Desire2Learn to Assist Local Startup Companies
Desire2Learn demonstrates its corporate citizenship and "being green" through initiative to recycle, restore, and refit furniture
Kitchener-Waterloo, ON, August 06, 2010
Desire2Learn Incorporated (Desire2Learn), a leading provider of mission-critical enterprise eLearning solutions, today announced its new eco-friendly initiative that will enable local startups to walk away with quality office furniture.
As Desire2Learn moves into the newly renovated Tannery District in downtown Kitchener, it will be repurposing and donating furniture that will not be moved into the new location, giving startups a much needed financial break. Although some furniture is being retained and moved with the company to its new location, much of the furniture does not fit its current needs despite still being in very good working condition.
Local companies, including Formulating Change Inc. and DossierView, are the recipients of the Desire2Learn catalog of furniture.
"As a startup company, we need to build our business from the ground up. The items acquired from Desire2Learn will enable us to provide the necessary work space for our team," stated David Beaton, President & CEO, Formulating Change Inc. "There is history to these items as well; a point that will not be lost on our company as we grow. We wish Desire2Learn the greatest of success as it moves to its new home at the Tannery."
Desire2Learn's environmental impact resonates even further, as fellow Tannery resident, DossierView, will obtain a selection of work stations, filing cabinets and mobile pedestals. DossierView CEO Stephen Bacso commented, "As we grow our company and continue to hire new staff, a great work environment is a key success factor. We appreciate Desire2Learn helping us out with our furniture needs. Kitchener-Waterloo has a strong technology community and the generosity of Desire2Learn in helping us grow is a great example of that."
Desire2Learn has a history of being environmentally aware. Its Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) is an employee-driven initiative that runs campaigns to raise awareness and encourage other employees to do their part. Just recently, Desire2Learn participated in the nation-wide Commuter Challenge, where employees were challenged to use healthier and environmentally friendly modes of transport. Desire2Learn's involvement landed it in the Top Five nationally for Participation in its size category. As environmental issues become more prominent, Desire2Learn already has its eye on what it can do to help.
"It was not that long ago that Desire2Learn was a startup itself, growing from one Waterloo University co-op student, John Baker our President and CEO, in 1999 to the more than 200 full-time employees it has now," states Jeremy Auger, COO of Desire2Learn. "I'm really proud of our accomplishments; not only is giving-back a corporate mindset, additionally, our employees have the drive and commitment to help out their community where they can. We're pleased that these furniture pieces are being repurposed. Through this initiative we can do our part for the Earth, for our community and for fellow startups. We're thrilled to see this project in motion and look forward to continuing to see what else is possible in the future."
About Desire2Learn
Desire2Learn comprises Desire2Learn Incorporated and its subsidiaries. Desire2Learn Incorporated is a world-leading provider of enterprise eLearning solutions that enable institutions and other organizations to create teaching and learning environments that reflect their vision, values, goals, pedagogical approaches and branding. Desire2Learn and its subsidiaries support more than five million learners worldwide and clients include higher education, K-12, as well as associations, government and other leading organizations. Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn is headquartered in Kitchener, ON, Canada with personnel located in North America, the U.K. and Australia. For more information, visit: www.Desire2Learn.com, call 1.519.772.0325 or toll-free 1.888.772.0325 (within North America), +44 808.234.4235 (U.K. and Europe), 0.800.452.069 (New Zealand) and 1.800.656.210 (Australia).
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John McLeod
Director of Marketing
Desire2Learn Incorporated
519.772.0325 ext. 378
PR@Desire2Learn.com
