At Spartan Controls, we stand in awe of our Spartans who exemplify the spirit of generosity by generously devoting their time to volunteer efforts. As National Volunteer Week 2024 just ended, we extend our deepest appreciation to the 24 million volunteers across Canada, whose selfless dedication enriches countless lives. This year’s theme, "Every Moment Matters," strikes a chord within our organization, underscoring the significance of each volunteer's contributions.
Volunteering brings people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering connections and creating a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences. It's about paying it forward, helping others as we have been helped, and cultivating empathy and compassion by stepping into someone else's shoes. Volunteers understand that collective action shapes our communities and society, actively contributing to making the world a better place. Although many Spartan’s consistently volunteer, we wanted to highlight some of the Spartan’s across our locations that have taken time to give back to their communities.

Ed Rathonyi embodies the essence of volunteerism, showcasing an inspiring dedication to community service. As co-chair of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada, he tirelessly advocates for patients and sheds light on this rare condition, while also nurturing young talents as a parent chaperone at the Langley Ukulele Association. Beyond his involvement in these organizations, Ed extends his unwavering commitment to the BC Children’s Heart Network and Block Watch, demonstrating a profound dedication to the well-being of his community. In his own words, "Some things just need to be done and won’t be done without volunteers. These volunteer roles have provided me opportunities to help improve the communities around me."

Thereasa Wagner radiates kindness through her longstanding dedication to community service. Alongside her colleagues, she generously volunteers monthly at The Mustard Seed, serving dinners with a heartwarming spirit. What drives Theresa's commitment to volunteering is beautifully simple yet deeply meaningful: she aims to lead by example for her children. Believing that actively giving back instills vital values like compassion and social responsibility in her kids, Theresa hopes they'll follow in her footsteps or discover their own ways to contribute positively when they're older. Grateful for her own privileges, Theresa recognizes the importance of sharing her time and resources with those less fortunate, inspiring her to continuously lend a helping hand.

Taylor Rose, an engine and compression technician in the Fort St. John area, is not only adept in her technical field but also leaves an enduring impact through her dedicated volunteer work. Taylor's journey in volunteering encompasses meaningful contributions to various organizations, each reflecting her passion for empowerment and community building. From her involvement with the Construction Foundation, where she inspires young girls to fearlessly explore non-traditional careers during the Girls in Trades spring break camp, to her role in fostering camaraderie and empowerment among women in the industry through the North Regional Construction Association's Women in Construction, Taylor's commitment shines brightly. So, why does Taylor volunteer? For her, it's about personal fulfillment, finding purpose in every moment dedicated to giving back. She recognizes the positive impact of even the smallest acts, understanding that they create ripples of change. Moreover, volunteering provides Taylor with a sense of belonging, nurturing lifelong friendships and shared experiences within her community. Above all, she finds immense reward in empowering young minds, witnessing the blossoming confidence and belief in themselves among the girls she mentors. Taylor Rose exemplifies the transformative power of volunteering, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness, empowerment, and community spirit.

Josh Slack, from the Regina region, embodies the spirit of community service with exceptional dedication. His volunteer roles showcase a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. From organizing successful fundraisers for Kinsmen TeleMiracle, supporting children in need, to selflessly serving at Souls Harbour, providing essential services to those facing adversity, Josh's efforts leave a lasting impact. Additionally, his coaching roles in hockey and baseball empower young athletes to thrive both on and off the field, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of sport. For Josh, volunteering brings personal fulfillment, fosters positive impact, strengthens community bonds, and shapes his perspective on life towards collective well-being.

Brian is a dedicated volunteer with a profound impact in various spheres. As an active member of the Alberta Chamber of Resources - Environmental Subcommittee, he champions sustainable practices and responsible resource management, ensuring environmental stewardship. His leadership extends to co-chairing the Technology, Emissions, and Environmental Excellence committee at Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC), driving innovation in the energy sector. Locally, as a director of the Wildwood Community Association, Brian fosters community engagement and initiatives, enriching the lives of residents. His expertise in methane reduction strategies also benefits others through mentorship at Avatar Innovations. Moreover, Brian's compassion extends to volunteering at The Mustard Seed, where he selflessly serves meals, providing nourishment and compassion to those in need. For Brian, volunteering is rooted in a belief that engineers have a responsibility to serve society and ensure a sustainable future, reflecting his strong conviction in social responsibility.

Olivia Petrus, an Application Specialist in Environment Solutions at CGA, exemplifies a deep commitment to volunteerism across various organizations. At The Alex Community Health Centre, she dedicates her time to preparing and serving community meals, ensuring cleanliness and efficiency in the kitchen. As a member of the Communications Committee at Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC), Olivia promotes clean technology development for oil and gas exploration through effective internal and external communication. She also serves as a Collaboration Facilitator at Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), fostering engagement and collaboration within the methane-associated organization. Additionally, as the Leader of Green Team Calgary at Spartan Controls, Olivia spearheads initiatives to reduce environmental impact across multiple facilities, organizing cleanups and educating employees on carbon footprint. Olivia's volunteer efforts, totaling over 60 hours, reflect her belief in the transformative power of giving back, fostering personal fulfillment and community engagement. Her advocacy for volunteerism inspires others to make meaningful contributions, emphasizing that even the smallest efforts can create significant impacts.

Farzana Begum, an Office Administrator at EDS, plays a vital role in the Community Support team. Recently, she has volunteered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and RMHC, the Ronald McDonald House, dedicating her time to provide information and set up donation spots for collection. Her volunteer efforts typically involve 3-8 hours per event, contributing to the fulfillment of various charitable endeavors. Farzana finds deep satisfaction in volunteering, recognizing its transformative impact on both individuals and communities. She emphasizes the importance of even small acts of help, believing that volunteering leads to a positive mental state and challenges perceptions about making a difference. Farzana's advocacy for volunteering encourages others to step out of their comfort zones and experience the rewarding impact of giving back first hand.

Katie Smith-Parent, holding a position in Business Development for Industry Diversification at CGA, is deeply involved in various impactful roles within the community. As the Executive Director of Young Women in Energy (YWE) and Co-Founder & Board Director of Axis Connects, she actively promotes diversity and empowerment. Additionally, her contributions to steering committees like OWN.CANCER $250M, Global Energy Show, and YP Link Calgary demonstrate her commitment to driving positive change across different sectors. With extensive experience in these leadership roles, Katie emphasizes the significance of volunteering, highlighting its alignment with personal values and its potential to enhance professional skills and reputation. For Katie, volunteering is not just a duty but a transformative experience that has shaped her into the accomplished professional she is today.

We commend our Spartans at Spartan Controls for their remarkable dedication to volunteering. As National Volunteer Week 2024 concludes, we extend gratitude to the 24 million volunteers across Canada who enrich countless lives. The theme "Every Moment Matters" underscores the significance of every volunteer's contribution, fostering unity and compassion in our communities. Let's celebrate the transformative power of giving back and continue to make a positive impact together. Thank you to all volunteers for inspiring us to create a brighter future.