It’s amazing how everyday people can transform into everyday superheroes when they put their hearts into something. This past winter I had the pleasure of experiencing hundreds of superheroes with the Ontario Track3 Ski Association for the Disabled.
The first group of superheroes includes the kids. Ranging in age 6 to 19 years old, the Track3 children and teens live their everyday lives with the type of challenges that most of us can’t imagine. Paraplegia, amputations, Cerebral Palsy, Down, Visual Impairment, Autism... but like all superheroes, the obstacles go unnoticed as their superpowers define their greatness. The super-kids all share a few of the most common superhero powers like determination, fearlessness and happiness. They are infectious and influence others to also rise up and achieve extraordinary things.
There is nothing subtle about the expression of the Track3 kid’s superpowers. You can usually tell by an ear-to-ear smile, eyes that well up with pride and loud noises that sound like “yeeee-hooooo” or “Sweeeeet”. One of the most common side-effects is typically a bear hug or a high five.
The other group of superheroes is volunteers. Of course, they don’t know or think they are superheroes. That’s what makes them so special. Track3 volunteers ride the buses, check the equipment, dress kids warm, teach the skills, keep kids safe, and inspire the kids to discover their own superpowers within. The volunteers also share a few common powers like passion, commitment and selflessness. Making a difference in the life of a child is an addictive social virus. Infection (or affection) can occur from a single Track3 experience.
One volunteer worthy of special recognition is Tim Fryer. Tim committed his Saturdays to photograph the superheroes at Craigleith Ski Club and then he built a few photo videos that truly capture the essence of Track3, the kids and the volunteers. Take a look. I think you’ll see what I mean.
Thank you Tim! Thanks Volunteers, and especially thanks to the kids!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0mV9Xe3jXk
The Craigleith Idol Video is from a special fund raising and awareness event hosted annually at Craigleith Ski Club. Justine Hines performed as a celebrity guest and judge. Thank you Justin.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GstXMeQ0SIE
The Believe Video is the essence Track 3 spirit. Thank you Craigleith Ski Club.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Thankfully - we are the makers of our own reputation
Ontario Bill 161 was a Private Members Bill designed to license temporary staffing firms. The Bill was poorly conceived and if it had become law, it would have had very serious repercussions upon the staffing industry, our clients and our workers. Simply put, this was a bad Bill. We worked very hard along with the Association of Canadian Search, Employment & Staffing Services (ACSESS) in opposition to this Bill. We had tremendous cooperation from Ontario Ministry of Labour staff and also received strong support from conservative MPP Tim Peterson (Mississauga South).
Unfortunately, the sponsoring member, Vic Dhillon (Liberal, Brampton West – Mississauga), was less than cooperative. He cancelled every appointment we had and in my opinion, he was repeatedly quoted in the media and in the legislature making inaccurate and disrespectful comments about our industry. He clearly underestimates the valuable contribution that the staffing industry makes to the people and the companies we serve. I know that our staff at all of our companies within Design Group Staffing Inc are proud of the services we provide. I sure am!
The good news is that we were effective in getting our message out to the more reasonably minded politicians, bureaucrats and the media. On June 5th, 2007, Premier Dalton McGuinty called for an early end to the Ontario Legislature. He probably had dozens of good reasons for his decision but one good result was that Bill 161 was quietly put to rest as it failed to become law. Thank you Premier McGuinty!
During this recent period of heavy lobbying, I was able to make bold claims and public comments about our company and how we operate. Ethically, Effectively and Respectfully! National media chose our company as a positive example of the industry. The CTV coverage last week was a good result of the positive messages we have to offer.
http://www.thepeoplebank.com/video/ctv_temp_staffing.wmv
ACSESS continues to provide tremendous value as an effective industry association and I encourage all of our staff and industry members to participate and contribute to ACSESS activities. The Certified Personnel Consultant designation is a good start to industry association involvement.
Thankfully, all is good….
