For close to forty years, the employees at Vancouver's historic Rogers Sugar refinery have turned their annual holiday potluck into a powerful force for good, raising thousands of dollars for children in need through The Province's Empty Stocking Fund.
A Sweet Tradition Born on the Waterfront
The fundraiser's humble origins date back to the 1980s within the unionized shop's backrooms. During the staff's yearly pre-holiday potluck in the maintenance room, a simple act of kindness took root. A couple of workers set up a Christmas tree adorned with candy canes, inviting colleagues to make a donation when they took one. This small gesture evolved into a raffle that has grown significantly over the decades, with all proceeds dedicated to the newspaper's century-old charity.
How the Employee-Led Raffle Works
Each year, a dedicated group of volunteers from among the roughly 200 employees sells tickets for an array of donated prizes. These range from practical items like power tools to handcrafted goods such as custom Adirondack chairs. The most coveted prize, however, is a charitable tax receipt for the total amount raised—a valuable incentive for any taxpayer.
The company, now known as Lantic Rogers Inc. following a 2008 merger, actively supports the effort by matching every dollar the employees raise. This matching contribution consistently helps the annual total reach between $5,000 and $10,000. The tradition of organizing the raffle has been passed down from one tradesperson to another over the years.
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
For many years, Ron Trayling spearheaded the initiative until his recent retirement. In 2025, the responsibility has been taken up by Tom Cameron, a painter and carpenter with 21 years at the refinery, with assistance from his co-worker Dan Hardie.
Cameron, who has participated in the fundraiser before, is motivated by the fund's direct impact. "It helps out vulnerable children and their families in the Lower Mainland with Christmas gifts and other donations," he says. He emphasizes that the effort is "always been union and employee-driven, although the company has always been on board." Cameron plans to oversee the fundraiser for years to come, until he retires and, in keeping with tradition, passes the torch once again.
The Province's Empty Stocking Fund, supported by this and other community efforts, has been brightening holidays for over a century. It sponsors 25 community groups across British Columbia that provide essential food hampers and gifts to families and individuals in need.
