Giving Back Year-Round: A Conversation about Impact Sponsorship with Hamed Shahbazi

Although the holidays are long over and all traces of wrapping paper, ribbons and bows have disappeared, giving and creating life-changing opportunities for others are important throughout the year. That is exactly what Mission Possible’s Impact Sponsorship aims to do, and something that rings true to Hamed Shahbazi, CEO and founder of Well Health Technologies and longtime supporter of Mission Possible.

Shahbazi approached Mission Possible with an idea back in 2019 after volunteering with our Power Breakfast for years during which he created a deep connection with the various folks coming through our doors. An opportunity for individuals, businesses, or organizations to support two individuals on their Mission Possible journey through the Employment Readiness Program called Impact Sponsorship.

He shares, “A fundamental human need is to matter, feel like you belong, like you’re part of a community, and this program helps offer that to both the sponsor and the associate.” Knowing that people give when they feel an emotional connection and recognizing the power of stories, Shahbazi wanted something that would allow people to privately and safely share their personal stories with those that are supporting their journey.

An Impact Sponsor fully financially supports associates during their six-months working with the MP Clean Team, covering things like wage subsidy, uniforms and equipment, workshops, coaching, and more. This provides an empowering opportunity for the associates by lowering barriers and making their return to employment as accessible as possible. 

As an Impact Sponsor himself, Shahbazi was most surprised by how varied the stories are. He soon realized that just because the financial support and opportunity are there, doesn’t mean that it’ll all work out. Rather than deterring him, this motivated him to support even more. “We need to care after giving,” Shahbazi urges. Seeing the ups and downs that someone goes through while returning back to the workforce provides an authentic view into the impact of one’s support. 

With a waitlist dozens of people long, Mission Possible is ready to support new associates in this journey. However, we need your help to make sure each one of them has their best year yet–one full of hope and new possibilities.

The cost of an Impact Sponsorship is $5,000 per associate. The sponsor will receive two reports sharing an associate's successes and learning curves. They get the chance to hear from the associate they’re supporting and follow along on their journey. Learn more about the Sponsorship at www.mission-possible.ca/impactsponsor.

If you or your team are interested in becoming an Impact Sponsor, please reach out to our Development team at development@mission-possible.ca. If you’re interested in learning more about the people that come through Mission Possible and their journeys, check out some other inspiring stories!