Sir Gus: The Camel with a Heart of Gold

Sir Gus isn’t an ordinary camel. He is a beloved mascot of Bahia Shrines Temple of Central Florida

The Shriners are known throughout North America for their dedication to helping children. Their network includes 22 Shriners Children’s hospitals—19 in the United States, one in Montreal, Canada, and one in Mexico City. These hospitals provide specialized pediatric care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of a family’s ability to

The Camel Herders Unit, mission is to care for Sir Gus. Under the leadership of their president, Steve Moody of Century Fire Protection, Orlando. We make sure Sir Gus is healthy, well-fed, brushed, exercised, and ready for his next adventure. We know that caring for Sir Gus is more than a responsibility—it’s an honor.

Gus even has his own specially designed transportation bus that safely transports him to Shrine events, festivals, across Central Florida. Children and adults stop to take pictures and give him carrots with Sir Gus’s “kiss” with the famous camel. Sir Gus helps raise awareness for children who need hope and healing. The Shriners and Sir Gus represent an organization built on compassion, service, and love.
#FirstServeOthers

Planned Companies volunteered at St.Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ for the second year in row.

Our group of 11 spent the day helping by taking the dogs out for walks. During these walks, volunteers observed how the dogs interacted with people, responded to different environments, and behaved overall. This information is valuable to the shelter staff, as it helps them update the dogs’ profiles and better match them with potential adopters.

Our team truly enjoyed spending time with the dogs and, of course, getting outside and enjoying the beautiful day. We’re already looking forward to going back next year and continuing our partnership with St. Hubert’s!

Ordered Papa John’s pizza for dinner tonight, June 24th, and supported the Jax Humane Society with my order of $33.89!

#DaylightHour is an annual opportunity to focus on energy conservation and workplace wellness. It’s always a fun event to coordinate because turning off the lights for an hour is a simple way to break up the day and bring everyone together!

What makes it even more rewarding is seeing our collective impact on energy savings, and this year we had record participation with 22 offices joining in. We made the occasion even sweeter with Kona Ice at our headquarters!

Century Fire Protection
#FirstServeOthers
https://daylighthour.org/

Every morning and afternoon, I take my dog for a walk around the neighborhood. Over time, I started noticing how much litter was being left behind. Since I already carry doggy bags with me, I began picking up trash whenever I see it and throwing it away. It’s a small act, but it helps keep our neighborhood clean

Today I donated business apparel to women in need, helping support their confidence and opportunities as they take steps towards new beginnings.

Today I bought a warm meal for someone experiencing homelessness. It was a small gesture, but wanted to brighten their day and make sure they felt seen and cared for. WE shared a brief conversation, and it reminded me how much kindness – even the simple moments can matter.

“no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

What began as a way to support a valued member of the First Onsite Canada family has grown into a meaningful initiative that brings our teams, clients and partners together. Through our ongoing partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, we are proud to have raised nearly $24,000 to support blood cancer research, patient programs, and families in need.

This effort is more than fundraising – it reflects who we are. By coming together to honor Todd’s journey, we are extending our commitment beyond our daily work and into our communities we serve.

As we continue into our second year, we remain focused on making a positive impact and supporting one another. This initiative is a power reminder of the difference we can make when we come together with purpose.

Some our Regional Leadership Team had the opportunity to spend the afternoon cooking meals for Ronald McDonald House Atlantic. We cooked 50 meals (spaghetti, kale salad and rolls) that will be shared with the Ronald McDonald House and The IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax.

It was great to make an immediate impact to our community in a place that has benefited our clients, employees and business partners.

In the group photo from left to right we had:
Kristine Grace, Business Development
Scott Wilkinson, Business Development
Penny Dude, Business Development
Sandy Norman, HRBP
James Buntain, Regional Safety Manager

I love to give back in every way possible. About 2 weeks ago I was driving near collins hill walmart and saw a mother and young daughter carrying groceries and walking home in the rain. I stopped and asked them if they needed a ride, they were hesitant at first however I told them I did not mind at all.

I dropped them off at home about a 15 minute drive that I am sure would have took them longer. This made me feel like I was meant to do a good deed because you never know when someone truly needs help and most people are afraid to even ask. They thanked me and that made me feel complete, its the little and generous acts that matter.

