4 min read
We always knew we wanted to be one of the brands that gives back.
As an immigrant who came to settle in what's now called B.C., Adela Beranek found herself in need to buy presents when coming home for her friends, family and their kids. The problem was, everywhere she looked she found companies prone to greenwashing or peddling inauthentic and unaffordable "B.C." products. Or the things she found posed as products form "B.C." but were actually designed and made elsewhere.
Working in an art museum in Whistler, she quickly became a "B.C." arts enthusiast and decided to combine her passion to begin a meaningful business venture. It was then that AGBC was conceived to become a business that helps circulate money in the local economy by selling and promoting high quality, authentic and sustainably made gift items by local artists.
As our new business venture grew and our vision and mission evolved, it also became clear how we should direct our giving back policy and how important it was to us to participate in our community both locally and world wide. AGBC is continuously inspired by the B-Corp movement to use business as a tool for making the world a better place, rather than a tool for personal profit.
In 2020, we proudly partnered with 1% for the Planet to donate 1% of all total sales to help fund environmental conservation projects worldwide. You can read more about this in our previous blog post.
In 2021, we have expanded further to partner with BC Parks Foundation to give back 1% of profits for all non-Indigenous themed items. As our next vital partner in giving back we chose the IRSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) to give back 5% of profits for all items with authentic Indigenous designs on them. Here’s more on where our donations go:
Becoming a brand that gives back
We don’t want to be a brand who gives donations once a year at Christmas time or signs a few Facebook petitions here & there. We want to be an industry role model for consistent participation where it truly matters. We want to be a vehicle for positive change. We want to give back with meaning & impact.
Nature is such an inspiration for all the artists living on lands now called BC, Canada.
As advocates for eco-friendly business operations and products, supporting BC Parks is a way for us to help make a positive impact on the beautiful place we call home. By donating 1% of all profits to BC Parks, via One Percent for the Planet together with our customers, we can support our brand values while enhancing and preserving nature in "B.C." for future generations.
Not only do BC Parks cultivate our economy, our culture and our well-being, they also help keep the magic of the lands now called British Columbia alive. With the sixth largest park system in the world, it’s crucial to help support our wildlife, habitat and ecosystems and keep "B.C." what it is today: the majestic home of our mountains, lakes, bears, eagles and so much more.
At AGBC, we work hard to provide a safe and equitable platform to promote Indigenous art and artists. Although there is much more to learn, we stay committed to understanding more about the history and culture of Canada via the products we promote. We've made it part of our mission to seek ways to help create a brighter future - one of inclusivity and respect and understanding of Indigenous cultural heritage.
The IRSS (Indian Residential School Survivors Society) is a registered non-profit society that strives to provide physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development and healing. This is conducted through culturally-based values and guiding principles for Indigenous survivors, families, and communities. AGBC now donates 5% of all profits of Good Things with Indigenous designs to the IRSS to help assist First Nation Peoples in "British Columbia" through counselling, court support, information, referrals, workshops, and more.
It is our hope that with every small action we take, we can help to build a better world and create meaningful change. This March, we’ll be sharing how much we have been able to donate to each cause. Stay tuned!
Our Takeaway
Becoming a brand that gives back has been a journey to identify what is important to us and how we can participate in our wider community. It’s not just about our business and our products, it’s also about making a positive impact where we can and supporting the causes we truly believe in, such as sustainable gifting and equal opportunities for all.
We continue to work hard to make improvements - from our sustainable packaging to our quality products - and find new opportunities to give back.
In 2023 we donated prices to silent auctions for PAWS - Pemberton Animal Well-being Society’s annual Santa PAWS fundraiser and to The Northern Rockies Child Development Association.
Thank you again for every purchase from our store. We hope you can shop happily knowing a portion of your sale will go towards one of the amazing organizations mentioned above. Please get in touch if you have any questions!
