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May 29, 2015
Contact: Leigh Mitchell | Women in Biz Network
E-mail: Leigh@womeninbiznetwork.com | Phone: 1 (877) 886-0850

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – EMBERS Vancouver Takes  2015 Top #SocialforGood Award

 

May 29, 2015 (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) – EMBERS Vancouver’s Marcia Nozick is a inspiring award winner in the 2015 #SocialforGood Award (#SocialforGood Conference Awards hosted by Erica Ehm ) celebrated at the @TELUS House (who donated the space), for their work with to combat poverty and assist in the revitalization of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, through social enterprise and community-based business development.

“We believe in people’s potential to change for the good, no matter their past.” Marica Nozick shares.   EMBERS Staffing Solutions, a not-for-profit temporary labour agency, employs 120-130 people a day, mainly folks starting over in their lives— people exiting prisons, graduates of addiction recovery, immigrants, people with disabilities and people who are marginalized.  Out of this seeming ‘ragtag’ group, miracles are happening everyday as people get a second chance to prove themselves through a job, perhaps the first in years. Having a job enables people to support themselves but, equally important, it builds self-confidence, a sense of identity and purpose. It’s transformative. As people change, so do their families and communities. Thanks to Marcia’s leadership and dedication, EMBERS has grown from a simple idea to a $4M operation – impacting the lives of thousands in the community.

The winner receives a variety of perks including a six month mentorship program with in partnership with Sage Canada, TELUS Business Connect TM , round trip business class train ticket to Montreal from Via Rail, a membership to CFIB and Women in Biz Network Association and business coaching services from Spark Consulting. The runner up was Nanny Angel Network (NAN) founded by Diamond Global president Audrey Guth. By volunteering their time, Nanny Angels help mothers with cancer feel assured that their children are in safe, caring hands while they go to treatment sessions, doctor’s appointments, or simply get some much needed rest. Diamond Global is a major funder of the program, along with a generous grant from Rethink Breast Cancer. There were 12 Semi Finalists.

The #SocialforGood Award (#SocialforGood Conference) evolved through a need to recognize and celebrate those making positive impacts as business owners and those pushing the bounds of social enterprise to include all forms of giving back including profitable ventures. “Those involved in developing a social mission strategy are the leaders who are forward thinking individuals. Statics show that consumers want to do business from with those that can show they are positively impacting society.”

Social stats: 
– 67% prefer to work for socially responsible companies
– 55% will pay extra for products and services made by companies committed to positive social and environmental impact
– 52% made at least one purchase in the past six months from one or more socially responsible companies
– 49% volunteer or donate to organizations engaged in social and environmental program
– 90% of companies creating positive social impact have at least one woman on their leadership team
Source: Neilson Report

The Women in Biz Network Association established the #SocialforGood Award to help recognize the commitment of women across Canada who are making a difference through their business efforts. It is dedicated to increasing the overall happiness, well-being and financial success of Canadian business owners. They achieve this through education, mentorship, advocacy and support with both on-line and in-person opportunities. Companies and individuals from across the country were nominated and attended the conference and awards. The next stop for this innovative and unique conference and awards is Vancouver in 2016. Women in Biz Network serves over 20,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada.

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