I noticed that my neighbor’s Mango fruit tree was full and that much of the fruit would likely go to waste. I offered to help pick the fruit and gather it for them. The small act saved them the physical strain of doing it themselves, keep animals and bugs away from their house and allowed them to enjoy the mangos without the extra work. I even got a HUGE bag of Mangos as a thank you! There were so many, so I brought them to work and handed them out! I had a mango smoothie every single day for almost two weeks!

I noticed a young mother who was short on money to buy groceries AND diapers so I helped purchase the extra items she needed. My goal was to ease some of her stress and ensure she and her children had food on the table and diapers for her baby. It was a small act of kindness, but I know it made a meaningful difference during a difficult time. When I was a young mother and no help, a stranger did the same exact thing for me – Paying it forward actually made ME feel good. 🙂

I noticed an elderly woman struggling to take her trash to the curb. I offered to help and took care of it for her. It was a simple act, but it made her day a little easier and reminded me how small gestures of kindness can have a meaningful impact on others.

Having grown up in foster care myself, I understand how important support and encouragement can be. I make an effort to share my experiences, offer guidance, and encourage others facing difficult circumstances. By showing that challenges can be overcome, I hope to provide hope and inspiration to those who may need it.

I took the time to assist a coworker with a billing issue that was preventing a job from moving forward. By working together to resolve the problem quickly, we helped avoid delays and kept the customer satisfied!

I am a licensed wildlife rehabber for small mammals in the state of Texas. This allows me to rescue and care for raccoons (my favorite), squirrels, foxes, skunks, armadillos, and opossums. While I am a small in-home rehabber, I spend a lot of time with my mentor at Petri’s Place. This is one of the only animal sanctuaries in South Texas and she has already taken in nearly 1000 animals this year!

Volunteering at the sanctuary can mean cleaning cages, bottle/tube feeding babies, building/repairing enclosures, trapping/releasing animals that are ready to be returned to the wild, fundraising, and educating the public on conservation and rescue. It is exhausting and wonderful.

I spend at least one weekend a month at the sanctuary in addition to the animals that I rescue in my home. I love being able to save animals while helping people learn how to live alongside them safely.

Through our partnership and support of the CICMA’s annual event, our National Insurance Sales team helped contribute to something far bigger than ourselves – raising $30,000 for Campfire Circle. Seeing the impact come to life was a powerful reminder that when we come together as a community, we can create real change. It wasn’t just about the sponsorship – it was about bringing people together, giving back, and helping make a difference where it truly matters.

This Father’s Day, I took a moment to reach out personally to 48 clients and team members to wish them a happy Father’s Day. Each message was simple, but genuine. It wasn’t about the grand gesture – it was taking a moment to recognize the role they play not only professionally, but in their personal lives as fathers and mentors. The responses I received, were heartfelt. SOme expressed gratitude, others shared how the message meant to them. This experience reminded me how powerful a thoughtful connection can be. A few kind words can brighten someone’s day, strengthen relationships, and build a culture of appreciation.

In the fast-paced rhythm of daily operations, the First Onsite Mississauga team consistently goes above and beyond – quietly stepping in to support the National Sales team, often reshuffling there already busy schedules without hesitation.

Whether it is lending a hand behind the scenes or helping ensure we are set up for success, their dedication never goes unnoticed.

As a small token of appreciation for their time, efforts and unwavering support, we decided to surprise the team – just a simple gesture to brighten their day. Boxes of fresh cookies were hand delivered, bringing smiles, laughter, and a well-deserved moment of pause.

It wasn’t just about the treats – it was about recognizing a team that gives so much of themselves to help others succeed. A reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful impact.

At the 3rd annual COIS Charity Golf Tournament, I was fortunate enough to win the 50/50 draw – but in that moment, it felt more meaningful to donate it back to the charity. What was meant to be a bit of luck turned into a chance to give a little more to a cause that truly matters. I left feeling grateful – not just for the win, but for the opportunity to be part of something so generous and impactful.

Over the last few months, my family has fostered five surrendered pugs through Coastal Pug Rescue. Each dog arrived with a different story, but all shared one thing in common: they needed a safe place to land while they waited for their next chapter.

By opening our home, we’ve been able to provide stability, love, and daily care while these pugs received the medical attention and support needed to prepare them for adoption. Today, all five are healthy, ready for forever homes, and actively looking for the families who will love them for the rest of their lives.

Fostering has shown us that making a difference doesn’t always require a lifelong commitment—it can start with simply saying “yes” to helping when a dog is in need. Knowing that these pugs now have a second chance and a bright future ahead is what makes every moment worthwhile.

