This article was originally featured in the November 18, 2021 edition [Volume 4, Issue 46] of The Lake Report. It has been reproduced with permission.
Respect, Integrity, Community and Fun. These are not just words at MNP, they are just a few of the company’s core values and they are backed by actions. MNP is a national leading accounting, tax and business consulting firm, with offices in St. Catharines and Niagara, and is home to some of the community’s most innovative leaders.
MNP truly stands by its values and culture by supporting the communities in which it operates. Early in 2021, partners at MNP put their heads together to come up with one way they could support the local community. It was decided that they would make a transformational commitment to fighting poverty in Niagara, a problem that has only gotten worse in the last two years. Bill Sloper, Regional Managing Partner at MNP, speaks for his whole team when he says they are proud to partner with the United Way to sponsor the $25,000 ‘New Donor Match’, a partnership that provides double the impact to the community for each donation made.
“MNP is committed to being part of and supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Sloper, “Partnering with the United Way, an organization that understands the challenges Niagara residents are facing, allows us to give back and increase the impact that we have in our communities.”
Poverty has long been an issue in Niagara but has been amplified since the start of the pandemic. The most recent statistics show that 1 in 7 people were living in poverty prior to COVID-19. The pandemic has only exacerbated the disparity between high and low-income families, leaving lower income earners staggering behind. Government benefits certainly helped many families, but as they dry up, it is only a matter of time before front-line agencies start to see the real impact on the most vulnerable members of our community.
United Way’s investments meet issues head on, funding vital programs and services that address the root cause of poverty. Last year, a network of 130 programs were funded that support people living in poverty, right here in Niagara.
“Our team members have supported United Way Niagara individually for a number of years – the New Donor Match has allowed us to come together to support this campaign in a more impactful way and directly make a difference to the lives of people in the Greater Niagara Region.” says Sloper.
MNP has built a strong foundation of supporting local agencies through United Way, and this year was no different. On top of their monetary contributions, partners and staff also donated their time to help food security initiatives in the community. Supporting community gardens and social hubs through the addition of greenhouses will allow local growers to have longer planting seasons, expand plant variety and help increase community connection and food security for those in need.
If you want to become a part of the change in your community, supporting United Way Niagara is just one way you can help a vital network of local agencies and services that combat poverty right here in the region. Learn more on [their] website at www.unitedwayniagara.org and donate today.
Contact
To learn more about the partnership and MNP’s commitment to supporting our local communities, contact Bill Sloper, CPA, CA, TEP, Regional Managing Partner, South Central Ontario, at 289.293.2310 or [email protected]