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First Onsite Canada

See how First Onsite Canada is showing up for Summer of Service across FirstService.

Summer of Service

See the latest stories and campaign momentum happening across First Onsite Canada.

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Approved points 450
Approved submissions 27
Unique participants 11

Company Story Thread

A curated feed of stories and moments promoted from the Summer of Service submissions for First Onsite Canada.

The Power of a Small Act of Kindness

While picking up supplies for an event, I noticed an elderly gentleman and his service dog at the check-out who was short a few dollars after realizing he had left his bank and credit card at home. Embarrassed, he asked the cashier to set his purchases aside while he went to get more cash.

I stepped in, paid for his purchases.

As tears filled his eyes, he looked at me and said:

"Thank you for reminding me that there are still kind people in the world."

As we spoke, his dog came over and gave me a big soggy kiss, making an already specila moment even more memorable.

What seemed like a small gesture became a powerful reminder that kindness can make a bigger difference than we realize.

Sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up for someone when they need it most.

Standing with Our Community

When volunteers came together to support the search for Parker Wells, the First Onsite Calgary team wanted to find a meaningful way to help.

By providing water to those spending long hours outdoors, the team helped volunteers stay hydrated and supported their efforts.

While it a kind gesture, it reflected the care and compassion being shown across the community during a difficult time.

As one volunteer shared:
"The support from First Onsite meant more than just water. It reminded us that we are not alone and that our community was standing beside us every step of the way."

Thank you to our Calgary team for demonstrating the true spirit of service by supporting those who gave their time, energy, and hearts to helping others.

Stopping for a Good Cause

During a local walk, I had the opportunity to support two young community members who were raising funds for the Upper Credit Humane Society through a lemonade and brownie stand. I made a donation to their fundraiser and was inspired by their commitment to helping animals and giving back to the community. Their initiative was a great reminder that acts of service can happen at any age and that every contribution helps make a difference.

🌟 Support That Went Further Than the Storm

This summer, severe weather placed exceptional pressure on teams in Western Canada. In response, three Atlantic employees demonstrated the kind of leadership that defines First Onsite — stepping forward not because they were asked, but because they understood the impact their support could have on colleagues and customers.

While continuing to manage their own responsibilities, Lindsay McMullen, Margaret Weir, and Valerie PoKoo volunteered to provide critical coverage during a period of unusually high demand. Their willingness to assist teams across the country ensured continuity of service, reduced strain on impacted colleagues, and helped maintain the level of care customers expect from us.

Their actions reflect the core values that guide First Onsite:

• Teamwork — They strengthened our national network by supporting colleagues far beyond their own region.

• Compassion — They recognized the pressure others were facing and chose to help carry that weight.

• Service Excellence — They ensured customers continued to receive timely, dependable support during a challenging period.

• People First — They prioritized the needs of teammates and customers, demonstrating the culture we strive to build every day.

Their contribution was not simply operational — it was cultural. It reinforced what it means to be First Onsite: a team that shows up for one another, adapts when challenges arise, and leads through action, not title.

Lindsay, Margaret, and Valerie exemplified the leadership behaviors we value most: accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to doing what’s right. Their efforts helped ensure Canadians received the support they needed, and they strengthened the bonds that make our organization resilient.

Every Step Made a Difference

On August 3, our team participated in a special Great Summer Step Off Challenge in support of the First Onsite Light The Night Team and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). For every registered participant who logged at least five steps, First Onsite donated $5 to the cause.

What seemed like a simple challenge became a meaningful opportunity to come together and make a difference. With 164 employees participating, we helped generate an $820 donation to support blood cancer research, patient support programs, and family resources.

This initiative was especially meaningful because of First Onsite's ongoing support of our colleague and friend, Todd Yuen, whose leukemia diagnosis in 2023 has inspired many across our organization. Supporting Light The Night allowed us to contribute to a cause that directly impacts individuals and families facing similar journeys.

