Full Circle Project 2023 Highlights

The Full Circle Project (FCP) is GFL’s inspirational, unique, community-driven charitable giving program that supports local charities making a positive difference in the heart of our communities.

The success of FCP relies heavily on our employees, who build strong relationships within their communities, identify local charities that we can collaborate with and find the best ways to support them.

Thanks to our employees, FCP activity flourished during 2023 with 117 branches in 10 Canadian provinces and 15 US states donating over CA $2.8 million in funding to over 200 different projects.

Here are some 2023 project highlights from each of our charity classes:

Animal Welfare
The charities supported in this class work to protect and improve the lives of animals in need.

Campbell River Partners for Animal Welfare Society (CRPAWS)
GFL branch: Campbell River, British Columbia

Through FCP, GFL’s CA $5,000 donation funded CRPAWS’ Limited Income Spay/Neuter Program. This charity rescues feral cats, assists with lost and found pets, and advocates for animal welfare in the Campbell River, BC area. The local GFL team supported the charity’s golf tournament and participated in a bottle drive to help with fundraising.

K-9 New Life
GFL branch: Tidewater, Virginia

K-9 New Life trains, rehabilitates and provides medical care to dogs deemed unadoptable by local shelters in the hope that they will now be adopted. GFL’s donation of US $2,500 was earmarked for the medical treatment of dogs, such as providing heartworm medication and rehab. Five GFL team members currently foster dogs and help out at the shelter.

Cancer and Medical Wellness
This class supports charities that conduct research into cures, develop technologies and work to enhance the lives of children and adults who live with chronic health issues.

Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
GFL branch: Hamilton, Ontario

GFL donated CA $5,000 to the Adopt a Meal program on Family Day at Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton, Ontario, which provides a home away from home for families of children who are seriously ill and being treated at nearby hospitals. A GFL team of eight employees helped to prepare dinner for the families who were staying at Ronald McDonald House that week.

Fondation cancer du sein du Québec
GFL branch: Matrec Rivière-du-Loup (705), Québec

A CA $4,500 donation by GFL will help support women with breast cancer and their families by covering costs such as travel to medical treatment, hotel rooms, meals, etc., and will benefit breast cancer research. Fifteen GFL employees helped out at a hockey game of the 3L Club of Rivière-du-Loup who held a special night to raise funds for this charity.

Nature Conservation
Through this class, FCP supports charities that benefit our planet by conserving our natural and ecological environment.

MakeWay Charitable Society
GFL branch: Squamish, British Columbia

MakeWay’s BC program is working to rebuild the ecological health of Howe Sound by supporting a variety of species from eagles to orcas. GFL’s CA $5,000 donation helped to pay for supplies such as wetsuits and testing equipment for Indigenous youth, scientists and volunteers. Five GFL volunteers were trained to locate herring eggs and test water quality.

Nature Trust of British Columbia
GFL branch: Chemainus, British Columbia

The Nature Trust of British Columbia protects the biodiversity of BC by saving natural habitat to help protect important species at risk such as wildlife, fish and plants. GFL made a CA $6,500 donation to the Trust to help with this important work. Ten GFL team members volunteered at a charity fundraiser and helped with nature conservation initiatives in their area.

Poverty Reduction
This class supports food banks and other charities that are working to provide housing, food, job assistance and other services to improve people’s basic standard of living.

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK)
GFL branch: Airdrie, Alberta

For over 30 years, BB4CK has worked to ensure that kids who are in need have access to food. GFL’s CA $5,000 donation will help support BB4CK’s 30 kitchens across Calgary where volunteers make nutritious lunches for more than 6,000 kids each school day. Fifteen GFL employees collectively volunteered for 60 hours by helping with meal preparation and delivery to local schools.

Tennessee Food on Foot Foundation
GFL branch: Morristown, Tennessee

Food on Foot provides food, toiletries, and backpacks filled with school supplies to children and families in need in the Tennessee Lakeway Area, including 5,000 monthly food bags to students in local elementary schools. GFL’s US $5,000 donation went towards operations and providing meals to children. Six GFL employees handed out Easter baskets and food throughout the year.

First Responders and Veterans
This class focuses on giving back to First Responders and Veterans who selflessly serve our countries and our communities.

Greater Peoria Honor Flight
GFL branch: Peoria, Illinois (Indian Creek Landfill)

To show the community's gratitude for their service, Greater Peoria Honor Flight provides veterans with a life-changing trip to Washington, DC, to visit the memorials and experience a day of honor and thanks. The US $5,000 donation made by GFL went towards the flight on May 23, 2023, on which four GFL employees volunteered as helpers.

STARS Air Ambulance
GFL branch: Calgary, Alberta

STARS’ highly skilled professionals take care of critical patients in the air, on the ground or virtually to save lives wherever patients live in Western Canada. A CA $10,000 donation enabled GFL to be the Volunteer Sponsor of the STARS & Spurs Gala which raised over $1.6 million for the charity. The GFL team volunteered at pre-event activities at the gala and helped at other events.

Family Wellness 
Donations made in this class help families with children in need to build a happier, healthier future.

EP!C Foundation
GFL branch: Peoria, Illinois

EP!C provides educational, community and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental delays. GFL’s US $5,000 donation helped with Ep!c Harvest, which allows over 80 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to take part in the greenhouse, garden and community supported agriculture (CSA) program. Ten GFL volunteers planted 1,000 seedlings!

Platypus Adventures
GFL branch: Greenville/ Spartanburg, South Carolina

Platypus Adventures provides activities and adventures for children and youth with disabilities, including the Tri My Best Triathlon. GFL’s US $5,000 donation supported the triathlon, where ten GFL employees partnered a participating child as a “buddy” and others volunteered at various stations. GFL employees are passionate about this FCP project as some have children with disabilities.

Arts, Culture and Education
This class invests in enriching local arts and culture, as well as supporting programs and scholarships that create better educational opportunities for young people.

Art Gallery of Alberta
GFL branch: Edmonton, Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta’s Art Express is a hands-on approach to art education for adults with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities. Class sessions involve drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture and mixed media art. GFL’s donation of CA $5,000 supported the Art Express fall session and provided volunteer opportunities for GFL employees.

Friends of the Little White House
GFL branch: Greenville/ Spartanburg, South Carolina

Friends of the Little White House provide education and teach life skills for children with autism. GFL’s US $5,000 donation helped to buy pumpkins for their annual Pumpkin Patch fundraiser, along with other needs. GFL volunteers helped to unload 2,500 pumpkins from a semi-truck and passed them along a human line to the pumpkin patch where they were displayed and sold.

We’d like to extend a warm thank you to all our branches and employees who participated in FCP throughout 2023 by nominating charity partners and volunteering their time to give back to their communities.

We look forward to the continuing success of the Full Circle Project as we build new partnerships with charities and make a difference in the communities where we live and work.

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