I volunteered with the DCMetro Social Committee to raise funds for Carpenter’s Shelter in Arlington, VA. We held a Bingo night partnering vendors and raised almost $1500. I had the pleasure of being the emcee for the event. It was such a great cause!

I grew up in foster care, and that experience helped shape me into the woman I am today. As a child, I often carried responsibilities far beyond my years. I faced many challenges growing up, but when I turned 18, I made a decision: I would choose my own path and create a life completely different from the one I had known.

I wanted to become the best mother, daughter, and sister I could be. I pursued a career in accounting and quickly realized that I loved the work. Over the years, I continued learning, growing, and excelling in every position I held. Eventually, I discovered my passion for the life safety and construction industry, where I found a career that truly inspires me.

Today, I am fortunate to build meaningful professional relationships with customers while making a difference through my work. One of my proudest achievements came when Sunray Construction Solutions held its Top 10 Women in Construction 2026 recognition program. With the support of my family, friends, coworkers, and customers, I was nominated and selected as one of the Top 10 Women in Construction in the United States, representing Century Fire Protection.

That recognition meant more to me than an award. It was proof that hard work, determination, and perseverance can overcome even the most difficult beginnings. More importantly, it showed my children that your circumstances do not define your future. No matter where you come from, you can achieve your goals if you are willing to work for them.

Century Fire Protection has given me the tools, opportunities, and support to grow both professionally and personally. Looking back, I am proud of how far I have come. From a little girl in foster care to a woman living her dream, my journey has taught me that anything is possible with resilience, dedication, and hope. I am grateful for where I came from, proud of where I am today, and excited for where I am going next.

One thing about Century Fire is that employees know how to celebrate. Every birthday, cubicles are transformed into mini party zones and every Christmas a forest of trees erupts throughout our offices, so you already know that a Century Fire Baby shower is an event to behold especially when both parents work in the office.

Through the generosity of coworkers, a sizable amount was raised to nearly clear out the expecting parents’ baby registry. Gifts were wrapped, basketed and presented under a balloon arch. The baby shower leaned into the “silly goose almost on the loose” theme with a fleet of geese cups, a handmade painting and loads of geese decor. As one employee who, despite it being her very first day, contributed to the gift and helped set up the room said, “This is the best work baby shower I’ve ever seen!”

This event was incredibly rewarding to help bring to life and I feel so fortunate to be able to put my party planning and painting abilities to a good use for a couple who are sure to make the best parents!

Yesterday, I had the honor of serving as a panelist at the IDEA: Beyond the Gift event in Jacksonville, FL. The panel brought together local corporate partners who collaborate with organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).
The discussion centered on moving beyond financial contributions to meaningful, personal engagement. Demonstrating how organizations can build genuine relationships that create lasting impact. We explored what it truly means for a community to be inclusive and accessible and how shifting from transactional support to authentic partnership can positively transform both organizations and the individuals they serve.
A significant portion of the conversation focused on breaking down barriers faced by individuals with IDDs, particularly challenges related to transportation and societal perceptions. We discussed how these obstacles limit opportunities and emphasized the importance of creating pathways that allow individuals to fully participate and thrive. At the core of this effort is fostering dignity, confidence, and a true sense of belonging.
More than 100 community members participated in this two-hour session, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving to help move this initiative forward.
Paul Davis proudly supports the Pine Castle Center for Adults with IDDs, and I was honored to share how our partnership has grown beyond financial support into a meaningful relationship rooted in friendship, respect, and a shared commitment to helping individuals thrive.
The image attached shows me pictured on the right with Wendy Mayle, the Director of Development at Pine Castle next to me.

My elderly neighbor is a widower, and he has been facing some health challenges that are impacting his mobility and quality of life. His wife was a dear friend (like a second mother to me) and when she was dying, I promised I’d always take care of her husband. Every week I make sure to bring him home cooked meals and his favorite chicken salad along with other goodies from our local farmers’ market. My partner and I maintain his yard and garden, so he doesn’t have to pay for a lawn service. Bringing him meals and other treats gives me an opportunity to spend time with him and make sure he has everything he needs. I cherish the time I get to spend with him and love listening to his stories about his life and travels.

While on vacation during the Memorial Day holiday, Lilly (the dog) and I regularly walked the front of the hotel and replanted any of the wind-blown, fallen over American flags. I love our flag, and I am so proud to be an American. In honor of all who made the ultimate sacrifice, standing up the American flag is the least I could do out of respect for those who gave all.

