ECHOtape in the Community: Making a Difference for 30 Years
As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves pausing to reflect on what truly matters: gratitude, connection, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. At ECHOtape, this is more than a seasonal sentiment—it’s part of who we are. For over 30 years, our tradition of forgoing cards and gifts in favor of supporting meaningful causes has shaped our identity.
“At ECHOtape, we believe that the holiday season is a time to reflect on our blessings and extend our gratitude by making a difference. Our tradition of giving reminds us that together, we can create lasting impact in our communities and beyond.” ~ Cherie Edelstein, President of ECHOtape
This enduring legacy isn’t just about making donations; it’s about actively fostering hope, building community, and inspiring meaningful change. Giving back, as Ilana Perlman from Human Resources explains, is “woven into the fabric of who we are at ECHOtape.”
A Legacy of Support
At ECHOtape, choosing the charities we support is a thoughtful and heartfelt process. We seek out organizations whose missions align with our hearts, those that bring real change to people’s lives. Whether it’s feeding hungry families, educating children, or providing relief to communities in crisis, we look for causes that offer hope and create brighter futures. It matters to us that these efforts ripple outward, making an impact both locally and globally.
Over the years, we’ve been privileged to stand beside remarkable organizations. From The Special Olympics to Free the Children to The One Drop Foundation, we’ve focused on uplifting communities and championing those in need. Our contributions to AUTISM SPEAKS, the Red Cross, and Doctors Without Borders have supported healthcare and emergency relief, extending compassion to the farthest corners of the world.
Closer to home, we’ve supported Habitat for Humanity, helping families build safe, affordable homes—a reminder that everyone deserves a place to belong. We’ve also tackled food insecurity by contributing to Food Banks Canada and Feeding America, ensuring children and families have access to nourishing meals throughout the year. And following the pandemic, we proudly supported mental health initiatives via the Canadian Mental Health Association and Mental Health America.
One of our most meaningful partnerships was with Plan International’s “Because I Am A Girl” campaign, which confronts the barriers girls face around the world. Through this transformative effort, millions of girls in developing countries have gained access to education, healthcare, and opportunities that empower them to rise above poverty and claim their futures.
At the heart of all this is a simple truth: when we give, we create space for hope to grow. And hope is what changes everything.
“Giving back is woven into the fabric of who we are at ECHOtape. It’s not just about making donations; it’s about fostering hope, building community, and inspiring meaningful change.” ~Ilana Perlman, Human Resources
Local Efforts That Make a Difference
At ECHOtape, we believe that giving back starts right at home. Our commitment to community is personal and heartfelt, extending beyond global causes to the neighborhoods where we live and work. In Montreal, we’ve partnered with Sun Youth, an organization that has been a lifeline for the community for decades. Every holiday season, our team collects nonperishable food items and toys, hoping to bring a little more warmth and joy to families in need.
On the West Coast, our California office has supported Chino Neighborhood House, who provides food and essential resources to local residents, ensuring that no one is left behind. And for our remote team members and customers, we always encourage finding similar organizations nearby. The ripple effect of small acts of kindness can be extraordinary when we work together.
Our commitment doesn’t stop there. Our team has proudly rolled up our sleeves to help paint 125 homes through the Rebuilding Together Valley of the Sun Rock & Roll Paint-a-Thon, joining thousands of volunteers to make these houses feel like homes again. And over the years, more than a dozen of us have shaved our heads for Shave to Save, Virgin Radio 96’s inspiring fundraising drive for the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.
Looking Ahead
These moments remind us that giving isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up, doing what we can, and believing that even the smallest efforts can create meaningful change. Together, we’re building stronger, more connected communities, one act of generosity at a time.
