When cousins Zach and Chris Derksen reflect on the mission behind their family business, it comes down to a simple philosophy: they build the mechanical systems that keep buildings running so they can, in turn, support the local organizations that serve and help people. The company was founded nearly 70 years ago by Zach’s Opa, Frank Derksen. After emigrating from Prussia and initially working as a farmer, he recognized a pressing local need for plumbing and pivoted his expertise to serve the local community in Winnipeg. He was later joined by his brother Henry, who was Chris’s Opa, and together the brothers expanded the business to take on larger mechanical projects. In the early 1980s, the second generation, Kurt, James, and Brian, took the helm. Today, Zach and Chris lead as the third generation, carrying forward a legacy of technical excellence. Just as their Opas looked to the community to see where they could serve, Zach and Chris use their professional network to find new ways to give back. It was through a close working relationship with a Victoria Hospital Foundation board member that Zach was first introduced to the Foundation’s initiatives. “A lot of what built our company into what it is today were some key healthcare projects,” Zach explains. “I think what drives us is that those projects offer assistance to our community, but also that the harder the project, the more interesting it is. When a mechanical system is complicated, it challenges us to improve.” Their strong commitment to community and passion for healthcare have inspired the cousins to support several different healthcare organizations, including Victoria Hospital Foundation. “Healthcare supports everyone in our community at some point,” says Chris. “Anything we can do to make that work more effective or efficient is why we give back.” Derksen Plumbing & Heating have supported numerous Victoria Hospital Foundation events, including Golf “Fore the Health of It” and most recently have pledged their support as a Visionary Sponsor of the 11th Anniversary Miracle Gala. “I’m looking forward to the uniqueness of the event,” says Zach. “It’s a chance to touch base with people I don’t always get to see in the industry, make new connections, and hear what the Foundation has achieved over the past year. Last year was such a great event.” At last year’s gala, Derksen Plumbing & Heating generously invested in 10 new interactive companion pets to comfort patients living with dementia. “It seemed like a simple way to make a huge impact,” Zach shares. “My Oma had Alzheimer’s and it took her far earlier than we expected. “To know that we can do something in memory of her to help people with the same ailment is huge.” Giving back is part of the culture at Derksen Plumbing & Heating. Employees can nominate organizations and charities that are close to their hearts, and every month the company chooses one of these causes to support. For Chris and Zach, this reinforces a shared sense of purpose and local connection. “Anytime you give to a foundation, you usually find that you get ten times back,” says Chris. “Whether it is the satisfaction of putting a smile on someone’s face or simply making their day better, it still comes back to impact you.” Zach agrees, offering a simple piece of advice for those on the fence about philanthropy: “Every little bit counts. If you’re thinking about giving, pull the trigger!” “ Anytime you give to a foundation, you usually find that you get ten times back. Donate Post navigation < BACK
