Individually we are a drop. Together, we are a river.

Local Companies That Care is a group of Saskatchewan based businesses that meet two times a year. We put our resources together to donate to local charities.

Join Us Today

Facilitator

Karmelle Solvason

Karmelle Solvason is a Financial Advisor and owner of Solvason Insurance Group Ltd, representing the Co-operators. She leads a dynamic team of insurance and financial advisors who provide unique, smart, and diverse insurance and investment products. Karmelle is passionate about giving back to her community and is the original spark behind starting Local Companies That Care.

Facilitator

Derrick Swanson

Derrick Swanson is the Executive Director of OpenSail Digital Agency. Derrick and his team help local businesses develop and execute the digital portion of their marketing plans. OpenSail specialize in managing web presence, including Facebook and Google advertising, social media, e-commerce conversion optimization, and SEO in Saskatoon. Our entire team believes strongly in using their talents to give back to their community. Being involved with Local Companies That Care has been a great way to put that belief into action!

Facilitator

Chris Sikorsky

After 5 years as a videographer at CTV Saskatoon and thousands of shoots later in nearly every setting imaginable, Chris launched Sik Pics Productions full time in 2016. Now a full team with a downtown studio in Saskatoon, Sik Pics Productions produces powerful, engaging photography and videography. Known for combining art and purpose, Sik Pics has partnered with local heroes, charitable causes, large community events, international brands making a difference, etc. Impactful storytelling, a deep focus on quality craftsmanship, strong relationships, and exceptional customer service, Sik Pics Productions is a local media leader in Saskatchewan. Chris is passionate about his community in Saskatoon and is a founding member of Local Companies that Care, which has donated over $100,000 dollars to local charities.

Facilitator

Michael Goldney

Michael's entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 when he, Cary, and Lacey met for drinks after a holiday. Fueled by the excitement of embarking on a new adventure, Michael and his friends decided to create a unique distillery. This marked the inception of "The longer than expected distillery," a business venture that would come to define Michael's dedication and passion for the craft. With the ambitious goal of creating Saskatoon's first single malt whiskey, Michael knew the aging process would take at least three years. To keep the distillery financially viable during this time, he turned his attention to vodka production. This strategic move led to the birth of Lucky Bastard Vodka, a product that has since become a symbol of Michael's relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of distilling.

Facilitator

Megan McInnes

Vice President & Co-founder of macbeeners business goods. We service all of Western Canada with the top quality products and prices. Our vast product lines mean we can find the perfect product solution for any type of business. Some of our lines include but are not limited to, janitorial supplies, first aid service, coffee service, tea service, food service and supplies, and safety + PPE products. We are committed to taking care of all of our businesses just like our own! With an extensive background in coffee, tea and first aid we decided to bring the best of all these products into one business.

Facilitator

Lucienne Van Langen

Owner and Registered Interior Design at Luminary Design. Customer service, honesty and accountability are the essence of creating a strong relationship with our clients to plan, design and work with them through construction for their business or home spaces. Local Companies That Care is one way we are able to give back to the community that believes in the work we do.

Facilitator

Rosalie Hughes

Rosalie is the driving force as the Founder and CEO of Hughes Recruitment. Rosalie and her team are equipped to deliver tailored solutions for your business needs. She has channelled her passion, ambition, and vast network into establishing Hughes Recruitment, with a goal to redefine the way recruitment and HR Consulting are approached. As the company looks towards a future shaped by innovation, it has expanded its practices to include HR Consulting, Recruitment Marketing, Candidate Marketing and Strategic Marketing.

GET INFORMED

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member

Click on “Join” above and complete the Membership & Commitment Form.

How much of my donation goes to the administration costs?

0% - none.  Nadda. 100% of your donation goes to your charity of choice.

what if i can't attend a meeting?

If you cannot attend a meeting, you must send a proxy to donate on your behalf accompanied by a blank pre-signed check by you to donate, or $250 in cash in an envelope with your Companies Contact Information on who to mail the tax receipt to.

are my donations tax deductible?

Absolutely! Cheques are written directly to the charitable organization.  The tax receipts are written out by the awarded charity and mailed directly to the donating member. Please confirm that the correct spelling of your name and address is on your cheque to ensure a prompt and accurate receipt is issued. (Or cash in envelope as discussed above.)

can i just give you two post-dated $250 cheques?

Ideally no – because we want to see you at our meetings. If you require assistance with finding a proxy please let us know and we will be happy to assist you.

is membership limited to only 100?

Absolutely not! Let’s get all of Saskatoon’s Companies as members.

i'm a new member: what should i expect at a meeting?

Expect to be greeted by a volunteer and asked to sign-in at the registration desk. There will be time for having a beverage and mingling with fellow members.

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Registration and Networking - cash bar.
7:00 pm: Meeting begins
Greetings
Discussion panel with host Carla Gradin and spokesperson’s from each nominated charity
Members donate / write cheque to charity of their choosing
Cheques are collected, tallied and given to charities THAT NIGHT
Update from the previous meeting and the recipients
Announce the next chosen charities to present at next meeting

8:00 pm: Post meeting networking - cash bar.

how are charities nominated?

Charities must be nominated by a member who has signed a Membership & Commitment Form and who is a standing member.

can a charity nominate itself?

No, charities may only be nominated by a member. Our members are not just interested in nominating and donating – they want to learn about local causes. They may want to volunteer, sponsor or serve on a board or committee. They may even become a regular donor or benefactor. Our members and supporters will find out about your charity in our social media discussions and posts. So we invite eligible charities to visit our website and Like us on Facebook. By getting yourself known to our members, you will get yourself nominated. Then it’s down to the ‘luck of the draw’ which three will present on the night. Good luck.

can a member nominate more than one charity for each meeting?

No, a member can nominate only one charity for each meeting.

how are the three presenting charities chosen? 

Members nominate charities on joining or renewal, and again in the weeks before each meeting. All those nominated charities go into a database, which are then verified for eligibility. The eligible charities are put into a hat and three organizations are drawn at random approximately three weeks prior to our meeting. The three organizations are notified and invited to give a short five-minute panel discussion at the meeting. If a charity declines, or is unable to present, another charity is chosen from the database.

how do you determine who the winner is? 

Hopefully, all three. Members vote for nominated charities by way of writing their donation cheque to them. Each charity walks away from the meeting with as many votes as they "win".

Become a Member Today

We are a group of Saskatchewan based companies that raises money twice a year, and donates 100% of it to charities in need. Become a member today and make a difference in your community.

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