By MiKayla Milburn. Unsplash photo by Johann Siemens.
“The positive impact we can leave on communities, the reduction of our environmental impact on those communities, is essential to what MPI does and who MPI is as an organization, as a community and as a culture,” says Jessie States, director of the MPI Academy.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is more important than ever. At WEC, MPI is taking this responsibility seriously by incorporating an emphasis on sustainability, awareness of human trafficking and support for those in need. But, the betterment of our world and the people in it is up to all of us. You can help by participating in some (or all!) of the following CSR programs at WEC.
Fight Human Trafficking with Timea’s Market and MPAHT
With meetings and events contributing to the rise of human trafficking, Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT) is collaborating with Timea’s Market to increase awareness at hotels and other venues. Visit their booth in the Social Village to learn the truth about human trafficking and what YOU can do to make a difference.
Timea’s Market will also sell handmade and locally sourced bath, comfort and beauty products that are packaged and distributed by survivors. Proceeds go to the fight against human trafficking.
MPI is committed to combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children. We stand firm in our resolve to create awareness of these crimes. We ask our business partners, attendees and members to do the same.
Paint Fest
Join the Foundation for Hospital Art and brighten the life of patients by painting panels of murals that will be displayed at local hospitals. Drop-in and spend as much time as you would like painting fun and attractive pieces that will be donated to the local community.
Conference Supplies for ARTSJUNKTION
Donate your substrate and nylon signs, empty boxes, polystyrene packing blocks and usable office supplies. ARTSJUNKTION is a depot for receiving and distributing donated materials and supplies to be used in educational and creative programs within the Toronto District School Board such as artistic, in-school creations and curriculum projects, daycare and parenting centers and after-school and senior programs.
Women’s Accessories for Dress for Success
Make the return trip lighter by donating a few items of new and gently used business attire to Dress for Success, an organization that helps women in need as they prepare to find work and get back on their feet. The local arm of the organization says that they need the following items.
- Clean, ready-to-wear, new and gently used women’s professional attire of all sizes.
- Professional suits and separates (less than five years old).
- Work-appropriate shoes and boots.
- Jewelry, belts and scarves.
- Handbags (briefcases, portfolios and work-appropriate handbags).
- New (unopened) toiletries, hygiene products, hosiery and undergarments.
Reusables!
MPI is striving to reduce waste and divert as much material as possible from the landfill at WEC. Join us by packing a reusable water bottle and tote bag, and by using our waste sorting stations to separate recyclable and compostable materials.
During WEC, clearly marked recycling bins will be located throughout the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) for plastic, metal, glass, organics, paper and waste. Remember to keep food separate from other materials; if recyclable material is contaminated by food or drink, it will be sent to the landfill.
Green Roof and Roof Beehives
The MTCC South Building is home to not only a seven-acre green space, but also six beehives that are maintained by the beekeeping company Alvéole. Come check out the beautiful park and cityscape while enjoying delicious, unpasteurized honey and learning about the importance of bees and local pollination.
Learn more about more CSR initiatives such as our green energy partnership with Bullfrog Power, leftover food donation and the additional steps MPI is taking to ensure sustainability at WEC on the WEC Corporate Responsibility Page (mpi.org/wec19).
