Giving Back to the Community
Empties Recycling Program
During the year we accumulate all the empty beer and alcohol containers that our guests have left in the bins in the garage and recycling area. Since 2021, we have donated a total of $4,000 to two local charities – Kennebec Trails and Northern Frontenac Community Services.
CHEO
In the spring of 2022, we partnered with Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in Ottawa and provided three, week long stays at Springwood as early bird prizes for the Ford 50/50 draw.
Lions Club/ Blind Anglers
In the spring of 2023 the Lions Club returned to Springwood to host their Blind Anglers International Fishing (BAIT) tournament. This event provides visually impaired people with the opportunity to experience fishing by being paired up with a pro-fisherman for a day of fishing, as well as connect with other visually impaired individuals for a weekend of cottaging.
Recycling
Upon taking ownership in 2021, we implemented a basic recycling program to help reduce waste going to the local landfill.
Cottage Contents/ Community Yard Sale
As we have been upgrading the cottage décor, we have been donating many of the previously enjoyed items to a variety of charities & thrift stores within the area and the greater Ottawa region. We host an annual community yard sale on the weekend before May 24 holiday as a fund raiser for the Kennebec Lake Association as well as the local Church and we have hosted the Kennebec Lake Association Winter Festival.
Local Employment Opportunities
In order to ensure positive guest experience and support the local economy, we employ almost 20 local staff. This includes approximately 10 youth giving them their first working experience.
Electronic Guidebook
We have implemented an electronic guidebook to replace the paper based booklets in each cottage to help reduce our paper consumption, carbon emissions, and mitigating climate change.
Consumable Products
Where possible we select products and dispensers which are either refillable, recyclable or purchase items in larger capacity containers so that we reduce our consumption and waste. For example in our store we use Nespresso based coffee beverages and participate in their Pod recycling program. We supply refillable soap and dish soap containers and utilize a shower caddy dispensing system rather than single use bottles.
School Raffle Donations
For the past two years, we have donated a stay at Springwood Cottage Resort to Robert Hopkins PS’s annual silent auction fundraiser in Ottawa.