Working for Good with Darwin Construction
We are celebrating 15 years of partnership with Darwin Construction!
As one of EMBERS Staffing’s first construction clients, Darwin has been a key partner and supporter to EMBERS from the beginning. The support of a major construction company in the early stages of EMBERS Staffing helped solidify our reputation in the industry and enabled us to continue growing and changing the lives of the people who work with us.
EMBERS connected with Darwin Construction in 2009 and we have been working together ever since. EMBERS Founder and CEO, Marcia Nozick and EMBERS Director of Business Development, Doug Aason, met Darwin’s Founder, David Webbe, at a fundraising event for a Downtown Eastside street soccer league. After talking and realizing the synergies between the two organizations, a partnership was developed, which is still strong and thriving 15 years later. One of the first projects that EMBERS and Darwin worked together on was the SRO Renewal Initiative starting in 2012. EMBERS was a community partner in the project which sought to renovate 13 provincially owned buildings in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through the partnership with Darwin on this project, 1,666 people were employed and $3.6M was paid out in wages and benefits. Of the 1,666 people that worked on the project, 30% were hired on full time.
As EMBERS Founder and CEO, Marcia Nozick describes:
“David and the Darwin team have been instrumental in EMBERS Staffing’s success. Darwin believed in our mission and through their support over the years we’ve been able to grow and expand our impact”.
Darwin is a champion of EMBERS and our commitment to community impact. For the past 13 years, Darwin has been the title sponsor of EMBERS’ Annual Charity Golf Tournament – our biggest fundraiser of the year. Darwin has helped us take our golf tournament to the next level and spread awareness about our mission and how together, we can create lasting community impact.
We recently visited Darwin’s Lonsdale Square projects in North Vancouver. EMBERS Staffing has placed 100+ workers on the multi-site project over the past couple of years. The project consists of a 113 unit purpose-built rental building developed by Darwin Properties and Minto Apartments and a seniors community care facility for Sunrise Senior Living, spanning 82,019 square feet and comprising of 100 units.
We sat down with the Darwin team to learn more about Darwin’s approach to community impact. Read our Q&A below!
Why is community impact important to Darwin?
Darwin is committed to being a valued member of the community, playing our part in making it stronger now and for future generations. We work hard to make every action and interaction exceed expectations. We work for the people who live in our communities and those who work in spaces that we build.
What has Darwin’s experience been like working with EMBERS?
Darwin deeply values the meaningful partnership that we have with EMBERS. We understand that sometimes people need an extra hand to get themselves out of a difficult situation. Working with EMBERS has allowed Darwin to provide that opportunity all while filling our project staffing needs. We believe that providing employment encompasses far beyond mere income; it embodies self-worth, friendship, and integration into a social network. Collaborating with EMBERS stands as a source of immense pride for Darwin and reflects our shared dedication to fostering social inclusion and sustainable employment.
Any advice for people looking to start in the construction industry?
Show Initiative and Willingness to Learn: Demonstrate a strong work ethic, initiative, and eagerness to learn. Employers value individuals who are proactive, adaptable, and willing to take on new challenges.
Develop Technical Skills: Familiarize yourself with various tools, equipment, and construction techniques relevant to your area of interest within the industry. Continuously honing your technical skills will make you more proficient and marketable as a construction professional.
Network: Build relationships with professionals already working in the construction industry. Networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry.
Darwin’s support is a reminder to us all that we can create significant social change by advocating for causes we believe in and leading by example through our actions and choices. A big thank you to Darwin for participating in this interview and for taking a chance on EMBERS 15 years ago. We are proud of our partnership and look forward to many more years of working together!
