The
Spirit News for SARCAN Staff - Spring2014
Christmas Depot Decorating Contest
Innovative Ideas Shine Across Saskatchewan
Kev’s Kubicle Hi everyone, it is with great excitement that I can announce that, for the first time ever, SARCAN Recycling collected over 400,000,000 containers in one fiscal year! In conjunction with this historic return volume, which was up 7% from last year, our operating costs remained in line and on budget for the year. Thanks to all of you for your efforts at the depots and plants. Many activities and projects are underway across the system. Some of these include a new depot location in Preeceville, a new depot under construction in Weyburn and renovations ongoing in Redvers, Martensville and Saskatoon for now. This spring will see the testing of a new touch screen till/cash register that will make reporting a lot easier at the depots. More information was shared at Supervisor Training at the start of May in Saskatoon and Regina. Curbside recycling programs are popping up across the province and to date have had little impact on beverage container returns. We continue to keep an eye on volumes across the province. As we prepare for a busy summer please keep your depots and equipment in top condition so we can avoid and prevent breakdowns in the summer months.
The new Weyburn depot construction underway!
In closing I want to thank everyone for their efforts with Telemiracle we raised over $52,000.00 and set a new record again this year. I would also like to thank all the depots for their Christmas decorating contest. It was obviously a lot of fun and we gained a large number of followers on our Facebook page. Have a great summer, keep up the good work and please stay safe at work and at home. Thanks for all the work you do every day for SARCAN Recycling! - Kevin Acton, Director of Operations
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Managers’ Message Spring has arrived. Hopefully, that means warmer weather will not be far behind. 2013-2014 was a year full of major milestones and significant accomplishments: • SARCAN turned 25. That is an incredible achievement for a company many did not expect to last 25 months. With that birthday came an amazing celebration at Employee Recognition Day. Congratulations to all of the award recipients. • Container returns exceeded one-third of a billion containers for the sixth year in a row. For the first time in SARCAN Recycling history, total returns surpassed 400 million containers in a single year, an increase of 6.9%. The strong returns helped SARCAN hit another milestone – recycling our 6 billionth container. • System-wide customer service and employee wellness training was held in 2013. Secret shoppers will be touring the province again this year. Please remember from customer service training that we need to treat every customer as if they were the secret shopper. We need to try and incorporate the FISH philosophy every day: Be There, Play, Choose Your Attitude, Make Their Day. • This is the time of year many depots are looking to hire employees to help with the busy months ahead. Please remember the SARCAN Employee Referral Program is available to help with recruitment and retention. Depot employees are eligible for $300 per successful employee referral. As we head into our busy season we would like to take this opportunity to wish every depot and processing employee all the best and thank you for the tremendous work you do each and every day. SARCAN is a great place to work because of each and every employee. SARCAN would not be the best recycling system in North America without you!
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SARCAN News Record Donation Raised for Telemiracle 2014
In January and February, SARCAN Recycling was asking everyone to “ring those phones” and lend a “Helping Hand” on March 1 and 2, 2014 for the 38th annual Telemiracle telethon. Each year, SARCAN participates by selling Helping Hands at the depots, and adds a supplementary donation from the SARC head office. SARCAN Recycling is proud to support this important fundraiser, as it is one that hits close to home. There are people who work at SARCAN or participate at SARC Member Agencies that are directly impacted by the good work done by Telemiracle.
Sean Collins presented the SARCAN cheque on Sunday, March 2, 2014 in Regina.
Depots all across the province had all kinds of creative ideas for selling Helping Hands, including hosting local draws and decorating the depots. The local draws were a great way to get people buying Helping Hands. Prizes were everything from a George Foreman grill, to a hand made blanket. See the following page for pictures from around the province. Depots in different locations did unique things to celebrate, giving each contest a local flavour. Many locations raffled off furniture from SARC Bark as well. This year, our donation was the biggest one yet, at $52,349.50. On the afternoon of March 2, Sean Collins, Assistant Director of SARCAN Operations, presented the cheque live on-air. Joanna Tataryn, from the Regina Rochdale Depot, and Jerry Farkas, from the Regina Processing Plant, joined Sean to answer phones on stage. Staff, friends and family at home enjoyed seeing them on-air. Thanks to everyone who supported us!
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SARCAN News Depots Around Saskatchewan Celebrate Telemiracle
Saskatoon South’s Helping Hands line the walls and ceilings.
Eston made a gigantic “Telemiracle” spelled in Helping Hands.
Melville shows off their bountiful Helping Hands collection.
Nipawin’s Helping Hand sales were record breaking this year.
The draw prize in Turtleford was a new popcorn maker.
Marilynn Thierrealt in Broadview made a quilt for the draw prize.
The Weyburn draw winner with her new George Foreman grill.
