Social responsibility
The Velan name has long been synonymous with giving back to the community. The Velan family, the company itself, and the Velan Foundation have contributed to countless philanthropic projects in Canada and the Czech Republic. In Montreal, they were involved in setting up the multi-service centre La rue des Femmes, which includes a shelter called La Maison Olga (named after A.K. Velan’s wife), and in financing a pavilion at Camp Papillon for handicapped children. For 25 years, a Velan Award has been discerned annually to an outstanding Canadian for humanitarian activities abroad.
This philanthropic tradition has likewise continued throughout all generations of the Velan family -- and amongst Velan employees as well. For example, Velan employees at the Montreal headquarters and other Quebec-based plants hold an annual Centraide/United Way campaign, in which they raise money for this important national charity. Velan in turn matches all employee donations.
