Vision

To connect human beings to community and inspire collective good.

Mission

To inspire greatness in every human being through mutual respect, creative collaboration, and firm belief in their unlimited potential to create positive impact.

At HBFirst Initiatives we are guided by our Six C values. Why Six? It is often associated with balance, harmony, truth and family while, in mathematics, it is considered a “perfect” number.
Together, these values are the foundation of our initiatives and partnerships as we learn and grow. They will empower us to collaboratively create intentional events, products, and services that inspire greatness in every human and leaves a courageous legacy of impact in the communities where we live and work.

Connection: Human connection is the foundation of a meaningful life, fostering relationships built on trust, empathy, and respect. It transcends barriers and creates bonds that inspire growth and unity.
Compassion: Compassion, the cornerstone of human connection, drives us to empathize, offer kindness, and bridge divides, creating a ripple effect of healing and goodwill.
Collaboration: Collaboration harnesses the power of diverse perspectives to achieve greater outcomes through mutual respect and teamwork.

Community: Community brings individuals together to support and uplift one another, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
Creativity: Creativity fuels innovation and progress, encouraging fresh perspectives and bold solutions. We believe investing and promoting the arts and local artists ensures a vibrant future where culture and creativity continue to shape and inspire generations to come.
Courage: Courage enables us to face challenges with resilience, embracing fear to drive positive change and inspire others to do the same.

Primary Focus for Initiatives:

Youth Development

Mental Health

Sports/ Active Living

Leadership Development

Life Altering & Rehabilitation

About the Founder:

Stephen Cooper

Born and raised in Niagara, Stephen Cooper has always had a deep-rooted passion for service, connection, and community. His journey began early—as a teenager in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets—where he earned the prestigious Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence. That formative experience sparked a lifelong commitment to leadership, philanthropy, and building meaningful relationships with those around him.

With over 20 years of experience in finance and leadership roles, Stephen has consistently channeled his talents toward causes that bring people together for the greater good. Whether leading high-impact fundraising initiatives or speaking at community events, his focus remains the same: create opportunities for collective impact that make a real and lasting difference.

More About the Founder

Stephen is a proud member of the Grantham Optimist Club, where he supports youth programming in St. Catharines and the surrounding region. He’s also an active voice in the Niagara Fundraiser’s Network, helping champion a collaborative vision for a stronger, more connected community. His love for hockey has been more than a personal passion—it’s a vehicle for generosity. As a team leader in the Celebrity Ice Cup for over a decade, he and his team have raised more than $10,000 annually in support of Hotel Dieu Shaver.

Inspired by his commitment to family, friends, and community, Stephen founded HBFirst Initiatives as a way to bring together people and purpose. With HBFirst, he continues to use his strengths in service of something greater—creating a legacy rooted in meaningful action and positive change.

Honors & Awards

Notable Achievements

Named to Top Forty under 40- Niagara Alumni
Recipient of the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence
Named Most Valuable Promoter – Hotel Dieu Shaver fundraiser (2018 & 2019)
Graduation from Leadership Development Program through PenFinancial 2018
Wendel Clark Team Captain Award – Baycrest Pro-Am fundraising 2016
Multiple Top Fundraiser or Sales/Service awards as Top Performer.
Featured in Business Niagara Magazine Q3 2012 as one of Niagara’s 10 Young Entrepreneurs for business and community contributions.

Our References

Amanda Braet

Director of Development & Stewardship for Birchway Niagara

Co/Chair for Niagara Fundraisers Network

I am pleased to provide this letter of support for Stephen Cooper in recognition of his valuable contributions to the Niagara Fundraisers Network. Stephen recently

presented to our network on Tip Tap, sharing his knowledge, experience, and

insights in a way that was both informative and engaging.

View Reference

Frida Saliu

Community Outreach Officer (Bridges Niagara)

Stephen has been a dedicated volunteer-career guide for the Community Outreach Program with Bridges Niagara. Through both group sessions and one-on-one career guidance, he has provided invaluable insights to newcomers. With extensive knowledge, a strong professional network, and a genuine

passion for helping others, Stephen is known for his empathy, professionalism,

and commitment to supporting individuals in their career journeys

View Reference

Julia Ventresca

Brock University | Development & Donor Relations

I am so glad that I met Stephen through a wonderful presentation he facilitated to a group of professional fundraisers in 2024.
His passion and expertise in his field is evident in the way that he presents, encouraging open conversation, engagement and positivity throughout.