We use our purchasing power to support the success of cooperatives and social enterprises that create jobs while adding social and environmental value to the community. This includes purchasing from businesses participating in Winnipeg’s Social Purchasing Portal.

Over the years, ACU has supported a number of community-based enterprises, including aboriginal co-operatives such as Neechi Foods and Northern Star, through the purchase of promotional items, catering services, courier services, cleaning services, and even construction services.

You can learn more below about how the social enterprise, Inner City Renovations, helped build our Rivergrove branch:

Inner City Renovation helps build our green branch

Another way we strengthen the social and economic fabric of our neighbourhoods is by using our purchasing power to support co-operatives and social enterprises with both business and social missions.

When we set out to build our first green branch in 2005, we wanted to make an environmental, economic and social difference. So, among many other things, we hired Inner City Renovation to be part of the construction team.

Inner City Renovation was born out of a need to create meaningful, well-paying, full-time jobs for inner city residents. When it came time for us to build our green Rivergrove branch, the unique construction company felt like a perfect fit.

“Our relationship with Assiniboine is rooted in our shared values to do good work in the community every day, “says Marty Donkervoort, ICR’s General Manager. “We both want to help create better lives for people.”

From the onset, ICR had a special interest in working with non-profit organizations serving Winnipeg’s core area. Since 2002, the team has worked on 175 projects including many involving non-profit housing groups. Now, as trained trades people, the staff at ICR earn competitive wages in the construction industry.