Volunteer joins United Way project to help agency that supported her family

“When they first suggested the postpartum group, I initially just wrote it off. But the more I thought about it, I wasn’t myself. So, I thought ‘why not give it a try?’ and it was exactly what I needed.”

It was this experience — and the connections she made over the years to staff and participants at Families First — that led her to volunteer for United Way’s Engineering Day of Caring.  When she arrived for her shift, Veronica thought that she would be joining a handful of volunteers, but she was blown away when she saw 80+ people pitching in to update the space at Families First.

“When I showed up here, there were people everywhere: outside, inside, all over the place. There was a tent, there were big signs …it was just massive. And to see how much was actually happening here was, was really, really cool,” she recalls.

“The staff here care so much; I think every single one of them goes over and above whatever their job description is on paper. It’s pretty awesome that they were selected and then I was able to use my skills to help.”

Skilled volunteerism a gift that keeps giving for agencies

For the last 18 years, volunteers from engineering firms across the region have come together to support a local non-profit through a renovation project. This year’s project was in support of  Fort Saskatchewan Families First Society, a non-profit organization that offers vital services to families and children through early childhood development, parenting programs, and family support.

The upgrades focused on enhancing the organization’s unique space. Before Families First moved into their building, it housed the local RCMP detachment. Not only did that mean there were some structural challenges that Families First navigated, but it also meant that changes were needed to help participants feel more comfortable.

“We have absolutely had to deal with the realities of what has this building has been in the past,” explains Darryl Burry, executive director for Fort Saskatchewan Families First Society.

Updates to the building included dimmable lighting, and a revamped sensory room to create a calming space for program participants. A climbing wall and soundproofing panels were also added to a program room, creating a more engaging atmosphere for some participants while also ensure that other areas of the building weren’t impacted by noise.

“The opportunity to work with the Engineering Challenge committee was just a wonderful experience. They came on site several times so we could get to know them. They listened to the needs of the organization and would incorporate what they were hearing into their designs and plans. We were blown away by their attention to detail,” Darryl adds.

For Veronica, the experience encouraged her to learn more about United Way and the Engineering Day of Caring. In addition to her work on site, she was eager to connect with committee members and United Way staff to learn more about how she can get her company, Graham Construction & Engineering involved in future events.

“I work in the construction side of engineering, and people have different ideas on how things should be done. It’s very neat to have a day where all of us architects, general contractors, and designers come together and do something like this. I think it just fosters that community into our industry as well,” Veronica describes.