
On Social Impact
By Neil Hopkins

On Social ImpactDec 20, 2020

A conversation with Ada Swierszcz - Good Foot Delivery, Toronto
This is a repost of a conversation which took place in July 2019
Imagine you work in Toronto, and need to move a package across the city - who are you going to call?
Imagine if there was a business that had their social impact front and centre. Which made a difference to people's lives and which was competitively priced.
Well, imagine no more!
Check out this fabulous conversation with Ada from Good Foot Delivery to find out who you should be using to send your next package across the city!
Keep the conversation going:
Website - www.GoodFootDelivery.com
Twitter - www.twitter.com/Good_Foot
Facebook - www.facebook.com/GoodFootDelivery/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/goodfootdelivery/

A conversation with Ryan Fukanaga, Free Geek Toronto
This is a repost of a discussion that took place in June 2019.
Does every piece of technology have its day? Perhaps - but it shouldn't have to!
Free Geek Toronto are part of an international coalition of Free Geeks, who are breathing new life into unwanted technology. Not only are they making a positive environmental impact by diverting this tech from landfill, but they're making a huge social impact as well.
How? Listen in to their story with Executive Director Ryan Fukunaga to find out!
For more info and to keep the conversation going:
Website - www.freegeektoronto.org/
Twitter - twitter.com/FreeGeekToronto
Facebook - www.facebook.com/FreeGeekToronto
Instagram - www.instagram.com/freegeektoronto/

A conversation with Hanna & Morva, CommuniHelp
This is a repost of an episode originally published in May 2019
Meet Hanna & Morva - fierce founders of CommuniHelp and leaders of a team who are on a mission to change the world of volunteering.
I'm really excited by what they're building. Not only because it's so scaleable, but because it's helping to meet a huge number of personal and social needs in one slickly designed package.
In a great conversation, we touch on:
- The founders' personal stories
- What makes CommuniHelp different - and why it's needed by a diverse range of audiences
- Why the business is structured in the way that it is
- The importance of the mission statement
Once you've listened, why not sign up to CommuniHelp to start revolutionizing the world, one volunteer relationship at a time?
Website: communihelp.ca/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/communihelp/about/
Twitter: twitter.com/communihelp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/communihelp/

A conversation with Abby Stec, Elephant Thoughts
This is a repost of an episode originally shared in December 2018
Elephant Thoughts is not an obvious name for an education company but, after hearing how it came about, I think you'll agree that it's absolutely perfect.
Elephant Thoughts describe themselves as 'Education for a changing world', and the projects that they are involved in are varied, vital, and very exciting. Listen in on this great conversation as Abby & I discuss Elephant Thoughts' history, the power of creating community capacity and what granters really look for in an application.
And don't forget to keep the conversation going!
Website: www.elephantthoughts.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Elephantthought
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elephantthoughts/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elephant_thoughts/
Music by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Barry Martin, Hypenotic
This is a repost of an episode originally released in October 2018
Imagine running an agency which specialises in helping social impact entrepreneurs achieve more.
Then imagine being a B Corp and holding yourself up to the highest exemplar standards in the social impact space.
This is Hypenotic and I was privileged to get founder Barry Martin on the podcast for a chat about the company, about the opportunities and challenges in today's social impact space in Ontario and the value of external certification.
Enjoy - and don't forget to keep the conversation flowing:
Twitter - twitter.com/hypenoticbam
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/barryalexandermartin/
Website - hypenotic.com/
Music as always by Shane Ivers, www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Marc Soberano, Building Up
This is a repost of an episode originally published September 2018
Building Up is a fantastic social impact business which exists to help individuals with barriers to employment to get into apprenticeships and careers in the construction trades.
I've been fortunate to be connected to Marc Soberano (Founder & Executive Director) through social media for some time, so it was a real privilege to interview, discovering more about Building Up and the difference they're making throughout Toronto.
There's plenty to take away in this episode, as well as a really clear invitation from Marc to connect directly with him to find out more and spread the impact ever further!
Don't forget to continue following the story, even after listening to the episode!
Website: www.buildingup.ca/
Twitter: twitter.com/BuildingUpTO
Facebook: www.facebook.com/buildingupTO/

