Events

Partnership with Communitas is Great for Business

Stories Events Partnership with Communitas is Great for Business

As cars pull into the Communitas parking lot, they can see the large Urban Impact shredding truck doing its job: securely shredding documents, right on site.

For several years, Urban Impact has partnered with Communitas to provide this service and raise funds for Communitas. For a suggested donation of $10 per banker’s box, people can have their documents safely shredded onsite and support Communitas’ services to people living with disabilities.

“Events like this are also a great opportunity for us to create awareness about Communitas’ work and also promote responsible businesses like Urban Impact,” says Samantha Palmer, philanthropy and donor engagement manager.

the Drive-Thru Shred-a-thon is easy and convenient!

Choosing Urban Impact was an easy choice. The company shares Communitas’ person-centred values and since 2000 has supported charities with free shredding services.

“Our goal is to help charities to reduce their waste and recycling expenses,” says Nicole Steffenelli, co-owner of Urban Impact. “By holding a shredding fundraiser, these charities have more funds to do the valuable work they do in our communities.”

In 2025, Urban Impact’s Community Shredding Events collectively raised more than $34,000 and securely shredded 20,590 kg of paper. Communitas’ spring Shred-a-thon raised more than $6500 for the organization.

“We are very proud that we could help Communitas raise funds for services that directly support people with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and acquired brain injury,” Nicole says.

Urban Impact provides a driver and shredding truck at no charge to shred sensitive documents for the community. Communitas handles promotion, organizes the volunteers, and interacts with the public.

Volunteers like Dana and Ryan make the day happen

Samantha is grateful for Urban Impact’s commitment to community fundraising. It has been an opportunity to build a relationship while providing an important service to the community.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to expand awareness and to learn more about each other’s work,” Samantha says. “Then we get to share that with the people who participate in the event.”

Unique collaboration events like the Shred-a-thon are just one way that a business can partner with Communitas. Sponsorships, donations, or sharing proceeds from sales are all opportunities to raise funds and awareness. Supporting a charity like Communitas is a perfect opportunity to enhance a business’s social responsibility mandate. Whether it’s holding an event or making a direct donation, Samantha emphasizes that the support goes both ways.