It’s the most wonderful time of the year with kindness in the air. And SaskTel has made it even more special for 25 of its employees and 25 community organizations that are meaningful to them as part of the company’s new 12 Days of Caring initiative, which is in alignment with the SaskTel Cares program.

“It was all about kindness -- SaskTel’s way of showing that the company cares about our employees and the things that matter to them,” said Amy Richardson, HR Manager - Strategic Workforce Planning. “We were very happy with the way employees responded!”

As part of the initiative, employees were asked to simply show some kindness by conducting an ‘act of care’ and sharing it with SaskTel along with submitting their Saskatchewan non-profit or charitable organization of choice.

Participants were automatically entered for the chance to have SaskTel make a one-time $500 donation to that organization. The employees were selected randomly, and in total, SaskTel made donations to 25 worthy causes!

One of the employees who took part was Tracy Gervais, a Service Representative from Estevan.

Tracy and her husband were fortunate to win a 50/50 prize this year and decided to do something kind with their winnings.

“We decided to pay it forward by donating some funds to the Estevan Family Resource Centre, a place that has been special to me,” said Tracy. “When our children were little, we spent many hours at the Centre enjoying all the programs provided to the children and parents. The friendships made, the parenting tips learned – the Centre has been invaluable for me and my family.”

“I’m so excited that SaskTel will be contributing an additional $500 to the Centre on my behalf!”

For Glenda Moffatt, Senior Clerical Associate (Assistant Accountant), her act of care happened unexpectedly while on a shopping trip.

“While picking up an on-line purchase from Walmart, my husband and I noticed a woman with a heaping grocery cart trying to steer the cart and get out the door and to her car,” said Glenda. “Her bags were falling everywhere, and she was almost in tears.”

“We decided to help her pick up the packages and helped her take them to her car. One little act of kindness goes a long way and if I can make someone's day a little better by giving a little of my time I will!”

Glenda asked for SaskTel to donate to the MS Society, a cause that has deep meaning for her.

“My sister has had MS for several years,” said Glenda. “Saskatchewan has a very high number of MS cases and SaskTel’s donation will help in the research to find a cure for this disease.”

Helen McHattie has made a habit of showing her act of care.

“Every week when grocery shopping, I use my Air Miles at Safeway to purchase food items for the Food Bank Box at the store,” said Helen, who is a Trunking & Switching Technician. “It’s especially important to help out during this pandemic time when there are many families struggling to make ends meet. I am very fortunate to have a job at SaskTel so the least I can do is help those less fortunate than myself.”

“To have SaskTel make an additional contribution to the Saskatoon Food Bank on my behalf is extra special!”

For Sales Associate Jennifer Zary, being a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon organization is her way of sharing kindness.

“I mentor a child through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon,” said Jennifer. “The kids are really struggling through this pandemic and they really look forward to having some one-on-one time where they get to be the center of attention.”

Jennifer is appreciative of the donation SaskTel is making to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon on her behalf.

“I’m proud to work for a company that cares about their employees but also values the causes they support in our communities.”

In total SaskTel donated $12,500 to some very deserving organizations across the province.