Giving Back

Is In Purdy Chocolatier’s DNA

“All kids are unique and some have support systems while others don’t, support is such a core value for Purdys Chocolatier, and I can see how it makes a difference in the lives of the youth at Take a Hike.”

A little over 100 years ago, Purdys Chocolatier was born. Handmade chocolates were delicately crafted in downtown Vancouver, the original home of Purdys Chocolatier back in 1907. Community-minded from the start, Purdys Chocolatier strives to give back to organizations who share their values and passion. A family-owned company, Purdys Chocolatier is proud to include Take a Hike in their philanthropic initiative, Purple Partnerships, and has been a steadfast supporter for over a decade.

The Flavelle family and Purdys Chocolatier have always had a passion for chocolate, people, and giving back. Sitting down with Lawrence Eade, President of Purdys Chocolatier, it was clear why Purdys Chocolatier and Take a Hike were a match made in chocolate heaven. It all started when Karen Flavelle, CEO of Purdys Chocolatier, was invited by a friend to attend Take a Hike’s annual Moonlight Snowshoe event, back when the event was just

20 people out on a casual snowshoe hearing stories from Take a Hike’s alumni, youth, and team. Their stories stayed with Karen and the following year, Purdys Chocolatier officially became a sponsor of Moonlight Snowshoe. Since then, Purdys Chocolatier and their delicious hot chocolate have been a mainstay of the event. Purdys Chocolatier has taken every opportunity to support Take a Hike in other unique ways through attending events, engaging staff and members, sharing our stories, amplifying our message, and more.

For Lawrence, this solid partnership comes from Purdys Chocolatier’s core values of quality and never compromising. It’s the reason why they have been able to thrive over the past century and why a partnership with Take a Hike made so much sense.

Take a Hike fits so well with our mission to create connection and joy. For us, it’s through the power of chocolate but for Take a Hike, it’s through the power of support and care given to the youth in the program.

When he started participating in Moonlight Snowshoe, Lawrence saw what happens when connections are made with the youth that need it most. “I’ve got three kids as well, and I see how they all learn differently.” Lawrence reflected, “All kids are unique and some have support systems while others don’t, support is such a core value for Purdys Chocolatier, and I can see how it makes a difference in the lives of the youth at Take a Hike.” Attending Moonlight Snowshoe with his daughters, Lawrence was struck by how many people were involved in changing the lives of youth, “for me personally, seeing all the different teachers, counsellors and even the youth themselves, it showed how powerful Take a Hike is for vulnerable youth.” This also meant a lot for Lawrence’s daughters who got to hear from their peers about their different experiences and what they achieved while in the program.

In 2021, Take a Hike was thrilled to join Purdys Chocolatier’s philanthropic initiative, Purple Partnerships. “Take a Hike represents a key pillar of our Purple Partnerships,” Lawrence shares, “and supporting youth who live in our communities means a lot to Purdys and our mission.” Caring about people and community comes naturally at Purdys Chocolatier and for Lawrence and the entire team, it means a lot to be able to give back. “We’re very, very happy to be partners with Take a Hike.”