Centron’s Commitment to the Community
In 1993, DDRC (Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary) made a bold decision to develop a number of agency-owned and operated profit-generating businesses. In diversifying its income base, by offering goods and services for sale to consumers, DDRC could decrease reliance on insecure government funding and increase employment opportunities for the developmentally disabled.
Centron Construction was originally involved with DDRC as a developer to develop a space for one of the agency's businesses. The business relationship readily developed into a model example of nonprofit/corporate partnerships. Centron quietly took the agency and its newly formed businesses under its wing and for the past six years has donated financial resources, time and expertise to help DDRC achieve its goals. Centron has acted as business mentor, offering advice and expertise on all aspects of running a business. Centron's owner Bob Harris and his son Cole have provided a leadership role in their support of DDRC's small businesses, inspiring Centron employees and the immediate community to do likewise. The company also supports DDRC fundraising events, purchasing tables and selling tickets, helping to leverage new markets and customers for all DDRC's businesses by promoting them to their partners and suppliers. Employees have followed their leader's example and dedicate many hours of their own time to assist DDRC where help is needed.
Centron has unobtrusively built a solid reputation as a caring, community-minded organization. Pat Ferguson, executive director of DDRC says, "The spirit of philanthropy that pervades the Harris family and Centron Construction should be recognized and promoted as an example of "servant leadership" in industry. Their consistent philosophy is "it is an honour to help”. It is our experience that Centron's approach originates from a belief in the responsibility to support the community without an anticipated or strategic interest in business return. The result is quiet but impactful support from a business to the non-profit sector and, more importantly, to those whom the sector seeks to serve."
Under Bob Harris' leadership, Centron has supported many other organizations including Big Brothers and Sisters, Alberta Outreach, Woods Homes, the MS Society, Alberta Children's Hospital, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, STARS Air Ambulance, the Gary Roberts Childrens Foundation, Easter Seals, and more.
