Phoenix A.M.D. International Holds Annual Donation Drive

For the fifteenth year running, Phoenix A.M.D. International Inc. hosted its annual holiday toy and food drive in collaboration with partner charities.

On Dec. 15, the company transformed its headquarters in Bowmanville, Ont., into a festive wonderland. Employees and their families, along with representatives from Durham Regional Police Service, Clarington Fire Department, Lakeridge Health, the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul Society, gathered for breakfast, which included waffles, gelato and pictures with Santa Claus.

Phoenix A.M.D. donated thousands of toys for all ages, ranging from stuffed animals and puzzles to makeup kits and bicycles. Employees even pitched in their own personal funds to make extra food donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society food bank and Salvation Army.

“Our food bank has grown so much through donations every year,” says food bank manager Christine Boyd, noting Phoenix A.M.D.’s annual contribution has allowed the food bank to do certain things. “Like last year, we made sure we always had milk and eggs in stock. We never ran out. Just little things like that have made a huge impact to us.”

Each agency also received additional donations to support their year-round efforts. These contributions, as well as other charitable works throughout the year, are part of Phoenix A.M.D.’s commitment to being a positive force in the local community.

“The Phoenix elves did a hell of a job,” says Albert Marrache, cofounder and president of Phoenix A.M.D. “It’s going to do an amazing thing for the community. It’s really important and I think everybody needs it.”

Since 2008, the charitable and community endeavours undertaken by the company and people who work for it are valued at an estimated $1 million.

“We’re fortunate to have what we have and this is one of the ways that we could give back to the community where our staff lives, so we make sure we’re giving back,” says company cofounder and vice-president Dawn Rowe. “It’s not something that we set out to do — I think it has more to do with the type of people we are. It’s just the right thing.”

Phoenix A.M.D. is one of North America’s leading value-added home furnishings protection and service specialists. The company provides service plans, high-efficiency detergents and mattress protectors through its Excelsior brand.