We’re proud to share the ways that Purolator and the 2022 True North Small Business Grant Contest winners are paying it forward in communities across Canada. Our four grant winners recently won a $25,500 cash prize, including $5,000 to donate to a cause near to their hearts. By paying it forward, not only are these small businesses proving that we can all make a difference in the lives of others, they are also encouraging others to give when they can.
Purolator is giving back to build stronger communities, together
Our winners are helping to spread community cheer with their generous donations.
Ruth: committed to making sustainable period care more accessible
This grassroots business is working to help make period products more environmentally friendly and accessible. “Ruth makes sustainable period easy by offering disposable and biodegradable menstrual pads” shares founders Nicole Sanchez and Anka Chan. Since beginning their business, they have committed to giving back to their community. From donating over 4,000 pads to people in need, to collaborating with non-profits, Ruth is doing their part to reduce harmful waste, while working to break down barriers around menstruation. They are currently working with Canadian organizations to help end period poverty and provide menstrual products and education to women in need, and plan to donate their $5,000 Pay it Forward prize to this cause.
Westman Soil Sampling: dedicated to educating farmers about soil health
Founders Jeremy and Dean believe that making soil sampling more accessible can provide much-needed resources and knowledge to farmers so they can take advantage of more revenue, while helping to keep their soil at optimal and healthy levels. “Farmers are able to see exactly how much fertilizer is required in their soil…allowing their correction and excess fertilizer running off into creeks/streams and bodies of water (to be) minimized” says the duo. Beyond knowing the impact of soil on our agricultural health, these founders also know the positive impact summer camp can have on a child. They’re donating their $5,000 to Camp Wannakumbac located at Clear Lake, Manitoba as a way to pay it forward to their old summer camp where they met as nine-year-old’s. Meeting at camp changed the course of their lives. They hope this donation will give the same opportunity to others by fueling the spark of friendship and helping people become their best selves.
RoadLoft: inspiring sustainable and affordable ways to experience nature
This budding Quebec-based business designs, manufactures and distributes models that allow drivers to temporarily convert their minivans into safe and comfortable campers. “Since starting out in 2019, we’ve put over 850 RoadLoft kits on the road” shares founders Laurence Dufour and Samuel Gauthier. “Vanlifers can now own a single, much more fuel-efficient vehicle with multiple functionalities.” Helping more people explore the country in a sustainable way is the goal of RoadLoft: they want to make sure that the great outdoors remains great. Their $5,000 pay it forward donation will benefit Nature Quebec, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of natural environments and resources.
EarthPup: creating healthy pet treats while taking a bite out of food waste
Globally, over 1/3 of food is wasted. This Toronto-based startup addresses the sustainability problem in Canada. “By turning nutrient-dense food otherwise destined for landfills into healthy, drool-worthy dog treats. To date, we have rescued over 2,000 pounds of vegetables from going to landfills” says founder Lucy Cullen. Lucy has also aligned herself with other like-minded businesses and will pay it forward by supporting other Toronto-based businesses on a mission to help end food poverty and food waste all at once. Lucy will pay it forward to NudFud: a plant-based snack company working to create a supply chain that will upcycle food into dry, shelf-stable products.
Let’s give back, together
We encourage you to pay it forward all year long, and the Purolator Tackle Hunger program is a great way to get involved.