Giving Back at the November 2024 Eastbridge Meetup
~NOVEMBER 25, 2024~
At our November Eastbridge Business Connections Meetup, attendees got to sample delicious offerings from some of Waterloo’s favorite local food vendors and restaurants. In the spirit of giving, they also paid it forward—raising an incredible $603 in cash donations for Food4Kids Waterloo Region (F4KWR).
F4KWR supports over 1,300 children across 100+ schools in the region, working to eliminate chronic hunger and food insecurity. Their mission ensures that kids ages 1-14 from food-insecure homes receive nutritious food packages on weekends and school breaks—times when school meal programs aren’t available.
The LCCHub Brings Pro Basketball to Neighbourhood Youth in Eastbridge
~2023/2024~
Thanks to the support and generosity of more than 50 Eastbridge and area residents, Eastbridge Business Connections proudly became an official KW Titans Community Member!
This initiative successfully:
- Provided junior basketball players from Eastbridge’s three elementary schools the opportunity to attend a professional basketball game.
- Supported KW’s local professional basketball team.
- Offered our EBC Community Sponsors chances to win regular-season home game tickets, KW Titans merchandise, and VIP perks as a token of appreciation.
Career Insights from Industry Professionals
~2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2025~
This half-day forum offers industry professionals a chance to give back to their community while helping shape and support the next generation of talent.
Industry professionals are each assigned a classroom, and students rotate between rooms based on the sessions they pre-registered for.
The 2025 half-day forum at Lester B. Public School involved:
- 207 Grade 7-8 Students
- 41 industry professionals
- 10 industry classrooms
- 3 classroom sessions per industry
- 20 students per classroom
- 30-minutes per session
- A networking reception in the gym gave students a chance to connect one-on-one with industry professionals.
- A panel discussion featured the Mayor of Waterloo, the Chamber of Commerce President, the Deputy Police Chief, and senior leaders from Conestoga College, Laurier, and Waterloo.
- At the 2025 forum, students received a personalized, inspirational video message from retired Canadian astronaut, Commander Chris Hadfield.
Lincoln Heights Breakfast Program for Kids
~November 2023~
At the November Meetup hosted at Schooner Street Brewery, Eastbridge Business Connections raised $490 in support of the Lincoln Heights Breakfast Program, which provides over 80 elementary students with daily access to nutritious meals—helping them stay energized and ready to learn.
Giving Back: Eastbridge Business Connections’ Annual Fall Food Drive
~November 2023, 2024~
Every October, Eastbridge Business Connections invites meetup attendees to bring non-perishable food or cash donations in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Contributions are delivered through local residents—and sisters—Morgan and Claire, who started their annual Halloween Candy and Fall Food Drive in 2016. By supporting their grassroots effort, the Eastbridge chapter plays a meaningful role in the fight against food insecurity. Here's a snapshot of the impact we've made together.
- 2024: 59lbs
- 2023: 149
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Spreading Holiday Cheer Through Regional Festive Connections
~December 2022, 2023, 2024~
Each December, our Regional Festive Connections Meetup unites the community in the spirit of giving. Guests are invited to bring an unwrapped toy or make a cash donation, with all contributions supporting the Waterloo Knights of Columbus' New Toys for Needy Kids Annual Toy Drive.
Unwrapped Toys:
- 2024: 101
- 2023: 120
- 2022: 150
Cash Donations:
- 2024: $60
- 2023: $80
- 2022: $100
Non-perishable Food:
- 2023: 10 lbs.
- 2022: 50 lbs.