Another record-breaking year of Paying it Forward together

It’s been over 10 years since Payworks first conceptualized the Pay it Forward (PIF) program – which entitles all employees to two paid days off each year to volunteer at an organization about which they’re passionate. In that time, we’ve baked cookies, wrapped presents, built houses, beautified beaches, bathed puppies, packed hampers… and the list goes on (and on and on!).

The numbers are in, and it looks like 2025 was yet another record-breaking year of PIF participation, with 2,600 PIF hours (almost 350 days!) logged last year alone. To all the Payworks staff who’ve embraced PIF opportunities in their communities with such enthusiasm: thank you!

Photo: In 2025, Payworks staff spent a collective 350 days Paying it Forward!

With Global Pay it Forward Day just around the corner (on April 28, in fact), we thought we’d take a look back at this spectacular year of volunteering together… and as we flip through the pages of the calendar, we’re going month by month to share just a few of the 2025 PIF day dispatches you might have missed. 

Warming hearts in the winter

January

In the early days of 2025, four members of our Edmonton, AB crew arrived at the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation’s annual radiothon ready and eager to answer the phones (and to deliver a donation of our own!).

Payworks Account Executive Mark Stretch was also invited on-air to share why we support the cause – and why others should too. “It was a really great afternoon of giving back and spending quality time together as a team,” said Mark. “I hope we can take part again, and for many more years to come.”

Photo: Our Edmonton team taking a quick break from accepting donations to make one on behalf of Payworks.

February

Further south, members of our Calgary, AB team rolled up their sleeves and sorted items at Calgary Food Bank to help ensure food, drinks and toiletries would make their way to where they were needed most.

Matt Aldridge, Solutions Consultant, shared that he met “some incredible volunteers through this experience, such as Marion, who’s volunteered there for over 30 years! It’s inspiring to see that in our community.” And Caroline Mailloux, Communications Specialist and Translator, reported, “I learned quite a bit and felt great at the end of my shift.”

March

In Winnipeg, MB, four members of our talented tech team loaned their expertise to École Dugald School in hosting the 2025 Manitoba School Esports Association (MSEA)Brawlhalla Provincial Finals for Middle Years students. This meant putting their specialized skills to work, setting up electrical and networking infrastructure, along with the equipment needed for students to compete the following day.

“It was our privilege as volunteers to assist with setup, and it sounded like the kids had a blast!” said Jaryth Frenette, Senior Operations Support Analyst. “It was a pleasure to work with the school’s team, and we look forward to hopefully helping them with more events in the future.”

Photo: Equipment testing in progress before the 2025 MSEA Brawlhalla Provincial Finals.

Helping our communities blossom in the spring

April

As the snow (finally!) started to melt and our thoughts turned to warmer days ahead, a group of 10 service, implementation and administrative staff from our Winnipeg HQ volunteered as bed-builders at “Winnipeg’s Furniture Bank” Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape. Staff were quickly brought up to speed – and put to work! – on sanding, staining, and assembly, all overseen by the shop manager (and unofficial assistant Oreo the Shop Cat).

“From the moment we parked the car to when we left, we were greeted by the biggest smiles from all the amazing staff who work at Oyate Tipi,” the team said. “The care put into each bed is wonderful to see, and to be part of such an amazing cause left us feeling like we made a difference in someone’s life that day.”

Photo: Payworks staff preparing raw materials for assembly into twin beds.

May

GlobalMedic in Etobicoke, ON is a longtime PIF Day favourite for our Toronto team, and 2025 was no exception. The first of 2025’s multiple visits took place in the spring, when two Payworks Implementation Specialists volunteered to assist the not-for-profit organization’s domestic food program, McAntony’s Menu.

“We weighed out, sealed and boxed hundreds of packages of red lentils to be distributed to food-insecure Canadians,” they reported. “In just a few days, volunteers at the Cloverdale location shipped over 21,000 kilograms of food to food banks and programs across Ontario!”

Photo: Two members of our team rolling up their sleeves to help feed their neighbours. 

June

Another classic Payworks PIF Day: lending a helping hand at any of Ronald McDonald House Canada (RMHC)’s locations from coast to coast! One of 2025’s many cross-country RMHC visits took place at the Maison Ronald McDonald de Montréal this past June, when eight members of our Québec team brushed off their chef skills for the Home for Dinner program.

