NKPR has developed long‐term relationships championing cause-related organizations we are passionate about. Through a variety of initiatives and campaigns, NKPR has raised more than 10 million dollars for causes that matter to us. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to give back and to encourage others to do the same, much of NKPR’s work involves building relationships between charities and brands. By creating these meaningful partnerships, businesses have the opportunity to spotlight their own social corporate responsibility, differentiating their brand from their competition and creating authentic connections with consumers. While many charities are often part of NKPR-directed campaigns, over the years, we have developed a special relationship with some not-for-profits in particular:
Being a responsible corporate citizen is at the core of NKPR’s business. Since day one, social responsibility and supporting cause‐related organizations has been an integral part of who we are. Natasha Koifman has made it part of her mandate to give back to the community and to encourage others to do the same.
Cause
Artists for Peace and Justice
Natasha Koifman is the Canadian Chair of the Board at Artists for Peace and Justice, an organization created by filmmaker Paul Haggis in 2009. APJ encourages peace and social justice, and addresses issues of poverty in communities around the world. APJ’s immediate goal is to serve children and their families in the poorest communities in Haiti with programs focused on education, health and dignity. In October 2010, Artists for Peace and Justice opened the doors to the Academy for Peace and Justice, just months after the quake. The Academy for Peace and Justice provides children from the poorest communities in Haiti with free middle and secondary school education and is the only free high school in the nation. NKPR handles APJ's media relations day-to-day, and is responsible for the successful execution of high-profile APJ fundraising events around the globe. NKPR hosts an annual event the opening weekend of TIFF, with this year's APJ Lunch raising over $550,000 towards Haiti. Bringing artists together to celebrate for a cause, APJ is present at exclusive events such as The Hollywood Awards and Cannes Film Festival and participates in strategic partnerships, aligned with top-tier brands like Vhernier, Bulgari, Vanity Fair and Brioni.
Camp Oochigeas
Camp Oochigeas is a charitable organization that is very near to Natasha Koifman’s heart. Natasha has served on the Camp Ooch Advisory Board since 2007 and is a regular supporter of Camp Ooch initiatives, such as the Summer Dreams Gala and heads up a team every year at the Sporting Life 10K. NKPR is excited to continue working with Camp Ooch as they enter their 30th anniversary year in 2013. Ooch is much more than a summer camp. Camp Ooch is the only camp in Ontario to offer on-site IV chemotherapy treatment and blood transfusions. Camp Ooch offers year round programs for children affected by cancer at their sites in Muskoka, SickKids Hospital, Ooch Downtown in Toronto and in the community. Through these programs, Camp Oochigeas provides fun and meaningful experiences to approximately 800 children affected by cancer each year, at no cost to their families. As their saying goes; Cancer changes a child's life. So does camp.
Paws for the Cause
With two dogs of her own, Paws for the Cause was a natural fit for Natasha Koifman and the dog-loving NKPR office! Paws is a Toronto-based, non-profit organization, founded in 2010 by Laura Serra and Paul Smith to help dogs in need. Money raised by Paws goes to The Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic and the Paws for the Cause Scholarship, given to a veterinary student at the University of Guelph who has excelled in the area of canine critical care. Paws for the Cause is about dogs – and dog-lovers – helping dogs.
Dare to Wear Love
In March 2013, NKPR will combine our love of fashion with our passion for doing good work. DARE TO WEAR LOVE is an annual gala fashion event celebrating the talents and commitment to social justice of Canada’s fashion design community. It raises funds and awareness for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, putting money directly into the hands of grassroots organizations in Africa that are turning the tide on the AIDS pandemic in ways that are innovative, sophisticated & impactful.
Partners for Mental Health
With one in five Canadians experiencing a mental illness in their lifetime, generating conversation to raise awareness and break stigmas is an important cause for NKPR. Partners for Mental Health is a national non-profit organization focused on public engagement, awareness and education. Together, NKPR and PMH have launched two important and successful campaigns, Not Myself Today and a limited-edition mood ring campaign. Money raised by PMH goes towards initiatives aimed at making the mental health system in Canada more efficient and effective.