Our Stories

As the year comes to a close, we are taking a moment to reflect on the various ways our team members have given back throughout 2023. Our dedication extends beyond the work we do for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard; it encompasses the care our shipbuilders have for the communities they call home. Join us as we highlight some of the remarkable efforts made by our employees for their communities.

Blue Nose Marathon

In May, 57 employees from our Halifax Shipyard and Bluenose Building came together to participate in the Blue Nose Marathon in memory of those who have lost their lives to suicide. Their collective fundraising efforts exceeded expectations, raising over $8,000 for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Wildfire Relief

In response to the devastating wildfires that affected Nova Scotia, our team members raised and donated nearly $5,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to assist those affected and aided in the recovery efforts. We are also proud to recognize the volunteer firefighters on our shipbuilding team who bravely served during this time. Together, through our donation and the bravery of our firefighters, we stood strong to support our community and teammates.

Bryony House

After the successful completion of the HMCS William Hall Sea Trials in July, remaining food items were donated and to Byrony House, and contributing to over 1,200 meals to Bryony House. Providing this support aids in their mission to help women and children in need.

Joseph Howe Elementary

In our committed investment to our future generation of shipbuilders, we proudly donated $5,000 to Joseph Howe Elementary, ensuring all students started their 2023 school year equipped with the necessary tools to further their education.

Make-A-Wish Canada

Through the Make-A-Wish Krispy Kreme initiative, our Supply Chain team raised nearly $500 for children in Nova Scotia with critical illnesses. Their efforts contributed to making dreams come true and brought smiles to the faces of deserving children and their families.

Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

On two occasions, members of our dedicated workforce supported Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. In August, we donated the extra food items from our company-wide BBQ to ensure no food went to waste and reached those in need. In the winter months, our Supply Chain team, worked together to donate over 300 pairs of socks from their sock drive initiative.

IWK Foundation

For the fourth consecutive year, Woodside Industries and Marine Fabricators raised funds for the IWK Foundation. Inspired by the exceptional care provided to an employee's child, our Woodside Industries team raised $1,000 and our team at Marine Fabricators raised $792.50 expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the hospital's vital work.

Christmas Daddies Telethon

Unifor MWF Local 1 workers proudly continued their support for the annual Christmas Daddies Telethon. Building on the legacy of Bill Murphy, a retired ISI employee who passed in 2018, the friends of Bill Murphy at Halifax Shipyard raised $16,196 through their ongoing bottle drive, donations from local businesses, and individual donations from Unifor members. Bill is remembered fondly, especially for his humble generosity as he raised a remarkable $100,000+ for Christmas Daddies over 37 years. In 2011, Bill Murphy was recognized by CTV as “Maritimer of the Week” for his dedication. Now, his legacy is carried on by those who fundraise in his memory.

Annual Toy Drive

In partnership with Unifor MWF Local 1, we organized our fifth annual toy drive, with the contributions going to NSCC Akerley Campus. Through the collective efforts of our workforce, over $1,600 was raised to ensure students with children can provide a joyful holiday season for their family.

Annual Holiday Turkey Donation

Continuing a long-standing tradition, our employees generously donated their holiday turkeys to over 20 community organizations serving the Halifax and Dartmouth region to support those in need during the holiday season.

Feed Nova Scotia

Throughout the year, our AOPS Program Management, Supply Chain, and Finance teams organized numerous food drives and fundraising initiatives, raising over $1,700 for Feed Nova Scotia. From pancake breakfasts to NHL playoff pools, their creativity and dedication have made a significant difference in the lives of many families facing food insecurity.

We are humbled by the compassion of the dedicated people that work at Irving Shipbuilding. The generosity and support for our community exemplify the core values that drive us forward. We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed, demonstrating that when we come together as one integrated shipyard, our collective efforts create a brighter future for everyone.