Roots Cares

Everything we do is rooted in a desire to create positive change and build a better future for all.

For nearly 50 years, Roots has been committed to giving back to and partnering with communities in need. With the Company's values of community, authenticity, integrity and freedom in mind, Roots is committed to embracing inclusivity through respect, acceptance, representation, and empowerment.

Since February 2020, Roots has donated approximately $3.6 million of cash and in-kind donations to various organizations within the communities in which Roots operates.

Our Charities & Partner Organizations

Athletes on Track

Roots is proud to partner with The BlackNorth Initative (BNI) on its “Athletes on Track” program as a sponsor for the 2024-2025 season. “Athletes on Track” is a bursary and mentorship program designed to financially support university student-athletes and supply them with the tools necessary to enter and thrive in the job market once they graduate.

As part of Roots participation in the program, two Black student-athletes will receive a bursary and a mentor appointed by BNI to support them in general skill development and provide career path guidance based on their area of studies.

“Roots has a long-standing tradition of celebrating athletics and youth in Canada, and we are proud to build on our existing relationship with The BlackNorth Initative to support the student-athletes through this program”
– Roots CEO, Meghan Roach

BlackNorth Initiative

The BlackNorth Initiative is on a mission to end anti-Black systemic racism throughout all aspects of our lives by utilizing a business-first mindset. They are committed to the removal of anti-Black systemic barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians.

Roots was one of the original signatories of The BlackNorth Initiative’s CEO Pledge released in 2020, which has since been signed by 500 corporations, public entities, and charitable institutions, with business leaders committing to fosters diversity and equity within their workplaces, particularly by empowering Black employees.

Rainbow Road

A global not-for-profit organization that helps at-risk LGTBQI+ people get to safety worldwide. Based in the United States and Canada, this organization helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

Canadian Women’s Foundation

Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality. They advance this by growing support for grassroots feminist action, partnering with communities and organizations to improve conditions, and building diverse leadership and knowledge for sustainable change.

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Holland Bloorview is Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital, providing both inpatient and outpatient services. They care for kids with disabilities, kids needing rehabilitation after illness or trauma, kids whose medical complexity requires a kind of care they can’t get elsewhere.

Evergreen

Evergreen aims to make cities more livable, green, and prosperous. For over 30 years, they’ve been facilitating change in communities through connection, innovation, and sustainable actions.

They work with community builders across sectors to solve some of the most pressing issues cities face: climate change, housing affordability, and access to nature and public spaces.

First Nations Nutrition Program

First Nations Nutrition Program is part of Canadian Feed the Children. Their mission is to unlock children’s potential through community-led action in Canada and around the world.

They take a personalized, community-led approach to development. They are seeing long- term impact. They increase access to quality education for children, support families to gain greater food security, and help build sustainable community resilience. They work through local partners and directly with communities to achieve demonstrable change that benefits children.

Our Donation Pillars

Racial & Gender Equity

Supporting BIPOC Communities with the commitment to fund equity-seeking groups.

2SLGBTQS+ Communities

Supporting equality for all genders and sexualities.

SUSTAINABILITY

A focus on protecting our environment and green spaces.

Health & Well-being

A focus on the health and well-being of differently abled bodies.