Sorbara Group of Companies Continues Tradition of Giving

The Sorbara Group of Companies has a long tradition of giving in the communities they have helped build. Ontario Tech University has benefited as a result of the Homeward Hills community the Sorbara Group is creating in Oshawa.

“When we give, we think about the communities where we build,” says Christina Sorbara, Vice-President of Corporate Knowledge for the Sorbara Group of Companies, and Chair of the Sam Sorbara Charitable Foundation. “Employees and purchasers are aware when companies support the communities where they have a presence; we trust they feel a sense of pride in our approach.”

The Sorbara Group made a capital gift of $1 million in 2022 to help the university continue to build and outfit high-tech facilities for its students. This generosity will be recognized by naming the lobby in the Software and Informatics Research Centre (SIRC) the Sorbara Family Lobby. SIRC is home to the Registrar’s office, a hub for campus tours, as well as numerous labs and classrooms equipped with the latest technology. Prior to making the donation to Ontario Tech, Christina came to campus for a tour.

“I was blown away by the scale of the university, and the technology in SIRC seemed so advanced,” she says. “I toured ACE (Automotive Centre of Excellence) too, and I wanted to call everyone I know to tell them about it. There are a lot of firsts in the type of testing being done there. When I learn about something that is changing and advancing the world somehow, I like to share that information with others.”

“I was really inspired during my visit to Ontario Tech. There’s a real sense of energy on campus and I know I felt something special there. I look forward to getting my family out for a tour, and I thank Ontario Tech for partnering with us.”

The Sam Sorbara Charitable Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, and Sam’s granddaughter is justifiably proud of the support the Foundation continues to give to many charitable endeavours.

“My grandfather, Sam Sorbara, used to say that fortune and wealth are gifts life offers us so that we can share them with others,” says Christina. “We were raised to think about giving when we received, and, as Chair of the Foundation, I have the responsibility to think of the needs of others. It causes me to reflect on the work we do and the values of our companies.

We have an obligation to others, whether we respond to needs corporately or as a family through the Foundation.”