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Generosity – it’s part of our fabric

In April of 1996, Urban Systems founding partner, Terry McQuillan, advanced a proposal for the creation of the Urban Systems Foundation.  The primary intent was to do some good for our fellow human beings, and at the same time, give more focus to our charitable giving.  Terry’s proposal was enthusiastically endorsed, and after a great deal of effort, the Urban Systems Foundation was officially approved as a registered charity in September 1999.

 

Since getting established, both a Mission and Vision for the Foundation have been crafted. 

Mission: 

“The Urban Systems Foundation contributes to the advancement of education and relief of poverty by helping disadvantaged young people gain self-sufficiency in their community, and by facilitating the involvement of contributions of Urban Systems staff and others.”

Vision – Creating possibilities for motivated young people:

“To make the Urban Systems Foundation the preferred partner for USL staff and associates to support, initiate and carry out innovative projects through well-defined, recognized and engaging programs making a significant difference in the lives of motivated young people.”

 

The common thread of our giving through the Foundation is kids. Through the Foundation, we can share some of our good fortune (Urban Systems has been truly blessed over the years) and buttress our culture (characterized by a spirit of generosity and giving back).  Through involvement in various initiatives, our people have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others in need.  Since its inception, the Foundation has become an important part of Urban Systems’ culture and identity, thereby contributing to one of our broad business objectives of attracting, engaging and retaining great people.

 

Some of the activities in which the Foundation has been involved include:

• On-the-job training and skills development for younger people facing challenging life circumstances as a foundation for long-term participation in the work force;
• Disaster relief  and support of special international initiatives including:
• helping to build an orphanage / vocational training center in Brazil;
• Tsunami relief in Thailand
• AIDS support in Uganda
• The “Backyard” initiative where our staff at the branch level get involved in a variety of community-based service projects.

We are currently in the process of exploring additional initiatives including:

• A major, long term company-wide project with international focus,
• Establishing the “Terry McQuillan Founders Bursary” for underprivileged post-secondary students to help them achieve their full potential through further education,
• Measures to ensure that all Urban Systems community service initiatives are carried out in the name of the Foundation, thereby increasing the level of participation and connection of our people in fulfilling the mission of the Foundation.