimed at people living with mental health challenges to benefit from support and skill teaching and work.

Donations

Goodtimes makes donations to several worthwhile causes and organizations. Recently, we've contributed to Angel Hugs who make knitted and crocheted good for places like Interim Place and Best Start. Another beneficiary of our donations is the St. Sebastian Catholic Elementary School in support of their fundraiser to supply the school with much needed resource material, sports equipment, etc. We also provide donations to the annual Being There For Kids Dinner, a fundraiser for the Kids Help Phone www.kidshelpphone.ca.

Environment

Goodtimes is conscious of the impact it's products can have on the environment. That is why we make a concerted effort to use as many environmentally friendly products as possible. For example, our brown paper lunch bags are made from recycled material. We are also continually looking for innovative products that will help preserve our environment for generations to come.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is an important part of Goodtimes' philanthropy. We are an active sponsor of The Burlington Bulls, a local minor league baseball team, helping them buy uniforms and equipment. The smile on the children's faces is thanks enough.

Recently, Goodtimes helped sponsor one of it's employees who traveled to Ghana, West Africa to volunteer for over 2 months. The sponsorship funds were used to educate underprivileged girls learn basic academics.