Tech Park Gives Back

Waterloo – The tenants from the University of Waterloo’s Research and Technology Park have banned together to make a difference in their community now and for the future.

The University of Waterloo Research and Technology Park Activities Committee (R&T PAC) consisting of representatives from 33 companies, totaling 1,100 employees was formed last year to help plan events for the Park’s tenants. Some of the tenants approached Carol Stewart, Business Development Manager of U of W’s R&T Park, to run a golf tournament last summer stating that they wanted the proceeds to go to charity.

Several of the tenants already had favourite organizations they liked to support so it made sense for them to start a fund at The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) where that they could support all of their charities of choice. The University of Waterloo Research and Technology Park Activities Committee Fund was established at The KWCF and the tenants are now using this fund as a target for all of their long-term fundraising.

“After a thorough and inclusive process, I am really proud of the journey we took as a committee to create our own KWCF fund which represents all the tenants of the Research Park, it has created a strong sense of community among the high tech companies on the North Campus”, states Carol Stewart, Business Development Manager, UW Research + Technology Park.

To date, the tenants have raised $8,443 from last year’s golf tournament, President David Johnston’s New Year’s Luncheon, and a small Christmas event. This year, they plan on hosting another golf tournament and some summer barbecues.

“The UW Research & Technology Park Activities Committee should be commended for its collaborative efforts to support Waterloo Region's most valuable resource – its people,” said University of Waterloo President David Johnston. “With this fund, they are creating a legacy for the Park’s tenants, both present and future.”

“The KWCF greatly appreciates the gift made by the tenants from the Research and Technology Park,” says Rosemary Smith, CEO of The KWCF. “Their commitment to this community is remarkable and will be felt for years to come.”

The Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation improves the quality of life in Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding area, now and for generations to come, by building community endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership on key community issues.