Community Partnerships
Homes by Avi believes that there is a tangible return on investment inherit in corporate social responsibility, be it quality of life, enhanced productivity, improved financial performance or strategic advantage. More importantly, we believe that open, honest and transparent relationships are critical to our success.
We integrate our corporate activities with our local communities, customers, trades and suppliers. Avi Amir strongly believes that brand marketing should not be more important than genuine community engagement.
Homes by Avi has been able to build partnerships that provide innovative and sustainable solutions to meet community needs, in a way that benefits both the organizations and the people they serve. We believe that partnerships are crucial as no one company can address societal issues and more importantly, we can have a bigger impact by partnering with others. Some of the existing partnerships we are currently involved in are:
The Homes by Avi and Jack James partnership evolved from a pilot project that began in 1998. The partnership was a direct response to the construction industry's concerns regarding the shortage of trained workers in all of the construction related trades. The presiding of Homes by Avi, Avi Amir, understood from day one that there was no better way for students to master the skills necessary to succeed in this industry, than to give them the opportunity to build a home. For Avi this is a labour of love. He says, "we as business people have a responsibility to encourage young people to follow and learn from our experiences so when the time comes they are able to replace us."
Once the home is completed at the school grounds, it is moved to its permanent location, sold, and the profits are re-invested back into the partnership. It's intention is to provide students with an innovative program that both stimulates and inspires them, as well as introduces them to the residential construction industry. This hands-on-learning environment allows students to be involved in all aspects of the construction process, including framing, sheathing, roof trusses, shingles, drywall, window and door installation, and siding. The goal is to instill an understanding and appreciation of the benefits of successful enterprise and enhance the student's personal growth and achievement. Furthermore, Homes by Avi tours students through construction sites, which allows them to receive on-site instruction and meet people in the industry. All of this serves in providing a career pathway for students and allows them to gain a vision of the numerous careers available in the residential construction industry. Success in the program allows for a direct transition from high school in the the Registered Apprenticeship Program and/or into the SAIT apprenticeship training.
Homes by Avi's dedication to students has earned accolades including the National RBC Partners in Education Award and various regional awards that recognize models of excellence in business- education partnerships.
Jack James High School, Ernest Morrow Junior High School, and Bishop Kidd Junior High School proudly nominate Mr. Avi Amir for Businessperson of the Year. Avi Amir and his team at Homes By Avi have provided our three schools with financial and personnel resources for 10 years. Each year Homes By Avi donates a large sum of money to our schools. Every year each school is given a cheque for $12,500.00.
Students attend a number of fieldtrips to a variety of Homes by Avi locations to provide students with educational experiences in the housing industry. Homes by Avi employees assist our schools by attending "Career Day" events. All three schools have had Avi Amir come and speak on the ethics of business, as he is such an excellent example of an ethical businessman. He is a motivating, high-energy speaker who enjoys talking to the student body and trying to inspire them to reach for their goals. Avi Amir wants to create an awareness of the relationship between business and social responsibility. He has said: We as business people have a responsibility to encourage young people to follow and learn from our experiences, so when the time comes they are able to replace us. This way our country will continue to be lead by qualified individuals."
The following quotes are from grade 9 Bishop Kidd Students who are awarded scholarships from the $12,500 given to the school each year:
"Your Ai award inspires many students to achieve high marks in school. This year, that inspiration helped me get the award and I greatly appreciate it. On behalf of Bishop Kidd, I would like to say thank you for all the things you have done and continue to do for us... Your award system has driven many kids to try harder. Again, we thank you for your support..."
"I just want to say thank you for being such a giving person to people who think that life is worth something. So thanks for your wonderful support and time with our school"
"I am one of twenty-one of us who received a share of the money this year. Most of us know that it is a privilege for our school to be part of such a great partnership. Thank -you for sponsoring our school each year and help make our school a better place each year."
