The Ripple Effect

October 5, 2023

Local companies identify opportunity to answer critical need, after volunteers spend time at the Drop-In Centre

Calgary, AB -Calgary-based Long View, a leading information technology company, is excited to announce a new initiative: “The Ripple Effect” an innovative project that aims to address the critical need for clean, safe drinking water for adults who are at risk of, or experiencing homelessness.

The project sprang from an experience that the Long View team had while volunteering at the DI this summer.

“We were all surprised to find out that the need for water was almost as high as the need for food,” reflects Michael Kochorek, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development for Long View. “We had recently worked with our advertising agency, Daughter, on a canned water project for the Calgary Long View office to help reduce the impact of plastic bottles, so we immediately donated some of our cans to the DI, but it also got me thinking about how we could do more.”

Long View approached Daughter, a Calgary-based design and advertising agency, to help develop the idea of “The Ripple Effect”. In a process synonymous with the project name, Daughter brought Cabin Brewing onboard to donate time and resources to can the water. Cabin, in turn, invited local businesses Raft Labs to test the water, and Royal Printers to print the labels, with all involved donating their time and services.

“We loved Long View’s initiative, and were delighted to see so many companies coming on board to scale the project to help more people,” comments Cindy Ngo,  Manager, Fund Development & Community Engagement for the Calgary Drop-In Centre.

“It’s incredible to see these Calgary businesses donating time and money to create positive change in our community. By providing canned water, we not only address a critical need, we’re also contributing to the overall health and well-being of Calgarians who rely on the services of the DI, and helping to build a more compassionate and resilient community for all.” says Kochorek.

Key project highlights:

• Sustainable Solution: The canned water packaging is environmentally friendly, promoting sustainability while addressing an urgent need.
• Community Partnership: the DI is partnering with local businesses to ensure water gets to those in need.
• Impactful Outreach: This project aims to provide an initial run of 3,000 canned water units, with plans to expand based on community support and need.
• Engaging the Community: We encourage more community members to join "The Ripple Effect" project by donating funds, volunteering their time, or spreading the word to raise awareness.

A survey conducted in 2022 by the Calgary Homeless Foundation found 2,782 people were experiencing homelessness on Sept. 27. While the city tackles the larger challenges of creating more affordable housing, there is an immediate need to ensure the safety of those who don’t have shelter.

“As we head into winter, the need for a reliable, safe source of water is greater than ever, but we’re hoping that this is just the beginning of a bigger ripple in our community,” says Cindy Ngo.

To learn more about the "Ripple Effect" project, get involved, or make a contribution, please visit calgarydropin.ca/get-involved/ripple-effect where you can also find social media assets you can download and share.

About the Calgary Drop-In Centre:

At the Calgary Drop-In Centre, we welcome adults at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Working collaboratively with community partners, we offer a broad spectrum of care including emergency shelter, health programs, and housing options - all geared to help people find their way home.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact

Michael Kochorek
Vice President, Marketing & Business Development
Long View
[email protected]