Community Values: Why Supporting Local Organizations Is a Vital Part of How We Cultivate Healthy Living

One of the true joys in getting older is having the time to enjoy the many community offerings available to seniors throughout the province – from cultural events and performances to festivals and exhibits, to local learning fairs and diverse gatherings.  

And one thing many of these activities have in common is that they’re frequently run by local organizations – often non-profits – that rely on community support and grants to keep their operations running. 

At PARC, we heartily embrace opportunities to support a wide range of community offerings and events as part of our commitment to contributing to strong and vibrant neighbourhoods where our residents and team members can thrive. Not only do we support them by encouraging our residents to attend events that match their interests, but we also partner with numerous organizations to provide donations or other forms of assistance. 

Our philosophy of giving 

Led by our owner and founder, Rainer Müller, we strongly believe that being part of a connected, vibrant community is critical to the health and well-being of all who live and work there. That’s why we give back to our neighbors in a variety of ways: 

• Philanthropy: We provide larger donations and sponsorships to support organizations or causes that are vital to the community. For example, our $1.2 million donation to the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation helped fund the development of five new surgical suites. Other examples of charities we support include the North Shore Community Foundation, Hollyburn Family Services in North Vancouver and the Rotary Club.  

• Good corporate citizenship: We give back to the communities where we operate by supporting organizations, events and programming that benefit our residents and staff members. Some examples of the organizations we support include Bonsor Community Centre 55+ Society in Burnaby, Parkgate Seniors Centre in North Vancouver, Peace Arch Hospice Society’s Hike for Hospice in White Rock, Burnaby Neighbourhood House and the Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver. 

• Brand awareness: We help to promote organizations that provide programming of interest to seniors, with a particular focus on active living opportunities in the neighbourhoods where we operate. Some examples of organizations offering programming we love to support include the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Kay Meek Theatre in West Vancouver, the North Shore Keep Well Society, the South Burnaby Lawn Bowling Club, the White Rock Pickleball Association, the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation on the North Shore, and the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna. 

PARC sponsorships are designed not only to promote organizations we value, but also to ensure our residents receive an enhanced experience. For example, we may bring in a choir or support a speaker series at our residences, or send our residents to attend orchestral or theatrical performances that are open to all community members. This way, everyone can benefit from a wide range of programming both at home – and out in the community. 

Our contributions go beyond the financial 

Our commitment to our local communities goes beyond just financial assistance. We believe in building relationships with our neighbours, which is reflected in the way we design each unique PARC residence and resident experience. 

We strive to create spaces that are integrated into the existing fabric of the neighbourhood, with easy access to local amenities and green spaces. In this way, our roots in the community allow residents, families and other seniors to form connections and support networks, cultivating a sense of belonging and safety. 

As PARC enters its 25^th year creating thoughtful senior living residences, we can reflect on the root of philanthropy, passionately phrased as the “love of humanity” by Greek playwright Aeschylus in the 5th century BCE. Today, philanthropy means generosity and is often defined as “the love of making life better for other people.” 

By living in a PARC residence, our residents become an important part of an organization that cares deeply about social impact – and acts on its values every day.