ISO Canada Staff Give Up Day of Pay to Support Entrepreneurs in Developing World, Raising Over $66,000 on the Day of Opportunity

Online, November 8, 2013 (Newswire.com) - ISO Canada raised over $66,000 on their Day of Opportunity on October 24, 2013, in support of entrepreneurs in the developing world. Approximately 75 employees and 5 suppliers gave up a day of pay or contributed in some way to the event.

ISO Canada is a commercial and residential flooring installation and renovation company with over 100 employees at 28 branches across Canada. The Day of Opportunity began as part of ISO's 3-year, $150,000 commitment to support microfinance projects in Colombia in partnership with Opportunity International Canada, raising over $118,000 in its first two years. This year was their best day ever, allowing them to surpass their 3-year goal by $34,000.

"Many charities ask for donations, and yes, this can help an organization immensely," says ISO employee Sandra Jackson. "But how many of those charities show their clients how to improve their way of living by providing the essential tools to move forward? Not only are you providing someone with a chance to improve the world they live in, but you are helping someone change their entire future. How often can you do that?"

Opportunity International provides over 5 million people in the developing world with access to financial services such as small business loans, with the average loan being $178.

"We are immensely grateful to all the staff, suppliers and customers of ISO that have made The Day of Opportunity such a success," says Doris Olafsen, Executive Vice President of Opportunity International Canada. "Over the past three-years, their investment in Opportunity has allowed us to impact hundreds of entrepreneurs in the developing world."

The Day of Opportunity has also become a model for how businesses can engage their employees, suppliers and customers in charitable activities as well as provide a focused strategy for charitable giving through corporate-charity partnerships.

For more information on the Day of Opportunity or ways to become engaged as a corporate partner visit www.opportunityinternational.ca

About Opportunity International Canada

Opportunity International provides access to savings, small business loans, insurance and training to over 5 million people working their way out of poverty in the developing world. Clients in 23 countries use these financial services to start or expand a business, provide for their families, create jobs for their neighbours, and build a safety net for the future.