The volunteer group that I work with often volunteers at other nonprofits to assist them with any of their projects or scheduled events on their calendar to help support the community. Last weekend, one of my peers within the volunteer group and I went to White Pony Express to help sort food. As they receive donations from multiple grocers and farmers market growers, volunteers are critical as we ensure that dairy, breads, vegetables and fruits, are sorted so they are ready to go when they are either delivered to families or when families visit the center. We had a productive afternoon and we were able to meet other volunteers passionate about helping the organization. We loaded over three pallets filled with food ready to go for the next morning. Amazing day! Can’t wait to go back!

My elderly neighbor became ill and was hospitalized, so I stepped in to care for his puppy.

Staff and board of directors for social purpose with Forgotten Soldiers Outreach that the “Mavericks” rolled out under VP Charity Gruwell. There are quite a few properties that took a collection during the entire month of May to send care packages to our troops. Membership not only donated items, but they also wrote letters to soldiers as well. Yesterday, FirstService Residential associates and Board members from a few properties packed over 30 boxes to ship to soldiers

I live in a small town that has recently begun experiencing significant growth. I found myself disagreeing with some of the zoning decisions being made and realized that if I wanted to have a voice in the process, I needed to become more engaged.

I now review agendas for zoning and commission meetings, attend meetings whenever possible, and communicate directly with town leaders to share my concerns and ideas. As a result of that involvement, I was invited to join the Mayor’s Think Tank, a group of 12 community members from diverse backgrounds who meet quarterly to discuss ways to improve our community and enhance residents’ quality of life.

My recent involvement in local government has been a real eye-opener. It has given me a much deeper appreciation for the difficult balancing act our local leaders face as they work to support growth and improve the community while keeping taxes affordable. Most importantly, I have come to realize that the decisions made at the local level often have a far greater impact on my daily life than anything happening in Washington.

I live in an apartment complex. Our neighbor had a wreath where House Finches had made a nest. The eggs had hatched. This morning when leaving for work the wreath had fallen. My husband and I jumped into action and got rubber gloves, a shoebox and used a piece of cardboard to scoop up the baby birds and put them into the shoebox with their nest. I’m happy to report that Momma Bird has come back to check on the Baby Birds! Anyone who knows me knows I love animals. Saving the baby birds mattered to me because their lives were fragile and they have no way to protect themselves. I couldn’t ignore that responsibility once I saw it. Helping them wasn’t just about rescuing animals—it was about honoring life, compassion, and the belief that even the smallest beings deserve care and a chance to survive.

192 Gallons. One Truckload. A Big Impact.

This week, we delivered 192 gallons of unused paint to Matthew 25: Ministries in Blue Ash, Ohio.

What makes this even more special is that this paint didn’t just come from our projects. Over the years, we’ve created a community paint donation drop-off center at our Dayton office, and it’s been amazing to see the number of homeowners, contractors, property managers, and businesses who stop by to donate leftover paint instead of throwing it away.

At CertaPro Painters of Indianapolis & Dayton we partner with Threefold to brainstorm as to how to we have intrinsic impact. We believe being a good community partner means more than providing great painting services. It means looking for opportunities to reduce waste, support sustainability, and help organizations like Matthew 25 Ministries put resources to good use.

Every gallon donated is one less gallon headed to a landfill and one more opportunity to make a positive impact.

A huge thank you to Matthew 25 Ministries for the incredible work they do around the world and to everyone who has contributed paint to our donation center over the years. Your donations truly make a difference.

Together, we can create a cleaner environment, reduce waste, and strengthen our communities one gallon at a time.

Each month, a CertaPro Painters® Corporate team member is selected to direct a $250 donation to a charity of their choice.

For June, Larsen Sharp chose the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as the recipient of CertaPro’s monthly charitable donation.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to creating a world free of MS by advancing research, advocating for those affected, and providing critical support and resources to individuals and families living with multiple sclerosis. Their mission is to improve the lives of people impacted by MS through groundbreaking scientific discoveries, accessible healthcare solutions, educational programs, and community connections. Through fundraising efforts and advocacy initiatives, the Society helps accelerate treatments, expand support services, and drive progress toward a cure, empowering those affected by MS to live their best lives while fostering hope for the future.

#CertaProGivesBack #FirstServeOthers #GivingBack