The experience was a reminder that creating positive change doesn't always require a grand gesture. Something as simple as logging a few steps became part of a larger effort that brought our teams together and supported an important cause. Seeing so many colleagues participate demonstrated the generosity, compassion, and community spirit that make First Onsite such a special place to work.

The Great Summer Step Off Challenge showed that when we come together with a shared purpose, even our everyday actions can create a lasting impact. I'm proud to have been part of an initiative that supported our communities, honored Todd's journey, and helped bring hope to those affected by blood cancers.

💜 The Journey Continues

Our support for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada doesn't stop here.

Scan the QR code to:

- Join the First Onsite Light The Night Team
- Make a donation
- Help bring hope to those affected by blood cancers

Building a Stronger Community, One Step at a Time!

Summer of Service is about making a positive impact and inspiring others through our actions—and sometimes that impact starts with something as simple as taking the first step.

As part of The First Onsite Great Summer Step-Off, a two-month wellness challenge designed to encourage healthy habits, connection, and friendly competition, team members across the organization are finding new ways to support their physical and mental well-being while motivating one another along the way.

During a special Daily Winner Challenge on July 11, Adam Furlotte led the way with an incredible 67,103 steps, earning the highest step count of the day.

Adam spent the day exploring Canadian trails, covering nearly 60 kilometres and taking in some of the country's natural beauty.

"Canada has some amazing trails and amazing views," Adam shared.

While the number of steps is impressive, the greater impact lies in the inspiration behind them. Adam's participation serves as a reminder that every effort toward personal wellness can positively influence those around us. By challenging ourselves, sharing our experiences, and encouraging one another, we help create a culture where healthy choices, resilience, and connection thrive.

The First Onsite Great Summer Step-Off Challenge is more than a fitness challenge — it's an opportunity to bring colleagues together, celebrate achievements, and build a stronger sense of community from coast to coast.

Whether it's a walk around the neighbourhood, a hike through local trails, or simply choosing to be more active each day, every step contributes to a healthier and more connected team.

Thank you, Adam, for sharing your journey and inspiring others to get moving, embrace the outdoors, and support a culture of wellness throughout our organization.

A Little Friendly Competition, A Lot of Team Connection

As part of our commitment to creating a positive and connected workplace culture, the Atlantic Region Social Committee launched Jar Wars — a lighthearted weekly competition that transformed an everyday workplace conversation into an opportunity to bring people together.

What started as a fun battle between popular beverage brands quickly became something much more meaningful. Employees from across the region enthusiastically participated by casting votes, sharing opinions, and cheering on their favorite contenders. The excitement generated friendly conversations across teams and locations, creating connections that extended beyond day-to-day work responsibilities.

In today's fast-paced environment, taking time to foster engagement and recognize employees can have a significant impact. Jar Wars provided a simple but effective way to bring moments of joy, laughter, and camaraderie into the workday. Employees who may not have otherwise interacted found common ground through friendly competition, helping strengthen relationships and reinforce a sense of belonging across the region.

To make the experience even more rewarding, participants were entered into weekly draws for a gift card prize. These small gestures of appreciation helped recognize employee engagement and added an element of excitement that encouraged participation from team members across multiple locations.

One of the greatest successes of Jar Wars was seeing how a simple initiative could unite employees around a shared experience. Regardless of which brand employees supported, everyone had an opportunity to participate, feel included, and contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere.

This initiative serves as a reminder that acts of kindness are not always grand gestures. Sometimes, kindness means creating opportunities for others to feel connected, recognized, and appreciated. Through Jar Wars, the Atlantic Region Social Committee demonstrated how investing in employee well-being and engagement can create a ripple effect of positivity throughout the organization.

While Pepsi may have claimed the title of reigning Jar Wars champion, the real victory was the sense of community, connection, and appreciation that the initiative inspired among employees across the Atlantic Region.

