Red Cross for B.C. Fires, 2017

Following the success of the 2016 campaign to help victims of the Fort McMurray fire (mentioned below) we couldn't ignore the opportunity to do the same in regards to the B.C. wildfires that ravaged many communities in the summer of 2017. We donated 100% of the proceeds for our sharpening at all stores for the entire month of July. With the help of or customers Knifewear and Kent of Inglewood were able to donate $21,000  to the Red Cross B.C. Wildfires Appeal.  

 

Red Cross for Fort Mac Fires, 2016

The Knifewear and Kent of Inglewood family always try to give back to a community that treats us so well.

The devastation in Fort Mac Murray has touched some of us personally, but all of us globally. 100% of our sharpening profits across all of our shops in the month of May went to the Red Cross. Through this venture Knifewear and Kent of Inglewood donated $18,300 to the Red Cross Fort McMurray Fires Appeal.  

BROWN BAGGING FOR CALGARY'S KIDS

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids has one goal: no hungry kids in Calgary. We strive toward this goal each day by providing healthy lunches directly to kids, and by empowering communities to create lasting social change. Through the work of community groups and volunteers Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids provides about 2,500 lunches each day for students who would otherwise go without.

In November of 2015 Kevin Kent along with other local food heroes will be launching a charity calendar, Offcuts 2016: YYC Food Crew Stripped Down, to support Brown Bagging For Calgary's Kids. 

Each calendar will sell for $20. This means one calendar can buy twenty lunches, which will feed one kid for two full weeks at school. The impact of this is so valuable. Brown Bagging For Calgary’s Kids have seen an increase in need in the last 3 months. 200 kids have been added to their program. They are feeding about 2500 kids every day in schools. Engaging in this does make a difference to these kid’s lives as we know that these lunches mean, growing and confidence and love and learning for these kids! 

They have assembled an incredible team. Jeremy Fokkens is one of Calgary’s most talented photographers. He is enthusiastic and has generously donated his time, talents, and equipment to this fun project. Jeremy has traveled the world photographing developing countries, telling stories through his photographs and raising awareness about different issues. He has an outstanding portfolio on his website. www.jeremyfokkens.com

We have some of Calgary’s best top food hero’s involved in this calendar.  It is a great, feel good story. Chefs are the new rockstars and we already have lots of peaked interest for media stories. This will be wonderful for Brown Bagging for Calgary's Kids and awesome promotion for the chefs and businesses involved. 

The calendar team:

Aviv Fried - Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

Phil Robertson and Sebastian Sztabzyb - Phil and Sebastian Coffee

Jean Francois Beeroo - Charcut and Charbar

Pierre Lamielle - Cook Book Author and Illustrator / Food On Your Shirt

Jesse Willis - Vine Arts and Proof Cocktail Lounge

Michael Allemeier - Chef and SAIT instructor

Cam Dobranksi - Chef Container Bar, Winebar, and Brasserie Kensington 

Kevin Kent -President of Knifewear and Kent of Inglewood

Graham Sherman - Tool Shed Brewing

Duncan Ly - Chef 

Rogelio Herrera - Chef Alloy and Candela Lounge

Dwayne Ennest - Chef Big Fish and Open Range

They also have enlisted a very talented graphic designer, Kimberly Wieting of Gritt Media.

THE CENTRE FOR AUTISM SERVICES ALBERTA 

Since 2013 Knifewear Calgary has been helping to support The Centre for Autism Services Alberta. Half of all the proceeds earned from knife sharpening will be donated to this cause.

The Centre for Autism Services Alberta is a non-profit registered charity that provides individualized specialized services to people with autism. The Centre provides family centered services and our efforts are designed to help people with autism achieve their full potential. Appreciating how important it is to be included in the community, the Centre offers a range of recreational activities, such as yoga, skating, art, taekwondo and summer camp. Through our recreational programs, children and youth attend various venues within the community and gain exposure to new environments and activities while being supported by highly trained staff members.

It is estimated that 1 in 88 individuals will be diagnosed with autism. This developmental disorder impacts people’s communication and socialization abilities and may be accompanied by rigid, repetitive interests and behaviours. Its cause and a cure continue to elude researchers. However, with intervention individuals with autism can learn and grow.

For more information on the Centre and its services, please visit their website

As of August 1st, 2015, Knifewear Inc. has donated $65,412.50 to help the Centre for Autism Services Alberta

FARMWORKS

FarmWorks is a social enterprise at Operation Come Home (OCH), offering youth between the ages of 16-30 a safe space to develop skills while learning about food, farming, and agriculture.

OCH received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for a 2-year period to establish their newest social enterprise in collaboration with Just Food. They provide meaningful, paid learning opportunities to youth (16-29 years) through workshops and experiential learning on a local farm located in Blackburn Hamlet.

Their near-certified organic produce is grown locally on a small scale, harvested and sold through CSA (community supported agriculture) member shares over an 18-week period, from mid-June to mid-October.

Their goal is to provide a broad range of skills and experiences to youth to ensure future employment options in horticulture, agriculture, hospitality, or to facilitate returning to school in a related field, while developing personal and professional skills through their FarmWorks experience.

Knifewear Ottawa is excited to be working with this great organization by not only donating 50% of sharpening proceeds but also connecting participants with food industry leaders. Knifewear Ottawa is helping to raise money for a green house so their program can continue year round.

As of August 1st, 2015, Knifewear Inc. has donated $22,053.95 to help FarmWorks.

You can visit them on Facebook

2012 – The Servants Anonymous Society of Calgary [SAS]

In 2012 Knifewear Calgary supported Servants Anonymous. The Official total is in, during 2012, Knifewear donated a grand total of $25,914.34 to the Servants Anonymous Society, 1/2 of all sharpening proceeds!

Servants Anonymous Society of Calgary [SAS], an Inglewood-based charity, is a non-profit agency formed in 1989 to address the issues of women involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the sex trade. The women helped by SAS have also experienced other related issues, including homelessness, poverty, substance addictions, and violence against women. SAS provides opportunities for women to reintegrate back into society by transitioning into a healthy lifestyle.

2011 – Japanese Tsunami/Earthquake Relief Fund

In 2011 – Knifewear donated 1/2 of all the money we made from knife sharpening to the Canadian Red Cross Japanese natural disaster relief fund.

The official total is in, and as of December 31st, 2011 – Knifewear donated a grand total of $19,316.36 to help the Red Cross efforts in Japan!

Thanks to all of our customers that brought their knives in to be sharpened.