Impact Society, a Calgary based charitable organization dedicated to inspiring and motivating positive action in youth, has changed the lives of thousands of children and teenagers across Alberta. As one of Impact’s most significant partners, Tarpon shares the organization’s passion to make a difference in local communities and has been a founding sponsor of several Impact programs and initiatives.

HEROES, an Impact program which encourages youth to make more responsible and respectful choices, has expanded across Alberta and delivered its message to over 25,000 individuals. Last year, students from 31 schools participated in the program throughout Alberta. With Tarpon’s contributions, Impact was able to establish HEROES in public and separate schools in Brooks, where more than 500 young people go through the program each year.

Tarpon’s financial commitment has also allowed Impact to develop HEROES 2 / Peer Mentorship, a pilot project that encourages youth to apply what they’ve learned in HEROES to their daily lives. Recently, Impact partnered with the Foothills School Division in High River and area to develop a HEROES-based anti-bullying program. “Tarpon’s monthly contribution affects the lives of young people every day,” says Impact Society’s CEO, Jack Toth.

LEGENDS, Impact’s corporate development program, began as a pilot project sponsored by Tarpon in 2006. From the outset, over 100 Tarpon employees from several locations have benefited from the program as they have learned to build their confidence, character and integrity through interaction with their co-workers. “Tarpon has been a model of corporate involvement,” says Toth.

Tarpon is a strong supporter of Impact’s Pitch ‘n Hitch, an annual fund raising event where proceeds are dedicated to the ongoing development of the HEROES program and About Face, Impact’s partnership with the Calgary Police Service. On April 11, Impact’s 2008 Pitch ‘n Hitch event raised $120,000, including Tarpon’s sponsorship of two corporate tables and an auction item donation that sold for $3,000.