Ladies “FORE” a Cause

Proud Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 golf outing benefiting VOICES of Stephenson County, a nonprofit organization that supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The event raised more than $5,000 and collected enough essential kitchen supplies to fill an entire truck for the shelter.

Paws, Smiles, and Team Spirit

As part of our commitment to fostering connection and employee well-being, we hosted a Cutest Pet Contest that brought employees together in a fun and meaningful way.

Team members were invited to share photos and stories of their beloved pets. What began as a lighthearted contest quickly became an opportunity for colleagues to connect beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. Employees shared laughs, exchanged pet stories, and discovered common interests, creating new conversations and strengthening existing relationships.

The contest provided a welcome boost to morale and gave employees a chance to celebrate a part of their lives that brings them comfort, happiness, and companionship. In today's fast-paced work environment, creating opportunities for connection and belonging is more important than ever, and the enthusiasm surrounding the contest demonstrated the positive impact these moments can have on our workplace culture.
The response was overwhelming, with so many outstanding entries that selecting a winner proved to be a difficult task. After much deliberation, Bruce, captured the hearts of everyone and was crowned our Cutest Pet Contest winner. Bruce's photo showcased not only his personality but also the joy that pets bring to our lives.

While Bruce took home the title, the true winners were the employees who participated. The contest fostered engagement, encouraged teamwork, and reminded us that taking time to celebrate one another helps build a stronger, more connected workplace.

This initiative is a great example of how small acts that bring people together can create a meaningful impact. By encouraging connection, inclusivity, and a sense of community, the Cutest Pet Contest helped make our workplace a little brighter and reinforced the culture of caring that defines our team.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Recently, I noticed that a neighbor had trapped a raccoon in what appeared to be an inhumane trap. After learning that the animal had been confined for approximately 14 hours without being released, I became concerned for its welfare.

Before taking further action, I made multiple attempts to reach the homeowner to have the raccoon released, but I was unable to contact them.

Animal Control and asked them to investigate the situation. They responded promptly, assessed the circumstances, and took the necessary action to ensure the raccoon was safely released.

I am grateful for the Animal Control officers who helped that animal and for the reminder that a simple phone call can make a difference. Every living creature deserves compassion, and sometimes, kindness means speaking up when something doesn't seem right.

One small action helped give this raccoon a second chance at freedom.

🌳🌱🍃Tree Planting: Growing a Greener Future Together

First Onsite Canada proudly participated in Aviva Canada’s Fourth Annual Net Zero Supplier Summit, a meaningful event focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and collective action. The experience brought together industry partners with a shared goal: creating a greener, healthier future through hands-on environmental initiatives.

At Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park, we joined fellow participants in planting native trees and shrubs that will provide lasting benefits to the local ecosystem. More than simply planting trees, we were contributing to stronger biodiversity, healthier habitats for wildlife, improved air quality, and a more sustainable environment for future generations.

What made the day especially memorable was seeing so many organizations come together with a common purpose. Every tree planted represented a commitment to making a positive difference and demonstrated how collective efforts can create meaningful, long-term impact. The experience reinforced the idea that sustainability is not just a goal—it is a responsibility that grows stronger when we work together.

The event also provided an opportunity to connect with industry peers who share a commitment to environmental responsibility and community impact. Through collaboration, learning, and action, we gained a deeper appreciation for the role each of us can play in protecting and preserving the environment.

Participating in this tree-planting initiative was both rewarding and inspiring. It served as a reminder that even the smallest actions can grow into something significant over time. We were proud to contribute to an initiative that will leave a lasting legacy and support healthier, greener communities for years to come. 🌳🌱🍃

Empowering Women Through Giving

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

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Spotlight

Sportlight is our quarterly newsletter designed to shine a light on the Social Purpose initiatives happening every day throughout our organization.

August 2026

See how FirstService team members are making a difference—supporting colleagues, strengthening communities, and creating meaningful impact through acts of service. This month’s stories celebrate compassion in action and show how even small gestures can change lives.