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Social Venture

 

Education is our passion and that is why we have been involved in starting up two companies since 2003 that are considered to be Social Ventures:

 

• In 2003 Seven Shores Trading - working with Fair Trade Artists from over 18 countries and in 2008 to present Seven Shores Urban Market & Cafe - showcasing a Small Market with local / fairtrade / organic products and a Menu inspired from our local farmers and their offerings.  Recenly our cafe was selected for a case study done by Capacity Waterloo Region which can viewed here: SevenShoresSocialVenture

 

A Social Venture is a business taking action against a social and/or environmental issue - for us our three main issues are: Poverty – Health – Environment

 

The financial profit a social venture generates is used to grow their business and also to sustain their social issues – creating the positive social impact as we have with the Environment and Poverty


These following stats have motivated us to continue on with being a Social Venture Company:


• 2006 the average income for an Ontario Farmer (-$12,000) (in 2006 - 10,000 farms closed) To Break Even 75% of our Farmers work off the land


• Currently around the world 3 Billion People live on less than $2.50 a day (half the world’s population)


• In Waterloo Region 10% or approx. 50,000 residents are in poverty! (How can this be?)

There is a growing gap between the poor and the rich. Each of us need to play our part and we are fortunate because in the Waterloo Region we have the resources and leaders to change these statistics and possible become a community without poverty.

 

Seven Shores Cafe works directly with Producers from Waterloo Region, helping with issues of Poverty, Health and Environment. It is important to eat local – not only because it tastes delicious but because a direct income is going to our local farmers


Farmers really want are fair prices and access to markets. With these in place they should address farm viability which will help with succession and reduce stress. (too many farmers do not have next generation interested – avg. Age is 56. – less than 10% are under 30)


When eating local the there is the Nutritional and Health Benefit – Fully mature fruits and vegetables – packed with top nutrient value. Healing Path Centre Michael and Rachel did 100 Mile Challenge had a participant who was on blood pressure medicine for past 10 years but after 60 days into the challenge of eating local food was taken off and continues to do so?


When you buy in-season also Reduction of food miles – So Stock up - take advantage of the harvests – fantastic prices - learn how to cook, preserve, can, freeze


Spend the Time and Energy connecting with producers and businesses that you are aligned with and who are in need of support - too many small independent farms (and businesses) close because of the competition of large corporations – Box Store Malls – Smart Centres (who can provide cheap - unethical products) and who are the ones that fill up these redundant boring strip malls we see being constructed in every neighbourhood.


The Need to Address Social Issues Continues to Grow:


• Social ventures have the potential to fill the gap, addressing a variety of social and environmental issues and helping to alleviate the increasing demand for social services.
• A need for efforts to raise awareness of the presence and benefits of social businesses
 

Take small steps - get involved - volunteer at - number of organizations fighting poverty – OWR and others - learn about community events you can be apart of.
 

Connect and Make conscious decisions on where you spend your money - know where $ is going.
 

Look for Fair Trade – Organic – Logos

 

Champions of Social Ventures in the Waterloo Region:

 

Capacity Waterloo - Supporting of social ventures – aiding P2P group

 

Dolphin Digital - Award-winning IT business staffed by people with disabilities

 

Peace Works - Promotes socially responsible entrepreneurship. PeaceWorks provides technology consulting services that empower both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. All PeaceWorks employees share that same vision for equality and affordability which is evident in every client relationship that is formed.

 

Enviro-Stewards Inc. - Engineers and Scientists - Building Pathways To Sustainability

 

Charity Republic - Our mission is to connect people who strive to make a positive impact on the world through volunteering. We aim to help volunteers reflect on their experiences with a charity or nonprofit and to help potential volunteers find the most rewarding opportunities possible.

 

Whiting Design - A sustainable design firm.

 

Flourish Florals - Beautifully crafted floral designs, using only the finest locally grown and fairly traded flowers.


Opportunities Waterloo Region - Efforts in Eliminating Local Poverty

Food Link - Connecting and Supporting our Local Farmers and Businesses

 

Unlearn - Provoking Thought to Inspire Positive Change (clothing company)

 

Moksha Yoga - A Hot Yoga Studio that is committed to ethical, compassionate and environmentally conscious living, and believe that the benefits of yoga are limitless and accessible to all.

 

Vibrant Farms - Providing Food for Your Future - Organic Farming for 22 years

In the United States/Canada:

 

Patagonia - Revolutionizing the Clothing Industry with ethics and environment in mind.

 

Watch You Tube Video on Social Venture - Sean Zister at Ignite 5.0

 

 

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