The Paper and Wood Products Industry Gives Back: Domtar
People are at the heart of our industry. So is being part of the communities that surround our mills and stepping up to lend a hand with community projects.
At Domtar, caring is one of three core values. It drives how employees treat their colleagues, customers and natural resources.
That’s where Paige Goff, Vice President of Sustainability at Domtar comes in. Since joining in 2004, Goff has been responsible for implementing community engagement efforts on behalf of Domtar.
“At Domtar, we are very proud to support the communities in which we operate. We not only provide monetary support, but in many cases, more importantly, volunteer hours,” she said.
In 2010, Domtar launched the EarthChoice® Ambassador (ECA) program that offers employee engagement through sustainability efforts. Every Domtar facility has an ECA team.
Each year these teams promote literacy, health and wellbeing, and sustainability through events such as book, paper, and school supply donations; sorting and stocking at food banks; building trails, tables, or benches at parks and more.
Since 2018, Domtar has contributed more than $5 million and over 30,000 volunteer hours to benefit large and small communities where they operate.
“One of my favorite projects was building an accessibility ramp at the horse barn, which helps children mount horses for therapy riding,” Goff said. “Our CEO, John Williams, participated, as well as dozens of employees. This not only benefited the community, but it also was a great time of team building for our colleagues.”
This collaborative culture and sense of giving back are reasons Goff has stayed in the industry. Another aspect? Being part of decision making about products, facilities and the future of forests is inspiring to her.
“We never forget that our company is woven into the fabric of our communities, and we treat environmental stewardship as a sacred trust.”