Sutherland gives back to the community

By Precious Alasa

Sutherland Global Services is giving back to the community by partnering with organizations including the Downtown Mission, United Way and the Mickey Renaud Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Sutherland Global Services opened in 1986 and had a branch in Windsor for about 11 years. The company has contributed to the growth of the Windsor economy and currently has about 1,900 employees according to Mark Harrietha. Harrietha is the associate vice president and head of Sutherland Global Services in Canada.

“We want to really focus on those impacting lives in the community and helping those that needed hands to help themselves,” said Harrietha.

In the past years, Sutherland has partnered with the Downtown Mission, United Way and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. They are currently partnering with Hiatus House.

Sutherland is also working with St. Clair College and the Windsor Spitfires for the fifth year in a row with the Sutherland Global Services – Mickey Renaud Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Student athletes with good grades who are involved in extracurricular activities and in need of the scholarship are selected by a group of employees. The two winners are given a cheque for $2,000 each during the Mickey Renaud Night, which is an event held to celebrate the winners.

Kathleen Rizea, last year’s winner, heard about the scholarship program first from her sister, who won two years before she did. The 24-year-old office coordinator said she was working for St. Clair’s Student Athletic Association and was notified to apply for the scholarship program.

Rizea said winning felt surreal.

“I remember sitting in class when I got the email and I had to read it several times before I actually believed it,” said Rizea.

She said winning the scholarship has helped her immensely with school costs and has helped boost her confidence.

“It’s nice to be recognized for something that I’m passionate about,” said Rizea. She advised future applicants to keep applying themselves.

In addition to providing the Mickey Renaud Memorial scholarship, Sutherland also provides a scholarship available to any student employed with the company, to further support the community.