b'BEST OF THE BEST AWARDSCOMMUNITY LEADER AWARD (1 OF 2)BLT CONSTRUCTION SERVICESEastern Ontario and Quebec dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness. When the pandemic began, our dedicated team of construction managers and design-build experts immediately shifted our focus to provide emergency solutions that would have the largest impact in supporting communities with their COVID-19 response, says Mark Watts, president of BLT. From the beginning, we pledged to help people experiencing homelessness by investing back into the communities where we built pandemic response structures. Addressing homelessness has been a long-running focus for BLT. To that end, Danny Gollogly, the companys chief financial officer, says the firm was proud to be able to assist numerous charities in providing much-needed support. In winning this award, we hope to shine a spotlight on the exceptional work of Its been a hallmark era for BLT Construction Serviceseach our charity partners and we are grateful to all our project consultants, trade partners, and suppliers for all their support community outreach. At the start of the pandemic, the firmin bringing the Building Blocks of Hope campaign to life,pivoted its efforts to support pandemic response effortshe says. throughout Eastern Canada.Paul Waddell, vice president, design + build with BLT, adds, Of note was the launch of BLTs Building Blocks of HomeWe are honoured to witness the impact that these donations (BBOH) campaign. Launched in 2021, the initiative sawhave made in 2021 and will continue to make in 2022 within BLT raise $500,000 in funds for charities throughoutso many different communities.COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD (2 OF 2)GILLAM GROUP INC.Movember campaign, donating to the Second Harvest food rescue charity, and participating in the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Churchs Easter fundraiser, to name a few. Gillam is a relationship-based company. Our organizational values promote a culture of philanthropy and giving back to members of those communities, particularly those which are less fortunate - not only in support of our business but because it is the right thing to do from a humanitarian perspective, says Jack Leonetti, director of marketing and strategic initiatives with Gillam Group. After all, without strong, sustainable, and healthy communities that require new buildings and infrastructure, our jobs wouldnt exist.Leonetti says the company is extremely proud to win the TCA Award and thanks its team members for lending their time and Outreach initiatives have been difficult to maintain in recent years,expertise to its community initiatives, as well as the family, but that hasnt stopped Gillam Group from finding ways to supportfriends, and business partners that supported their efforts its community. Throughout 2021, the firm kept communityalong the way. leadership a priority by holding its annual Holiday Food and Toy Drives, encouraging team members to take part in Threads ofWe also thank the TCA for placing emphasis on community Lifes Steps for Life fundraiser walk, raising $47,000 for theleadership and recognizing Gillams efforts, he adds.20Quarter 12022 BUILDERSDIGEST'