Happy Planet decided early in its corporate existence that it wanted to give back to the community.
"It's very important to us. We are a Vancouver-based company and we want to continue to support causes and endeavours … It's an investment for us," president Raymond Leung said.
More than a million juices have been donated to schools and community groups since the company started in 1995.
Other include supporting the Vancouver Pride Society and the Vancouver AIDS/HIV Society, the food bank in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, and education and amateur sports groups. While Mr. Leung said the commitment fits well with the company's idea of corporate citizenship, it also has an impact on customers and staff.
"A company, in law and in business, is a virtual person. It must have a conscience; it must not only inspire outside goodness but inside. We do those donations partly because it makes us happier as employees, as ambassadors of the company. It makes the people inside Happy Planet, inside these walls, feel good."