There are many worthwhile charities for companies to partner with. Yet there are very few that offer a local and personnel connection like Make-A-Wish Canada. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a charity in Canada whose grants wishes to critically ill children each year. The amazing work they do changes the lives of these children and their families for the better! This dedication to children and community aligns directly with the core values the Northern Strands Group of Companies holds. We have committed to grant the wish of one child each year for the past several years and everyone chips in to make this a reality. Our teams take this commitment to heart, and we work throughout the year make this donation possible each year.

With fundraising events not possible this year, our team became creative in their fundraising efforts. Our staff rose to the challenge this year and we collected recycling from all locations to send to SARCAN as well as having a silent auction with donation items from companies we work with.

This last year we sponsored a 7 year old girl named Alexis. She loves swimming, Lego and animals. Her wish was to have a puppy! Through our donations and fundraising this year we have been able to grant this wish for Alexis. She welcomed home a Cocker Spaniel puppy this year.

The creativity of these kids and amazing strength and spirit makes working with Make-A-Wish so much fun! There are quite a few children in Canada waiting for a wish so check out their page at: https://makeawish.ca for ways you can get involved or donate! It’s an amazing organization doing work to make the world a softer and gentler place for critically ill children in Canada. 

The FNU Pow Wow 2017 was last weekend at the Brandt Center in Regina. The First Nations University Pow Wow is one of the largest in Canada, with hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators. Northern Strands sponsored the events first responders, Northern Strands T.E.A.M Response.  T.E.A.M Response is composed of first responder volunteers, including two of our own Safety Trainers, Cassenna Parameter and Belinda Mitchell.  The Nine members of T.E.A.M Response volunteered 160 hours over the 2 days, providing basic medical services for the First Nations event.  

The volunteers honored the First Nations people, Northern Strands and all involved by displaying professionalism, empathy and compassion to everyone in need of assistance. In appreciation, an honorable mention was made on behalf of Northern Strands T.E.A.M. Response as part of the Master of Ceremonies opening speech. 

Regina’s Police Chief Evan Bray stood as honor guard for the event.  Coincidentally, his daughter volunteers with T.E.A.M. Response. Father and daughter posed for the picture you see below.