WELL Health Stories

Compassion in Action: WELL's Virtual Food Drive with the GVFB

WELL Health Technologies

At WELL, our commitment to fostering thriving communities goes beyond words – it’s embedded in our actions. We believe that giving back to the communities we serve is an integral part of our mission. This commitment isn’t confined to just one initiative; it’s a value that resonates throughout our organizations. 
 
Discover how WELL and its subsidiaries have made a profound difference, ensuring that both families and individuals in need have vital access to food and nourishment. 

WELL’s Virtual Food Drive and The Greater Vancouver Food Bank 

In December 2022, a season of giving and gratitude, WELL’s determination to make a tangible difference led to the heartwarming creation of our Virtual Food Drive. This initiative, in partnership with The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB), exemplified our dedication to supporting countless individuals and families facing the harsh realities of food insecurity. 

The GVFB stands as a beacon of hope, offering compassion and relief to those in need. It was only natural for WELL to join hands with this incredible organization to magnify our impact. The Virtual Food Drive rallied the combined goodwill of our team members, surpassing the initial target of $5,000. But the impact didn’t stop there. Hamed Shahbazi, Founder & CEO of WELL, extended his generosity to this cause. By pledging to match team members’ donations, he added an extra $5,000 to the contributions, culminating in a remarkable total of $10,080. This added impetus showcased the power of collaborative efforts, making a substantial difference in the lives of those less fortunate. 

 

Circle Medical’s Impact: San Francisco-Marin Food Bank and Québec-St. Willibrord Parish 

Around the same time, our subsidiary company, Circle Medical, demonstrated their dedication to community involvement through impactful volunteer work. The Circle Medical San Francisco team actively engaged with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, an organization committed to eradicating hunger and providing crucial support to those in need. This partnership had our team members rolling up their sleeves at the heart of the action – the Food Bank’s warehouse, where our team diligently packed bags and boxes of fresh produce, canned goods, and other essential food items in preparation for food delivery for seniors and people with disabilities within the community. 

We were thrilled to learn through the San Fransico Food Bank 2022 Hunger Report that our contribution exceeded the set goal of pounds of packaged food, underscoring the commitment of Circle Medical to making a tangible difference in the fight against hunger. 

“I am grateful to work at a place that prioritizes community involvement and recognizes the importance of giving back to the community we’re serving. Our time at SF Marin Food Bank allowed our team to work together toward a great cause of ending hunger in our community. It provided the perspective that enables us to continue our mission of providing delightful primary care to our entire community and beyond.”  Mary Kate Wheeler, Medical Director, SF Circle Medical Clinic 

 

Additionally, our Circle Medical Montreal team also took meaningful steps to make a difference. Volunteering with St. Willibrord Parish, they engaged in the heartwarming Christmas Basket Project, an initiative that assembles holiday baskets for families and individuals in need within the Verdun neighbourhood. The project, powered entirely by volunteers, embodies the spirit of putting love into action by distributing nonperishable and fresh food, Christmas treats, and toys to those who need it most. 

 

Empowering Communities Through Collective Action 

As we reflect on these initiatives – the GVFB partnership, Circle Medical’s collaboration with the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, and the Christmas Basket Project – we’re reminded that our commitment to thriving communities transcends geographical boundaries. It’s about nurturing dreams, cultivating empathy, and making a lasting impact on lives. 

To dive deeper into the heartwarming experiences of community engagement and charitable efforts, we invite you to view WELL Stories or visit our People & Culture Page.