Supporting Vibrant Communities
We believe that innovation and productivity thrives in happy, vibrant communities. And supporting organizations that nurture health and wellness improves the quality of life for everyone. J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) contributes to several social causes that uplift our communities, including raising funds for research on various diseases, helping young mothers, supporting food banks, and preserving parklands. The strong teamwork of our employee volunteers is a continual source of pride for JDI.
Young Mothers Taking the First Step
Because being a young, single mom is difficult, JDI funds First Steps in assisting young mothers to continue their education while providing links to prenatal care to promote a healthy pregnancy and baby. First Steps helps expectant mothers prepare for their future and develop parenting, budgeting and financial planning skills so they can be self-sufficient. We provide a supportive place where young mothers can learn to make a better life for themselves and their baby.
Lunch Is Served
JDI and its employee volunteers donated a new kitchen to the Boys and Girls Club of Saint John. This greatly increased the ability of the Club to serve the children of the community. The kitchen renovation saw the replacement of 40-year-old kitchen equipment, and new air conditioning, ventilation, a walk-in fridge and a walk-in freezer. The year before the renovations, the Club served 12,591 lunches. The year after the renovations, the Club served 22,296 meals - a 43% increase in nutritious meals for kids!
Rally of Hope
Since 1993, JDI employees raised $4million to support purchases of leading healthcare technology at the Atlantic Health Sciences Centre in Saint John. Numerous fundraisers occur throughout the year in addition to the annual fun day and games competition hosted by the hospital, and enjoyed by employees and their families.
Romero House Food Bank
We have provided hundreds of pounds of provisions to this food bank and donated new walk-in freezers to support the worthwhile work of this community organization. This community initiative serves 15,000 meals each year to those in need.
From Rails to Trails for Recreation
A gift from J.D. Irving, Limited to the people of New Brunswick, the 377km (234 miles) of railway beds and bridges have taken on a new life as part of the national Trans Canada Trail System.
New France - Preserving a Piece of History for the Future
New France is a natural park of walking trails developed by JDI within its woodlands near Digby County, Nova Scotia. This site preserves a unique part of Nova Scotia’s history: in the middle of a forest in 1892, the European Stehelin family built a substantial lumbering operation and cultural facilities. Although it has now returned to woodland, it once was known as New France and sometimes as Electric City. The little community enjoyed electric lighting operated by the mill’s power before it was available in the rest of Digby County. Lumber was transported to the port 17 miles away by a private railway, using tracks with rails made of logs.
Wolastoq Park - Greener Solutions for Community Enjoyment
In 1999, this 17acre site was turned into an urban green space, a park with a wonderful hilltop view of the Reversing Falls and the mouth of the St John River where it meets the harbour. JDI landscaped Wolastoq Park and it is now a scenic site featuring numerous hand-carved wooden statues of notable figures from the Saint John, New Brunswick’s history. The green space and the spectacular views are a tourist attraction and is the site of Irving Pulp and Paper’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting event.
Wellness In the Workplace
J.D. Irving, Limited supports health and wellness for its employees and their families. Our proactive, wellness efforts regarding employee health, include:
- Health Risk Assessments
- Wellness Fairs
- Health Education and Promotion Programs
- Education and Funding Support for Smoking Cessation Programs
- Fitness Reimbursement Program
The National Institute of Disability Management and Research (NIDMAR) is a non-profit education, training, and research centre. NIDMAR celebrates outstanding organizations and individuals who champion the best principles of workplace disability management to achieve positive, measurable results. JDI won in the category of Large Private Organization/Workplace.