SARCAN News Christmas 2013 Recycled Items Decorating Contest We were so incredibly impressed with everyone who participated in the 2013 depot decorating contest. The winners were determined by voting on Facebook by ‘liking’ the album. SARCAN did not have any say in who won the contest, but we have to admit, we wish that everyone could have won! Through sharing the page with friends, family, customers and other community members, The Esterhazy staff are ready to go under the Christmas tree! the message was spread that the SARCAN staff are a talented bunch when it comes to re-purposing recyclable materials, and also to create awareness of SARCAN itself. One would think that we had 600 different Martha Stewarts working at SARCAN with all of those creative ideas! From milk jug grinches to beer can poinsettas (and everything in between), our depots were sure a sight to see in December!
A juicy Christmas sign in Spiritwood!
With a budget of $0.00 each, the depots set to work on designing Christmas decorations made entirely of recycled materials. The response was incredible, the A pop bottle tree in Yorkton! SARCAN Facebook page went from 800 to over 2,200 likes in just a few short days. People at the depots were spreading the message to vote for their depot’s decorations on the SARCAN Facebook page, and it worked! Our most successful campaign didn’t cost any money, and feedback from employees was fantastic. Staff worked on breaks, lunch, and after work to create beautifully decorated Christmas scenes right inside the SARCAN depots. There were so many depots that participated, it was a quite an experience to see the staff getting into the spirit of the holidays, in the depots, and in the community. After everyone was rested and relaxed after Christmas break, the depot contest winners got the chance to celebrate with gift baskets and a trophy to display. The gift baskets were filled with goodies and treats to share amongst staff. Regional Managers came to present the award and prize to the depots in January.
SARCAN News Contest Winners Celebrate After Christmas Break
Meadow Lake
Watrous
Saskatoon North
Depot News Download from Broadview
from Grenfell, Well spring might get to us sometime in the near future,Hiwe hope! The curling rink is in need of a new roof. I told the gentleman who came in the depot that I would make a quilt for their silent auction. This could be Well spring is here. Hope the weather warms up for our “Ditch Clea really interesting. Everyone was asked to donate something. I had a gentleman come in with a large bag of milk. I had to educate him on what was milk and what was tetra. Hewelcome thankedPhyllis me, then heour returned laterShe comes fr I would like to Frier to staff here. with a tray of donuts! circumstances she is living in Grenfell! So we kinda “Kidnapped her
We have been slow but things are picking up now that its up. Our staffinnow consists Wewarming had our Grand Opening December forof: ourKatrina new building. Tha Beiber, William Yang, Corey Theriault and Marilynn Theriault. Even though I’m the one that gets to and Ray for making our day a complete success. give the orders around here, we all work together. Hello to all the other depots!
We also had an exciting telamiracle contest. We gave gift certificat -Marilynn Broadview Supervisor Everyone thoughtTheriault, it was a great idea! AsDepot they left the depot they sa phone”
Grenfell Celebrates Telemiracle with Local Draws Well spring is here. Hope the weather warms up for our “Ditch Cleaners” to get to work! I would like to welcome Phyllis Frier to our staff here. She comes from Broadview. Do to her unseen circumstances she is living in Grenfell! So we kinda “Kidnapped her”. We had our Grand Opening in December for our new building. Thank you to the bosses from Saskatoon and Ray for making our day a complete success. We also had an exciting telamiracle contest. We gave gift certificates from different town businesses. Everyone thought it was a great idea! As they left the depot they saying to us “Ring my phone, Ring my phone”. -Darlene Trithart, Grenfell Depot Supervisor
Here is a little puzzle from us to you all. Unscramble the words. Use puzzle Where containers go for a trip? S
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Depot News Yorkton’s Donna Moore Retires After 22 Years A farewell celebration was held in honour of Donna Moore at the Saskatchewan Abilities Council – Yorkton Branch on April 3rd. The facility was filled with family, friends, and colleagues to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Donna. Donna joined the SARCAN team in 1991 and worked tirelessly to ensure Yorkton SARCAN was one of the best! She was passionate about her work, dedicated to SARCAN, and spent much of her leisure time volunteering in the community. Donna intends to enjoy her glory years cheering and volunteering with the Yorkton Terriers, traveling, and spending Even Twitter was celebrating Donna! more time with friends and family.
mmmm.... cake!
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council and Yorkton SARCAN would like to once again thank Donna for her long and successful career with the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and SARCAN Recycling. She is a true inspiration to others. Take care of yourself, Donna! Donna giving her farewell speech.
-Stephen Rososki, Operations Manager, Saskatchewan Abilities Council - Yorkton Branch
Award for Maple Creek For anyone who has ever visited the Maple Creek depot, you have probably noticed the flowers! The depot just won a “Communities in Bloom” award for 2013, to recognize all of the hard work the depot does to make it look beautiful. Congratulation to the staff at Maple Creek for your prestigious award. Keep up the good work!
