Canada

The Foundation has developed the Macquarie LEADS program, which brings together all of its Leadership, Education, Advancement, Development and Support activities involving staff as volunteers.

Big Buddy Program

The Foundation has long encouraged childhood literacy through its Big Buddy reading programs in Australia, North America and Asia. In Toronto, the 'Little Buddies' (students) who take part are identified as requiring extra assistance with their reading or math and are matched with two Macquarie 'Big Buddies'. Each week one of these Big Buddies attends the session at the school. The basis of the program is to not only assist with their reading and math skills but also to act as mentors to the children.

In Toronto, staff provide support to elementary school kids in our Big Buddy reading and math coaching program with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Mentoring

The Foundation supports Youth in Motion, a national not-for-profit organization which gives young people the skills and confidence to realize their full potential. Macquarie supports the Steering Your Career program helping at-risk women aged 18-30 break through employment barriers. Our staff play an active role in the Opportunities Unlimited program, sharing professional and personal experiences in group workshops and mentoring participants. Macquarie provides six-month internship positions for Youth in Motion program participants and a member of Macquarie staff serves on the organization's board.

Staff also provide support to young people interested in entrepreneurship through the Junior Achievement company program and to enable elementary school children to take part in local summer camps through Focus on Youth.

Macquarie believes it has a responsibility to work for the betterment of the communities in which it operates and has recognized that capacity building is just as important in the not-for-profit sector as it is for business. It has supported the sector’s sustainability through a number of initiatives, with workshops, board placements, and consulting programs staples of Macquarie’s global commitment.

Board placement

Not-for-profit service, particularly board service, is an important way for Macquarie senior executives to support the community through the contribution of time and expertise. To this end, the Macquarie Group Foundation assists senior executives in finding successful placements on not-for-profit boards.

Ride to Conquer Cancer

Launched in 2008, the Ride to Conquer Cancer has become Canada’s most successful cycling fundraiser. The funds raised benefit a range of leading cancer charities, including the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and the Centre du Cancer Segal. Between 2008-2010, Macquarie staff have raised over $C350,000, including supporting contributions from the Foundation.

Earth Day

Celebrated annually, Earth Day provides a range of innovative programs and education resources to promote sustainable environmental practice. Six million Canadians join one billion people in 170 countries staging events to address local environmental issues. Staff members across Canada take part in Earth Day activities including tree planting, clean-ups and recycling projects and a Macquarie staff member currently serves on Earth Day Canada’s Board.

Other fundraising initiatives

Macquarie staff in Canada contribute time and money to their communities in a variety of ways. Recent events include:

• participating in the Walk to end MS in Vancouver
• raising funds for Alzheimer's research at an Edmonton Hockey Pro-Am
• sleeping out to support the YWCA's Keep a Roof Over Their Heads event in Calgary
• joining the Walk for Polio in Victoria
• playing volleyball to raise funds for the Sick Kids Foundation in Toronto.