“We cooked and served boneless chicken thighs baked with a pesto cream sauce, roasted potatoes and vegetables, steamed rice, naan bread and a brownie,” the group said. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of the parents and children and hugging them – that really brought sunshine to our hearts. It’s a true pleasure and we’re thankful to Payworks for the time to pay it forward. What a beautiful day working as a team, with everyone helping each other towards a common goal.”

Photo: Breaking bread together is a big part of Payworks’ culture – so we often jump at the chance to feed our community!

Brightening our neighbours’ days in the summer

July

With summer in full swing, a group of our Winnipeg service superstars decided to spend some time volunteering at Harvest Manitoba – yet another classic PIF Day! They put their impressive multitasking skills to good use, sorting, separating and packing different shapes of pasta. The end result: over 1,000 bags to be distributed to the community.

“I love volunteering with Harvest Manitoba because they turn compassion into action,” explained Adrianne Beaton, Team Leader for Corporate Accounts. “Every box packed and every bag filled makes a real difference in someone’s day, one meal at a time.” 

Photo: Gathering together at Harvest Manitoba to help feed the community.

August

Did you know that summer is one of the peak times of need for blood donations? At Payworks, we’re often found rolling up our sleeves to give the gift of life through Canadian Blood Services (CBS) – and this past August was no exception, as a few HQ staff headed down to CBS.

For Quality Assurance Analyst Astride Mangat, it was “a fantastic experience. The staff were incredibly patient and took the time to clearly explain the entire donation process, which made me feel comfortable and informed throughout. Thank you, Payworks, for supporting this event and helping create such a positive and meaningful experience!”

September

If the frequent activity in the #payworks-pets Slack channel is any indication, we just loooove our furry friends… and we’re always looking for a chance to help out the ones who haven’t yet found their forever home. In September, eight members of our Head Office Service team spent a PIF Day at the Winnipeg Humane Society , where they helped the team prep for an upcoming fundraising gala.

They also started the day with a volunteer-led tour. “It was truly inspiring to witness firsthand all the amazing work they do for the animals in their care,” shared Shayleen Martin, Corporate Service Support Lead. “It made me realize that when I retire, I’d love to volunteer with this incredible organization. Huge thanks to them for everything they do – they’re really making a difference.”

Photo: Smooches for our staff from a precious pup.

Turning over a new leaf in the fall

October

Entering the final season of 2025, a few folks from our Toronto crew headed down to the Vaughan Food Bank to help organize food donations to ensure all recipients would get what they needed.

“It was an amazing day,” said Sales Support Associate Patricia Brown. “The coordinator enlightened us on how the organization started many years ago and the amount of work and dedication he and those around him put in on a daily basis. Very inspiring. I would love to do another PIF Day with them!”

Photo: Our Toronto team listening attentively to their instructions for the day ahead.

PS: This was just one of many PIF Days that took place in mid-October, as we marked our first-ever National Pay it Forward Week! Get the full story here: https://blog.payworks.ca/coast-to-coast-collaboration-for-our-first-ever-national-pif-week.

November

In November, all Canadian footballs fans’ eyes turned to Winnipeg as the hosts of the 2025 Grey Cup! And when there’s a party in our hometown, you know we’re going to show up in style. As sponsors of the event, Payworks folks from across the business were invited to spend a PIF Day hosting games and hyping up the crowds at the 2025 Grey Cup Festival.

“It was so fun getting to interact with other vendors, folks from the community, and even some colleagues I’ve never had a chance to meet in-office,” said Client Service Representative Lindsay Nolin. “It was also so cool to see people from across Canada wearing their team colours from head to toe. Very cool event – even for a non-sporty person!”

Photo: Bringing the noise and the fun at the 2025 Grey Cup Festival!

December

In the last and most festive weeks of the year, Payworks staff all across the country used up the last of their PIF hours to spread the holiday spirit. One of many stops: the Made for the Holidays market in support of The Dream Factory in Winnipeg, where our staff helped keep everything running smoothly.

Software Developer Gigi Wang “enjoyed interacting with guests, and it felt nice to contribute to such a positive and festive event!”

Photo: Payworks staff getting organized as their PIF day gets underway.

Looking to join a business that prioritizes giving back all year long? When it comes to great people, there’s always room for one more. Get to know our team – and current opportunities to join it! – here: https://www.payworks.ca/about-us/careers.