At Zibi, our vision of becoming one of Canada’s most sustainable communities goes far beyond sustainable buildings and low-carbon energy. It’s about creating a place where people care for one another and where social sustainability is as vital as environmental responsibility. One Planet Living calls this principle Culture and Community: nurturing a sense of belonging, connection, and contribution. 

This season, and throughout the year, our community, thanks to Dream Community Foundation’s (DCF) generous contributions, continues to live this value by giving back in meaningful ways to organizations making a real impact in the National Capital Region.  

Supporting women and families in need: The Shoebox Project 

From November 17 to December 12, Zibi will once again collect donations for The Shoebox Project, which provides gifts and essentials to women experiencing or at risk of homelessness during the holidays. 

  • Zibi House will serve as a public drop-off location, inviting everyone to contribute. 
  • Block 211 retail space will be transformed into a sorting facility, where volunteers will prepare boxes for distribution. 
  • At our holiday party, residents will be invited to collaborate to fill shoeboxes with gifts generously supplied by Zibi. They will also be encouraged to make direct donations to the cause. 

Together, these efforts help spread warmth and dignity across our region during a time that can be isolating and lonely.  

Strengthening ties through our Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DIA) program 

Giving back isn’t a once-a-year effort at Zibi, it’s woven into our workplace culture throughout the year. Highlights from this past year include:  

  • Lunar New Year Potluck where our employees shared delicious steamed buns from The Flour Kitchen to celebrate cultural diversity. 
  • Ottawa Food Bank volunteering where we spent the day sorting and packing food donations. 
  • Pride Lunch & Learn where we learned about Two-Spirit identities to deepen inclusion and understanding. 
  • Holiday visit to Minwaashin Lodge where Zibi employees will donate and wrap presents for the women and children living at the Lodge. 
  • Pie Day & Friendsgiving where we raised funds and collected donations for Minwaashin Lodge while enjoying pies from a local bakery. 

Giving back to protect our environment in more ways than one 

Our community sits along the shores of the Ottawa River, a natural treasure we’re committed to protecting. Zibi continues to support Ottawa Riverkeeper through direct donations from Zibi, ensuring the river remains clean and vibrant for generations to come. 

In partnership with the Ottawa Tool Library, DCF funded two Repair Cafés this year, where community members brought broken items to be fixed by skilled volunteers. These events were a perfect expression of the One Planet Living ® principles: reducing waste, sharing skills, and strengthening community ties. 

We’re also proud to support Let’s Bike Month, presented by EnviroCentre, through direct DCF donations and by funding one repair workshop to help residents keep their bikes in good shape. Encouraging active transportation is another way Zibi helps foster healthier lifestyles and a lower-carbon community. 

Building community through arts and culture 

Art and music have the power to bring people together, an essential part of a thriving community. This year, DCF backed four Dance at Zibi evenings, drawing more than 400 dance enthusiasts in partnership with the National Arts Centre.  

Zibi also hosted Twilight Symphony at Zibi, a magical evening of classical music supported by DCF and presented by the Royal Conservatory of Music, connecting close to 150 music lovers at Zibi.  

These cultural experiences bring joy, connection, and inspiration to residents and visitors alike. 

Every one of these initiatives, from community volunteering to environmental partnerships, is a tangible expression of the One Planet Living principles. By giving back, we create a ripple effect of care that strengthens both people and the planet. 

At Zibi, we believe sustainability isn’t just about how we build, it’s about how we belong.