Play It Forward (PIF), Optimus SBR’s flagship fundraising event led by the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, returned in 2025 for its 13th annual event, marking our most impactful year yet.

This year’s theme, Murder on the Runway, brought together the intrigue of a murder mystery with the creativity of a fashion runway. The entire Optimus SBR team came together at Maison D’Optimus, our café transformed into a fashion show setting, for an unforgettable night rooted in creativity, connection, and a shared passion for giving back.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Play It Forward 2025 raised $100,445, far exceeding our goal of $55,000 and more than doubling the amount raised in 2024.

At the heart of Play It Forward is our commitment to supporting organizations that create meaningful, lasting change in our communities. That commitment extended beyond the event itself.

In the weeks leading up to Play It Forward, Optimus SBR launched the Feed It Forward Campaign, encouraging employees to engage their external networks in support of the Fort York Food Bank. With the help of our extended community, the campaign raised over $7,000, helping provide essential meals to families in need.

About Our Partner Charities

Fort York Food Bank (FYFB): A vital service that aims to prevent homelessness among Toronto’s most vulnerable groups by providing food, counselling, training, and advocacy services.

Engage and Change: Creates hands-on volunteer opportunities that help alleviate poverty through care kits distributed directly to local communities via frontline agencies and shelters.

St. Felix Centre: Provides compassionate, safe services to individuals experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and other complex challenges.

Play It Forward continues to be a reflection of who we are as a company. It brings our values to life, strengthens our connections, and allows us to make a meaningful difference beyond the workplace. The success of PIF 2025 shows what is possible when purpose, passion, and community come together.

We are proud of what was accomplished and grateful to everyone who helped make Play It Forward 2025 our most impactful event to date.