Cheers,
Steve
Unfortunately, the sponsoring member, Vic Dhillon (Liberal, Brampton West – Mississauga), was less than cooperative. He cancelled every appointment we had and in my opinion, he was repeatedly quoted in the media and in the legislature making inaccurate and disrespectful comments about our industry. He clearly underestimates the valuable contribution that the staffing industry makes to the people and the companies we serve. I know that our staff at all of our companies within Design Group Staffing Inc are proud of the services we provide. I sure am!
The good news is that we were effective in getting our message out to the more reasonably minded politicians, bureaucrats and the media. On June 5th, 2007, Premier Dalton McGuinty called for an early end to the Ontario Legislature. He probably had dozens of good reasons for his decision but one good result was that Bill 161 was quietly put to rest as it failed to become law. Thank you Premier McGuinty!
During this recent period of heavy lobbying, I was able to make bold claims and public comments about our company and how we operate. Ethically, Effectively and Respectfully! National media chose our company as a positive example of the industry. The CTV coverage last week was a good result of the positive messages we have to offer.
http://www.thepeoplebank.com/video/ctv_temp_staffing.wmv
ACSESS continues to provide tremendous value as an effective industry association and I encourage all of our staff and industry members to participate and contribute to ACSESS activities. The Certified Personnel Consultant designation is a good start to industry association involvement.
Thankfully, all is good….
Cheers,
Steve
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
The Broad Stroke of Staffing's Good Deed
Referrals are the best known source to find a new career but the Staffing Industry is the single greatest conduit connecting people with jobs in Canada. There are over 2000 staffing companies in Canada and each one is responsible for helping hundreds or even thousands of people find work every year.
Just in case your local Ontario Liberal MPP has recently tried to convince you otherwise... Work is good! Work provides the income necessary for healthy living, family sustenance, and enjoyment. Work may not give people dignity but a lack of work certainly can take one's dignity away.
Staffing companies are not directly responsible for the creation of work but they do play a vital role in helping people and employers to connect with each other in an efficient and productive manner. The growing shortage of skilled human resources in Canada is common knowledge. The Staffing industry provides a valuable service to people and companies by helping Canadian organizations to efficiently search for, evaluate, select and hire people.
Competition is good too. With over 2000 staffing firms to choose from in Canada; companies and job seekers can take their pick of a staffing company that will deliver the greatest value.
Liberal MPP Vic Dhillon (Brampton West-Mississauga), a strong advocate for the under-employed and homeless has recently delivered his constituents a disservice by thinking and acting as if Ontario's Temporary Staffing companies create the jobs. What Dhillon fails to realize is that staffing industry does not make the jobs, they just help to fill the jobs. Even the good jobs! Dhillon is unhappy with the short length of some work assignments and the levels of pay that is sometimes available to the under-employed. Through some sort of misguided logic, Dhillon has decided that crushing the Human Resources department will create better jobs. Not!
Everybody wants our society and our industries to be filled with good work, meaningful work, skilled work, high paying work and secure work. This would also make the staffing companies happy too.
With an election year rapidly approaching, Liberal MPP Vic Dhillon is attempting to make political traction by introducing a Private Members Bill in the Ontario Legislature which is designed to license or regulate staffing companies. If Mr. Dhillon is concerned about the type of work available in Brampton then maybe he should focus on job creation. If he says that there are disreputable staffing companies in his jurisdiction then let's go and straighten them out. But please, do not unjustifiably disparage a whole industry.
Our staffing company (Design Group Staffing Inc.) has been selected for Platinum Status as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. We are ISO certified and have been recognized for our safety standards and commitment to the communities we serve. I personally and many of my piers have received awards and recognition for business success, volunteerism, community service and for contributing to the high standards of our companies and the staffing industry. I know that my thoughts and feelings are echoed by thousands of other human resources professionals and staffing industry professionals when I say that I am insulted by Mr. Vic Dhillon's broad stroke of ignorance.
