At IPC, we built IPC Cares to bring together the various efforts we make towards enhancing the communities within which we operate. By adopting causes that are close to our hearts, we keep ourselves committed and accountable.

Last year alone, as a company, we supported the aid efforts on the Fort McMurray fires, palliative care through The Healing Cycle Foundation and women and children through The Salvation Army.

Perhaps the most significant effort we undertake, and one that we believe is representative of the kind of work that inspires and keeps us committed to our CSR efforts, is the community development project in Honduras with The Carpenteros & Friends. Last year’s project involved a group of IPC staff and Advisors volunteering their time and energy on the ground. Very little is as inspiring and rewarding as living the lives of the people you’re helping, and every one of the people who took the journey came back a changed person, even more determined to stay committed to making a difference in the world!

We also made countless small but significant contributions of our time and resources within our communities through many grassroots charities we believe in, and the ripple effect of their efforts are always rewarding.

Open Arms is a registered charity made up of a network of volunteers from many different churches, other community groups, schools and other concerned citizens from Wolfville to Bridgetown. Initially intended as a Community Chaplaincy / Advocacy for marginalized people in the Annapolis Valley, Open Arms began to serve many in immediate crises and was established as a Registered Charity in 2004. In response to the need we encountered, we began and operated a year round shelter program for several years, but we now coordinate a seasonal 'Inn From The Cold' program with seven local churches as well as operating Drop-in / Outreach Centers in Kentville and Berwick. 

We did not know what to expect when the resource centre became a Drop-in outreach in January 2009, but we have found that vast numbers of people have utilized this service. The Drop-in Centre (now located at 32 Cornwallis Street) has drop-in hours mornings and evening, six days per week (Monday – Saturday) and has 600 – 800 visits each month as well as countless calls for other assistance. It is a place where people can be warm, safe and fed as well as be directed to whichever other relevant community services they are in need of. Aside from those most basic needs, numerous helps and supports are available at the drop-in through the week. Addiction supports, art & literacy programs, job / resume helps, Bible study programs and a community garden project are also available each week for those who choose to participate. People using the Inn From the Cold program are encouraged to connect with our drop-in team for assessment and referrals. Approximately 50 regular volunteers make the programs possible at the Drop-in Centres possible each week and countless others regularly host additional meals and events. 

Aside from assisting people who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of being on the street, hungry or lonely, we also provide the following supports: 

S.A.F.E. House Program - Developing safe and affordable housing for people in transition. We currently operate a rooming housing with seven beds and hope to expand our capacity. 

Prison Ministry / Outreach to youth and adults on parole 

Rural Food Delivery Program To Families in Crisis 

Apartment locating / transitional & permanent residence 

Furniture Bank - Collection, storage and delivery of donated furniture

We are currently seeking more space to compliment our current transition house where we could adequately and affordably house people who are actively seeking help to move forward in their lives. Our long term vision includes a hope to establish a retreat centre where people from all walks of life can go for retreat, rest and healing. Please pray for us in these and all things. 

To contact us, please call Open Arms (365-3665 or e-mail open.arms@openarms.ca) 
For more information and updates, check us out on online: www.openarms.ca / www.facebook.com/OpenArms.ca 

Each year, from coast to coast we participate in Junior Achievement’s projects and in-school events that aim to help kids improve their knowledge, skills and confidence in making the best financial choices. Each year more than 226,000 young Canadians experience a Junior Achievement program from over 13,500 committed business mentors, including many from Investment Planning Counsel. 

The JA programs - Dollars with Sense and Economics for Success - are delivered in schools by volunteer advisors. And research has shown than over 75% of Junior Achievement’s past participants believe the programs had a significant impact in developing their financial literacy skills –– saving more, borrowing less and doing better financially than the average Canadian.