Velocity Networks is getting ready to lift the spirits of the community in its annual Pay it Forward campaign.
Over the past five years, the local business has helped out a family in need at Christms time.
“We’ve always wanted to be able to do more since we’ve been so fortunate in the business,” said Tara Marsland, CAO of Velocity Networks. “It’s one way to get that holiday cheer going.”
The fellow Cochranite and humanitarian at heart explains members of the community can nominate a family they believe needs a little pick me up by sending a detailed email to [email protected] by Nov.30.
“We get nominations from everywhere,” said Marsland. “It can anywhere from a family that’s been unemployed to someone who has been struggling health-wise.”
In previous years, Marsland said she has crossed paths with some pretty incredible families. She explains the way they learn about each nominee is from the nominator. Things like what the family is going through, how many children they have and what they enjoy doing are just some components that will help with the decision in selecting a family.
It also becomes a personal experience for herself and husband, Jason, she said, who share the duties of shopping for the family.
“I think that’s what makes it special,” said Marsland, adding the campaign has been a way to give back to the community.
Typically the family will receive a food basket, two gifts for each child and a cheque. Marsland said there have been times where they have increased the amount based on the circumstances of the family.
“They’re just so overwhelmed and appreciative and it’s great to see," she said. "The kids are just over the moon and they don’t know if they’re supposed to open up the gifts or if they need to wait.”
COVID has proven to be a challenge for a number of families. Last year, Marsland chose two families, and this year she already has two nominations. This is also the first year Velocity Networks has allowed other businesses and community members to participate.
“If they want to be able to give an unwrapped gift or even do local gift cards, so if that’s the movie house or if that’s a local restaurant for the family for them to be able to go out because those are really expensive outings,” said Marsland, adding even the smallest of things like a Christmas card will have a huge impact on a family.
Velocity Networks will be updating their social media platforms to reflect what the nominated family needs and likes, but will not release any personal information. Marsland has also been talking to churches within Town and the Cochrane Activettes to see if they know any deserving families.
“We would love to help every family," she said. "If we have more gifts and gift cards, maybe we choose more families. If this building is over flooded with gifts, I call it a win. We’ve been really, really fortunate here in Cochrane and the support that we’ve had, and I believe in karma, you need to be able to do good to get good.”
You can find the submission form to nominate a family at velocitynetworks.ca. If any businesses or community members would like to offer any gifts to the family, they can be dropped off at Velocity Network’s storefront.
