From our home base in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Williams Group President Michael Williams has spent the last six years as a volunteer, board member and strategic vendor to an umbrella charity called Sylvan Lake Community Partners. For the last 25 years, the CPA (as it's known) has served residents in a multitude of ways, following their mission of of Connections & Crisis Intervention.

A Legacy of Championing Community Initiatives

Michael has championed several initiatives during his time as a CPA volunteer that have had a lasting impact on the community of Sylvan Lake such as:

• Tools for School Program: Michael helped revive the program, with Chamber Supply Co. providing discounted school supplies and donating additional items to support children in need.
• Thrift Store Relocation: Michael negotiated a new lease and coordinated the relocation of the by-donation thrift store, boosting its visibility and accessibility.
• Dental Care Program: Michael championed a dental program providing care to underserved populations in Sylvan Lake, improving community oral health.

Connecting Community

In 2022, The Williams Group found itself with a service van it no longer needed. Rather than sell it, Willams donated it to the Community Partners organization as they had no vehicle of their own and staff were having to use their personal vehicles to assit in daily operations.

Williams then connected with one of their existing clients, a local mechanic shop and dedicated community supporter Rapid Auto, who volunteered to keep the vehicle maintained in exchange for advertising on the van. Over the last two and a half years, the partnership has worked extermely well, with the service vehicle donation has proven to be significant step in helping Sylvan Lake and District Community Partners expand their reach and improve their services. The van is used for various community initiatives, from transporting food and donations to facilitating events, ultimately enabling the organization to better serve those in need.

Watch, Like and Share Campaign

During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many charities around the world, CPA was forced to close its doors and provide reduced services to its clientele. Upon reopening, they faced the challenge of reintroducing their in-office programs and reminding the public—who may have forgotten about them over the past few years—of their offerings. With limited local media options, they sought a creative solution.

Williams Communications developed a multi-tiered campaign called "Watch, Like and Share." The core of the campaign featured a series of videos with high-profile municipal politicians who had large social media followings. The strategy was to leverage these individuals' networks, encouraging them to promote the videos to their followers and, in turn, ask their followers to share them as well.

The campaign was a great success, providing an excellent, low-cost way to not only achieve the goal of re-educating the public about CPA's services but also allowing CPA to expand its reach far beyond expectations.

To view the campaign videos click here.

Thank you to our loyal customers for your support. Together, we are making a difference.

Discover how the Sylvan Lake and District Community Partners Association is making an impact in the community of Sylvan Lake for families in crisis by visiting their website.