Members of local industry are giving back to those in need in Sarnia-Lambton this holiday season.
Nearly 100 volunteers, from 16 different companies, are at the Inn of the Good Shepherd Wednesday through Friday for the Inn-dustry takeover.
They'll be contributing 240 volunteer hours, doing things like receiving and sorting food donations, assisting with the Inn’s Adopt-a-Family program, and helping with meal preparation.
Volunteers from Suncor were in the soup kitchen, handing out hot meals, on Wednesday afternoon.
Vice President of Sarnia's Suncor Refinery Conor Poutney said it was a rewarding experience.
"Suncor has been operating in this community for a long time, so the community is really important to us," said Poutney. "The Inn has been a great partner over the years, so we try and get involved in their activities in an annual basis. It's a big part of our social strategy but, as members of the community ourselves, we're impacted by the Inn just like everyone is. It's really important that when we have an opportunity, we give back."
NOVA employees were tasked with sorting through boxes upon boxes of food donations.
Spokesperson Katie Policelli said she's thrilled to help out, noting it's part of the company's mandate.
"Part of our vision at NOVA is to be a socially responsible neighbour and part of that is taking part in events like this," said Policelli. "We needed a team of eight, and I think we had 20 people respond right away to try and come. We're definitely going to look for more opportunities to get involved with the Inn as well. We're been supporting them for 10 or 15 plus years. This is just another opportunity for us to join in."
The Inn-dustry takeover was opened up to industry partners last year, and expanded to three days this year due to the high interest.
BASES started the initiative in 2023 by volunteering to help with one night of the Inn’s Adopt-a-family program which provides Christmas presents to over 500 local families and 1,100 kids.
The following companies are participating in the initiative:
BASES
Imperial
Suncor
Shell
ARLANXEO
NOVA
Cabot
Diamond
Enbridge
Anderson Webb
Catalyst Changers
CEDA
Fluor Driver
KNK Mechanica
Maviro
Wolverine