A conversation with Lawrence Alvarez, Toronto Tool Library
This is a repost of an episode originally shared in August 2018
Lawrence Alvarez is one of the co-founders of Toronto Tool Library - a business whose name really doesn't cover half of the amazing stuff they offer.
In this podcast. Lawrence talks about the growth of the Tool Library, the very real change it has been set up to make in the world, and the reason why tool libraries need to exist in the first place.
We also ponder the question - "how many hammers does the world actually need?"
Keep the conversation flowing!
Website - torontotoollibrary.com/
Twitter - twitter.com/TOToolLibrary
Facebook - www.facebook.com/TorontoToolLibrary/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/torontotoollibrary/
Youtube - www.youtube.com/user/TorontoToolLibrary
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Andre Vashist, Verge Capital
This is a repost of an episode originally shared in August 2018
Andre Vashist is the Director, Social Enterprise and Social Finance at VERGE Capital.
Iv VERGE Capital's own words, they catalyze "an ecosystem of impact investing that redirects wealth to help tackle our region’s most challenging social and environmental issues."
Andre describes VERGE Capital as a social finance intermediary, matching investors and capital with the social impact projects which need support.
In this wonderful discussion, we dig into social impact investing, talk about the power of storytelling, why we need to be human in business and talk a philosophical detour as well.
Have fun listening in - and don't forget to keep the conversation going:
Website: www.vergecapital.ca/
Twitter : twitter.com/VergeCCapital
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VERGECCapital/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/verge-capital/
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Jodi Lastman, Park People
This is a repost of an episode originally recorded in July 2018
Park People are a Canada-wide NGO which uses the power of parks to improve the quality of life in cities across Canada.
Jodi Lastman, Park People's Manager, Communications, Skypes into the podcast to talk about the organization's work, community mobilization and why parks are a "neat gateway drug" for all sorts of really, really good things.
On the way through, we namecheck Jane Jacobs, Shawn Micallef and Jutta Mason (links below!).
Enjoy - and don't forget to keep the conversation going!
Web: parkpeople.ca/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParkPeopleCA
Twitter: twitter.com/Park_People
Instagram: www.instagram.com/parkppl/
People we namecheck:
Jane Jacobs - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Jacobs
Shawn Micallef (especially his book Frontier City): twitter.com/shawnmicallef
Jutta Mason of the Dufferin Grove Park Group: www.dufferinpark.ca/aboutus/wiki/wiki.php
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Peter Deitz
This is a repost of an episode originally shared in June 2018
Peter Deitz has been drawn to startups and involved in internet culture since the age of 13. For the last 10 years, he has worked almost exclusively on entrepreneurial projects that he founded or co-founded—all of which have had a social purpose.
Peter joins ON Social Impact to talk about his life's work, as well as the growth of GrantBook and UnWrapIt. There's some fantastic advice to help entrepreneurs focus, be successful and consider how trust is a vital currency in social impact business.
Once you've listened in, don't forget to continue the conversation with Peter:
Twitter: twitter.com/peterdeitz
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peterdeitz/
Details for UnWrapIt:
Website: unwrapit.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/UnWrapIt_
Details for GrantBook
Website: www.grantbook.org/
Twitter: twitter.com/GrantBookorg
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Brendon & Scott, Southridge Jam Company
This is a repost of an episode originally published in June 2018
The demands placed on homeless shelters is steadily increasing in the Niagara, Ontario region. Southridge Jam Company are taking an entrepreneurial approach to tackling an evidenced social need, and transforming lives at the same time. Brendon and Scott from Southridge Jam Company join the podcast to share their stories and share some key insights into the reality of running a social impact business in Ontario.
Don't forget to keep the conversation going after you've finished listening:
Website - southridgejam.com/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/southridgejamco/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/SouthridgeJamCo
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Michael Braithwaite, Raising the Roof
This is a repost of an episode originally recorded in May 2018
Can you imagine being homeless - or faced with the very real threat of having nowhere to lay your head tonight? This is something which affects 235,000 Canadians every year.
Now imagine if you're a young person trying to stay on top of school as well. Can you put yourself in their shoes?
Raising The Roof are an inspirational social impact business tackling homelessness from a huge number of angles - simultaneously.
From testing innovative concepts to help people stay off the streets, to researching best practice around the world, while selling toques, restoring properties and more - they're a truly multi-faceted approach to ending homelessness in Canada.
Listen in as CEO Michael Braithwaite shares the story - and find out how you can get involved too.
Don't forget to keep the conversation going:
Website: www.RaisingTheRoof.org
Twitter: twitter.com/RaisingTheRoof
