In 2015, Laura and the Women in Need Society accepted the national, biennial award presented by the Trico Foundation for leadership and excellence in social enterprise. https://tricofoundation.ca/poised-for-growth-calgary-social-enterprise-grateful-to-win-prestigious-social-enterprize/

Trico Social EnterPrize Award

In May, 2016 Laura was one of Calgary's top 20 Business Leaders recognized through this annual leadership award.
https://issuu.com/businessincalgary/docs/bic_july2016_lo

Business in Calgary, Leaders Award

What does it mean to do business while doing good?

International Women's Day, 2016

Achievement & Sufficiency

A New Model of Business

Laura joined Women In Need Society (WINS) as the Executive Director in September, 2014. Laura brings close to 20 years of experience in the public and not for profit sectors in Alberta and Ontario. Prior to joining WINS, Laura served for two and a half years as the Chief Operating Officer of the Calgary Homeless Foundation as part of the team that launched Canada's first 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. Passionate about women’s economic participation, affordable housing and social justice, Laura is committed to helping women and their families flourish. Laura holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from Royal Roads University in Victoria B.C., a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Post-degree Certificate in Health Promotion from Canadore College in North Bay.

Social Enterprise

Social Entrepreneruship

Women & Nonprofit

Retail - Thrift

Poverty Alleviation

Social Services

Women in Need Society

Featured Alumni - Royal Roads University

CPA Canada - Non-profit leadership training testamonial

Creating a win for Calgary women in need

Calgary company steps up to fill backpacks at Women in Need Society

Christmas in July

Strategic Capabilities Network

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

Executive Director

Laura Dickson

http://tricofoundation.ca/announcing-the-2015-social-enterprize-recipients/ 

Recipients Generate Millions in Market Revenue While Serving Social Needs     

Calgary, November 12, 2015— Created by the Trico Charitable Foundation in 2011, the biennial Social EnterPrize celebrates Canadian social enterprises that demonstrate best practices, impact and innovation. Social enterprises are organizations, for-profit or not-for-profit, that blend financial success and social impact by using markets to solve social problems.

The 2015 Social EnterPrize Recipients (listed alphabetically):

The Cleaning Solution: A non-profit social enterprise based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, this contract cleaning company is dedicated to providing supportive, quality employment to people living with mental illness. It has grown from three employees and $14,000 in revenue in 2004 to 75 employees and $1.2M in revenue in 2014. The Cleaning Solution pays their employees $2 an hour above the cleaning industry average and in 2014 had year-over-year retention of 80% for employees and 100% for clients; industry leading on both counts. They are active on the environmental front (e.g. using environmentally sustainable products and participating in Climate Smart), engaged with their industry (e.g. member of the BC Cleaning Contractors Association), and active in supporting the social impact community (e.g. members of the Social Enterprise Leadership League of Vancouver).

Women In Need Society of Calgary (WINS): A non-profit social enterprise based out of Calgary, Alberta, its thrift stores have been fixtures in all four quadrants of Calgary for over 20 years. Initially established to provide a dignified place for women in crisis to find affordable clothing, housewares, and furniture, today their stores serve Calgarians at all socio-economic levels. In 2014, WINS’ thrift stores generated $3.3M in thrift revenue and funded 80% of their community programs. The stores also partner with local organizations to provide entry level employment opportunities for individuals new to Canada, individuals needing work experience, and individuals struggling to find employment elsewhere. In addition to their four thrift stores, they have developed a free goods referral program, recycling services and six family resource centres. To date WINS has served 7,112 adults and 5,050 children, connecting them to over 7,562 services.

Each of the 2015 Social EnterPrize recipients receives:
$50,000 prize money;
$5,000 in consulting services from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC);
A video profile;
An in-depth a case study undertaken by a Canadian post-secondary institution;
Paid airfare, accommodation, and registration enabling three team members to attend the 2015 Social Finance Forum.

The awards were formally presented during a luncheon on November 12, 2015 at the Social Finance Forum (SFF). The SFF occurs in Toronto and is hosted by the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing.

“We are so grateful to be the recipient of a 2015 Social EnterPrize from Trico Charitable Foundation. This funding along with the resources provided will help WINS make necessary investments moving us closer to our goal of becoming entirely self-sustaining through our social enterprise”, Laura Dickson, Executive Director, WINS.

“In the service industry, the success of your business depends on the performance of the people providing the service. Our employees are committed to providing excellent service to our clients to improve the health and appearance of their workplaces. Winning the Social EnterPrize demonstrates the enormous contribution that people living with mental illness bring to the workplace”, Shaugn Schwartz, Executive Director,  The Cleaning Solution.

 
About Trico Charitable Foundation
Established in 2008, the Trico Charitable Foundation seeks to promote innovation and capacity in social entrepreneurship in the Canadian context. We do this through our support of Enterprising Non-Profits Alberta and Canada, our biennial Social EnterPrize Awards, grants and partnerships.

Trico Charitable Foundation - SocialEnterprize 2015 Winner: WINS (Women In Need Society)

CPA Canada’s four-day multi-phase workshop, Translating Strategy Into Action: A Guide for Senior Not-for-Profit Leaders, is tailored to the demands of senior executives in today’s highly competitive not-for-profit environment. Learn to lead strategic organizational change and meet performance targets as you navigate the key challenges facing your not-for-profit. Register now for our Vancouver session. cpacanada.ca/NFPWorkshop

Not-for-Profit Senior Leaders Workshop

Select Inquiry Type