It’s often said that shopping locally has a ripple effect – creating jobs, stimulating the economy and helping local families thrive and grow. That impact grows even more when a local business decides to give back to the community.
In the case of Kubota North, that means pumping hundreds of thousands of dollars back into causes that range from toy drives and Community Living to local pow-wows and World Down Syndrome Day.
“We try to live our lives by the motto of pay it forward,” says Laura Jackson, who has co-owned Kubota North with her husband Dave since 2013. “We’re at a place in our lives now where we’re fortunate enough to be in a position to give back.”
Raising money is central to everything charitable organizations in Muskoka do. To raise those funds, they rely heavily on local businesses.
“The importance of giving back to the community can’t be overstated,” says Laura. “When you give back, you’re showing the community that you’re about more than just the bottom line. It shows that you’re invested in making sure everyone has an opportunity to thrive regardless of where they come from or how much money they have.”
The Jacksons recently announced sponsorship of a new wellness centre at the Bracebridge Sportsplex to the tune of $100,000 over 15 years. The space is expected to be ready by 2025 and will consist of a multi-purpose community room and a wellness centre.
They regularly sponsor public swimming and skating, they’ve promised another $100,000 to the new Muskoka Lumber Arena in Bracebridge, and they’ve been financial supporters of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation for more than a decade.
The Jacksons’ son Brett and General Manager Pam Medland are taking on more of a leadership role with the company as Dave and Laura get closer to retirement. However, Pam says the desire to give back has gone from a family value to a corporate value of Kubota North.
“Brett grew up with them as examples and it shows,” says Pam. “We recently gave $5,000 to Andy’s House (Muskoka Hospice) and went for a tour of the facility in Port Carling.
Brett and I came out and he said, ‘we have to do more to help them.’ We upped our donation to $10,000 and
plan to donate a $24,000 RTV for their upcoming charity raffle.”
Actions like these show that the Jacksons are firmly
rooted in Muskoka and feel that the community’s growth and prosperity are as important as theirs.
TEXT MATT DRISCOLL