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Steven Bourne, Ripple Farms
This is a repost of an episode originally recorded in May 2018
Pioneering a no-waste food production system in Toronto, Ripple Farms are doing something a little 'out of the ordinary' get to food to your plate.
I jumped on a Hangout with CEO and co-founder Steven Bourne to find out more, and get his take on what it's like being a social impact business in Ontario right now.
Have a listen, then make sure that you carry on the conversation:
Web - https://ripplelearning.thinkific.com
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Rafik Riad, Buy Good Feel Good
This is a repost of an episode from April 2018
How do you make a change in your habits or your purchasing decisions? The first step has to be to know what's out there, what the options are, right?
In this episode, I chat to Rafik Riad, founder of Buy Good Feel Good - an amazing expo and platform which is helping social impact businesses across the world find new customers and discover new scale.
If you'd like the money in your wallet to do some good in the world - and buy the stuff you really want at the same time - you're going to love this conversation!
Website: www.BuyGoodFeelGood.com
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/BuyGoodFeelGood
Instagram: www.instagram.com/buygoodfeelgood/
www.facebook.com/buygoodfeelgood/
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Tim Nash, Good Investing
This is a repost of an episode originally recorded in April 2018.
Can you make a profit AND invest your money in a sustainable, socially impactful way?
"Giant Nerd" Tim Nash thinks that you can - and is on a mission to help one million Canadians use their investments to change the world for the better.
Listen in to this great conversation for more about Tim's mission, why he believes that we need to shake ourselves out of status quo bias and how to avoid putting a cricket in your vegan investment portfolio.
To carry on the conversation with Tim, follow these links:
Twitter - www.twitter.com/timenash
Website - www.goodinvesting.com/
Blog - www.sustainableeconomist.com/
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Nurjahan Begum, Progoti
This is a repost of an episode originally shared in April 2018
Where do you stand on 'fast fashion'? We are ever more used to our clothes becoming disposable commodities - but as prices get pushed downwards, someone, somewhere loses out, right?
Nurjahan Begum is on a mission - using her social impact business, Progoti, to dramatically change the lives of the Bangladeshi workers who craft clothes for brands the world over.
Listen into her story - and don't forget to follow along:
Website: progoti.ca/
Twitter: twitter.com/progotibyposhak
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A Conversation with Kyle Shantz, Centre for Social Innovation
This is a repost of an episode that was originally shared in March 2018
Kyle Shantz is the Marketing Manager for the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto.
In this episode, I learn more about CSI and what it offers to Ontario's Social Impact sector; find out about moving from symptoms to systems thinking; and talk about what social impact leaders can do to get ahead over the next year or more.
If you want to continue the conversation with Kyle, you can find him on:
Twitter - twitter.com/kyleshantz
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-shantz-49a3b2b1/
Or even email, if that's your thing: Kyle@socialinnovation.ca.
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Richie Bloomfield, Urban Roots London
This is a repost of an episode originally released in March 2018 Based in London, Ontario, Urban Roots London are a start-up social enterprise tackling food insecurity, food deserts and the way that we produce our food. Co-founder Richie Bloomfield jumped onto the podcast to share the journey so far, what the team have learned and what you can do to get in on the food revolution...
Don't forget to carry on the conversation:
Website: https://www.urbanrootslondon.ca/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/UrbanRootsLdnOn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanRootsLdnOnt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanrootslondon/
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Tom Megginson
This is a repost of a conversation originally shared in February 2018. Since the podcast, Tom has launched his own practice - That's A Good Story: https://thatsagoodstory.com
Tom Megginson is the Creative Director of Acart Communications in Ottawa, an agency which carries out a huge amount of social good work.
In this conversation, I get the chance to ask Tom about some of the trends which social impact businesses can use to get their messages across, how to build a great agency/client relationship and also find out what motivates him in the social good space.
If you want to connect with Tom to keep the conversation going, here are the details:
Twitter - twitter.com/creativetweets
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/tommegginson/
The Ethical Adman Blog - workthatmatters.blogspot.co.uk/
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com

A conversation with Preston Aitken, Hire Up Youth
This is a repost of an episode from January 2018
Hire Up Youth is a Toronto-based social impact business tackling youth homelessness through employment.
CEO Preston Aitken joined the podcast to introduce his company, talk about where AI might take them and share some of the lessons learned on the journey to today.
If you want to find out more about what Hire Up Youth can offer you - check out their website https://www.gohireup.ca
Music: Higher Up by Shane Ivers - www.silvermansound.com
