December has a way of inviting reflection, a moment to look at what we’ve built together and the impact our work has out in the world. At Envoyage, that reflection feels especially meaningful.

Our Canadian advisors are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, yet they’re also connected to a global network of peers, people who trade ideas, support one another, and share inspiration across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.

This year, we saw that community in action at our Worldwide Event in Sun City, where advisors from across our markets spent an afternoon building bikes for schoolchildren who walk long distances to get to school. It wasn’t grand or ceremonial; it was simply people coming together to help kids who could use a little support. And even though this moment happened in South Africa, it reflected something familiar: the same dedication our advisors bring to their own communities in Canada.

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

Many Envoyage advisors uplift young people by creating opportunities they once wished for themselves.

One example is Adam Taylor of Altitude Travel, who established a scholarship for a student pursuing a career in Travel and Tourism.

“I started this initiative in memory of my mother, who inspired and encouraged me throughout my life and career,” Adam explains. “Creating this award felt like the right way to honour her while giving back to both my high school and an industry that has given so much to me.”

His motivation is both personal and purposeful. “Many agencies in our province have an older demographic,” he says. “I wanted to help inspire younger students to consider travel and tourism as a meaningful and exciting career path. This scholarship is my way of encouraging new talent, giving back to the community that raised me, and helping strengthen the future of our profession.”

STRENGTHENING YOUTH THROUGH SPORT

Youth sports sponsorship is a common thread across the Envoyage network, a quiet but powerful way advisors build confidence, resilience, and belonging in young people.

Janice Bell is one of many advisors who support these initiatives, helping to subsidize youth sports for families who may otherwise be unable to afford participation. “Sports memberships these days are extremely expensive for families,” Janice says. “Sponsoring one of their children lessens the financial burden on those families who, without a sponsorship, would not be able to participate on a team.”

Her support this year went to a new competitive youth football (soccer) league in Timmins. “To see the success it had in its first year of existence was amazing,” she shares. “Being a part of that was so important to me.”

WOMEN LEADING LOCAL CHANGE

Across the Envoyage community, many advisors champion causes that uplift and strengthen the places they live.

For Christine Wilson, that commitment takes shape through the 100 Women Who Care Grey Bruce, a collective that raised an impressive $142,100 this year.

“It’s a wonderful, meaningful way to donate while being part of something in my local community,” she says. “I love knowing that our contributions are making a real difference.”

The group has funded organizations such as Victim Services Grey Bruce, Saugeen Hospice, Safe and Sound Grey Bruce, and Bruce Grey Mentorship, each contribution a testament to what people can accomplish when they act together.

CARING FOR ANIMALS, CARING FOR COMMUNITY

Many Envoyage members dedicate their time to animal rescue organizations, fostering dogs, supporting shelters, or helping families adopt pets.

Jill Poulton, from our support team, volunteers with New Hope Dog Rescue in Saskatoon, a foster-based organization that cares for around 70 dogs at any given time.

“We adopted our dog Lewie from them 2.5 years ago, and I started volunteering shortly after because it was such a positive experience,” Jill says. “Everyone we came into contact with during the adoption process was so passionate.” She adds simply, “It feels good to help connect families with adoptable dogs, especially those who have had a tough start.”

LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS. GLOBAL CONNECTIONS. REAL IMPACT

These stories, just a small sample from across our network, reflect something core to what the Envoyage network stands for. Our advisors are business owners, entrepreneurs, resilient, engaged, and forward-thinking. But they are also neighbours. Volunteers. Donors. Mentors. Animal advocates. Community builders.

It’s advisors supporting communities because that’s simply who they are and it’s the kind of connection that strengthens businesses, deepens relationships, and creates a network that feels different.

Whether constructing bikes in Sun City, sponsoring youth teams, launching scholarships, supporting women-led philanthropy, building sports clubs, or helping dogs find homes, Envoyage members show that their work, both in travel and in their communities, is about making meaningful connections.

This is who they are.

This is who we are: a community built by advisors, for advisors, at home and around the world.