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Depot Profile
Saskatoon East: Bright and sunny!
► Population of 222,189 ► The name Saskatoon comes from comes
from the Cree noun “misaskwatomina” which refers to the sweet, violet-coloured berry that grows in the area
► Also known as “Bridge City” as Saskatoon has seven bridges that cross the river
► In 1882, the location of Saskatoon was Saskatoon in the evening - looking towards downtown.
granted to the Temperance Colonization Society to make an alcohol-free community, and later became a city in 1906
► Hometown of Gordie Howe, Riley and Colby Armstrong, Wade Belak (NHL Players), Catriona LeMay Doan (Olympic Speed Skater), Yann Martel and Farley Mowat (Novelists), Joni Mitchell (Musician, Artist), Shannon Tweed (Actress) and Kim Coates (Actor)
Boomtown 1910 at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon.
The Farmer’s Market is a Saskatoon Institution.
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Hello from the Saskatoon East depot! This year our depot had a few milestones for birthdays which we celebrated – two celebrated 25 years, three celebrated 40 years, two celebrated 45 years and one celebrated 65 years. This year the depot was happy to welcome our new crusher for plastic (the Kormarr) and got rid of our old prodevia. Most of our staff attend monthly social events such as: movies, bowling, and live theatre performances at the Persephone Theatre in its new home in Saskatoon’s River Landing area. Our depot often hosts media events for SARCAN Recycling, such as press conferences. East Depot staff at the Ten Tree Promotion News Confernce. At our depot, we hosted SWEEP’s “20 million pounds of electronics recycled” press conference, as well as the “Ten Tree” promotion, and more! We have lots of customers from nearby neighbourhoods such as Sutherland, Forest Grove, Willow Grove, Erindale, Arbor Creek, and of course, lots of students from the University too. We have many long term employees, including Jeff Gonick, who recently celebrated his 25 years of service award. If you are ever in the east end of Saskatoon, please drop by for a visit. We would be happy to have you! - Donna Pattison, Saskatoon East Depot Supervisor A bird’s eye view of the big and bright Saskatoon East depot.
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Depot Profile
Naicam
Home of the Vikings! ► Population: 686 ► The area was settled by predominantly Scandinavian
► In 1918 CPR bought land from Mrs. Marius The Vikings are in the Wheatland Hockey League.
Knutson to form a town site
► The town of Naicam received its name from two CPR officials – Naismith and Cameron
► Naicam became incorporated as a village in 1921, but it did not become an official town until 1954
► Naicam has great recreation opportunities, The Naicam Museum is in the former school building.
An aerial view of Naicam in the summertime.
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with a golf course and regional park nearby
The town sign says “welcome” in Norwegian.
Greetings from Naicam! The Naicam depot serves the mid-North area in Saskatchewan. It is located on highway 6, half way in between Watson and Melfort. The depot has one full time employee, Brian, the depot supervisor, and one casual. The depot moved to a new location last August and customers are very appreciative of the clean and new area.
The outside of the Naicam Depot.
The plants in the picture belong to town residents. Brian keeps them at the depot for them over winter and then they pick them back up to plant outside come spring. The depot opened in January of 1991, and last year the depot recycled over 679,000 containers. The Naicam area has lots to see and do, with the charm of a small Scandanavian town. If you are ever in the area, come by and say hello at the depot. If you come in the winter, you can see all of the beautiful plants that are kept alive by Brian, the local greenthumb.
Naicam’s local greenthumb is also the SARCAN depot supervisor!
-Brian Lukowski, Naicam Depot Supervisor
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Depot Profile
Estevan:
The Energy City! ► Population: 11,054 ► Currently holds the record as Saskatchewan’s fastest growing city
► Incorporated as a village in 1899 and a town in 1906
► Hometown to Blair Atcheynum (NHL Player), Chris Hendersen (Musician), Bill Knight (Politician), and Sean Collins
The iconic Estevan water tower can be seen for miles.
► Free weekly paper, The Estevan Mercury, has been distributed since 1903
► Estevan is home to many people who work
in local industries such as coal mining, power generation, oil and gas
Lignite Louie, the town mascot.
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Estevan’s town flag.
Hello from Estevan! The Estevan Depot reached a milestone in 2013 when we processed over ONE MILLION more containers than in 2012. Our busiest day ever happened just recently, on April 23, 2013, when we recycled 80,146 containers in just one day! In the last fiscal year, we processed 9,948,603 containers. Needless to say, we had a very busy year - there was only one month where we didn’t beat last year’s totals.
The staff at the Estevan SARCAN depot.