It's probably time to go and visit Mr. Dhillon to share views. Please feel free to send me your rant. I'll be sure to pass it along.
It's going to be a great New Year and we're determined to make a meaningful difference to more lives than ever before. Because... that's what we really do!
Happy New Year
Just in case your local Ontario Liberal MPP has recently tried to convince you otherwise... Work is good! Work provides the income necessary for healthy living, family sustenance, and enjoyment. Work may not give people dignity but a lack of work certainly can take one's dignity away.
Staffing companies are not directly responsible for the creation of work but they do play a vital role in helping people and employers to connect with each other in an efficient and productive manner. The growing shortage of skilled human resources in Canada is common knowledge. The Staffing industry provides a valuable service to people and companies by helping Canadian organizations to efficiently search for, evaluate, select and hire people.
Competition is good too. With over 2000 staffing firms to choose from in Canada; companies and job seekers can take their pick of a staffing company that will deliver the greatest value.
Liberal MPP Vic Dhillon (Brampton West-Mississauga), a strong advocate for the under-employed and homeless has recently delivered his constituents a disservice by thinking and acting as if Ontario's Temporary Staffing companies create the jobs. What Dhillon fails to realize is that staffing industry does not make the jobs, they just help to fill the jobs. Even the good jobs! Dhillon is unhappy with the short length of some work assignments and the levels of pay that is sometimes available to the under-employed. Through some sort of misguided logic, Dhillon has decided that crushing the Human Resources department will create better jobs. Not!
Everybody wants our society and our industries to be filled with good work, meaningful work, skilled work, high paying work and secure work. This would also make the staffing companies happy too.
With an election year rapidly approaching, Liberal MPP Vic Dhillon is attempting to make political traction by introducing a Private Members Bill in the Ontario Legislature which is designed to license or regulate staffing companies. If Mr. Dhillon is concerned about the type of work available in Brampton then maybe he should focus on job creation. If he says that there are disreputable staffing companies in his jurisdiction then let's go and straighten them out. But please, do not unjustifiably disparage a whole industry.
Our staffing company (Design Group Staffing Inc.) has been selected for Platinum Status as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. We are ISO certified and have been recognized for our safety standards and commitment to the communities we serve. I personally and many of my piers have received awards and recognition for business success, volunteerism, community service and for contributing to the high standards of our companies and the staffing industry. I know that my thoughts and feelings are echoed by thousands of other human resources professionals and staffing industry professionals when I say that I am insulted by Mr. Vic Dhillon's broad stroke of ignorance.
It's probably time to go and visit Mr. Dhillon to share views. Please feel free to send me your rant. I'll be sure to pass it along.
It's going to be a great New Year and we're determined to make a meaningful difference to more lives than ever before. Because... that's what we really do!
Happy New Year
Friday, September 22, 2006
First Time Blogger
This is my very first attempt at blogging and I am still learning the in's and out's of posting, formatting and editing. Once I'm somewhat familiar with the process, I'll turn more of my efforts to content. It’s pretty difficult to imagine that I will have the time to blog every day but will definitely take up my keyboard from time-to-time when I think I have something worth sharing. Expect to read the occasional blog about management or leadership.
I will probably also use this space to give public recognition to people who have done something extraordinary, made a difference or encouraged a positive change in the world. People deserve recognition.
Employment and recruitment are my real specialties so I’ll likely have something to say on these topics, but don’t be surprised if my thoughts wander into the fields of customer service, sales, charities or even the occasional rant. I’m also uncertain if the purpose of blogging is to satisfy the writer or the reader. Hmm?
Wish me luck!
I will probably also use this space to give public recognition to people who have done something extraordinary, made a difference or encouraged a positive change in the world. People deserve recognition.
Employment and recruitment are my real specialties so I’ll likely have something to say on these topics, but don’t be surprised if my thoughts wander into the fields of customer service, sales, charities or even the occasional rant. I’m also uncertain if the purpose of blogging is to satisfy the writer or the reader. Hmm?
Wish me luck!
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