Here at the Estevan depot, we have a staff of ten people: Gregg Dornian (manager), Gail Chilman (assistant manager), Gary Price, John Tagert, Audrey Bod, Jerry Matthewson, Jeff Laurent, Gordon Carnegie, Peter Marcotte and Ivan Mailhiot.
The Estevan depot is very unique. The outside murals were painted by students at the local high school.
We had a great time making decorations for the depot Christmas decorating contest. We also enjoyed a delicious Chinese supper with the entire staff before the Christmas break. In January and February, we sold Telemiracle hands and a few of the staff went to Regina to enjoy Telemiracle Sunday. We also sell almonds for the parapalegic association, sell daffodils for the cancer society and we also sell hands for our United Way. Estevan is a very busy city in the heart of oil patch country with an ever-growing population of close to 12,000 people. It is the closest city to the United States in Saskatchewan, located only 16km from the American border. - Gregg Dornian, Estevan Depot Supervisor
Gordon Carnegie (SARCAN Estevan Staffer) won an Al McGuire Award for Transition to Employment in 2012.
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Depot Profile
Davidson
Community in motion! ► Population: 1,025 ► In 1902 Colonel Andrew Duncan Davidson
came from Ontario in hopes of creating a “midway” settlement between the cities of Regina and Saskatoon
► In 1906 Davidson was declared a town There is lots to see and do in Davidson.
► During World War II the Royal Canadian Air
Force built and operated No.23 Elementary Flying Training School as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, it was open on November 9, 1942 and moved to Yorkton on November 29, 1945
Stop for a cup of coffee in Davidson!
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The town sign can be seen on busy highway 11
Greetings from the SARCAN staff at Davidson! 2013-2014 was a great year for us. Our returns increased by just over 6%. The Davidson Depot opened in July 1988 and in this past fiscal year recycled 1,251,953 containers. Depot improvements included a new counter top, fresh paint, and some muchneeded conditioning of the spot where we load. We have three depot staff: Debbie, April, and Shelley. Both Debbie and Shelley enjoy spending time with grandchildren, and April is kept very busy on her farm.
Brian Arend getting his 20 year Award at Employee Recgnition Day 2012!
Stop by Davidson anytime for a cup of coffee and a quick glance at the Bladworth Beauty (that’s Debbie!). - Debbie Vicente (Depot Supervisor) and staff
The Davidson SARCAN Depot is on Railway St in Davidson, and is visible right from the busy Highway #11, right at the half-way point between Saskatoon and Regina.
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Processing News Saskatoon Processing Ready for Summer Holidays Was that not a long winter? Ok, that is enough negative talk! We have been doing just fine at the Saskatoon plant. We have done some training through the winter months and continue to try to keep the processing plant looking as good as new. The guys are doing a great job.
The Chicago Blackhawks won a Stanley Cup last year just after Les passed away to honour their number one fan!
We have a hockey pool going on at the plant. It sure feels different this year with out Les in our hockey pool. The only thing that’s good about not having Les in the pool is that others stand a chance at winning. I do miss Les and his insight into the hockey playoffs at this time of year. Go hawks go! (That’s for my boy Les). We are approaching summer which means holiday time for a lot of our staff. I want to wish them well rested time off, and to make sure to have fun with family and friends. -Glenn Awrey, Saskatoon Processing Plant Manager
Regina Processing Say Thanks for Great Year-End Good day SARCAN Nation! The 2013-2014 year has come and gone and we are now nicely into the 2014-2015 year. Production at the Regina plant was up 3 % (or 800,000 lbs) compared to the previous year, which means the depots must have had more customer visits and containers returned this past year. Way to go, everyone, for doing your part in helping SARCAN through another successful year! We just completed our year-end, where the Regina processing plant guys were busy processing over 1.1 millions pounds of containers (approx. 130 trailers) in two weeks. A big “thank you” to all my staff for contributing to the successful yearend. I always brag about my staff and the hard work they put in every day – I’m so lucking to have such a good team. The plant is continuing to be busy so this is a good indication that we will have a busy year ahead of us. After year-end was completed, Gilbert and his maintenance crew did an overhaul to our two horizontal balers. A big “thank you” to Gilbert, Mio, Dennis, and Robert C for the work that was done to the balers and the conveyor system to get our equipment prepared for the upcoming busy summer season. Way to go guys!! Now that the weather is finally warming up and the snow is melting away, it will be time for us to get out into our yard and get things cleaned up – funny what you can find when the snow disappears. Ha! Not much else to report from the Regina Processing Plant –take care everyone. Have yourself a safe and enjoyable summer and we’ll see you in the next edition of the SARCAN Spirit!! -Chris Marr, Regina Processing Manager
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Have a GREAT Summer!