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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, November 13, 2015 | 18 Volunteering is now part of corporate culture continued from p.17 The name Blue Wave actually evolved during the time when Jim Balsillie, former CEO of Research in Motion (Blackberry) tried to bring an NHL team to Hamilton, De Sousa said. "First Ontario supported the bid and during a rally everybody wore blue because it's our corporate colour," De Sousa said. "There really was a blue wave of supporters. "Part of our corporate value is community development so we decided to create a program to specifically reward and give our staff the ability to volunteer even if the REBATES ARE BACK! ACT NOW!! UP $ TO RECEIVE IN REBATES 2965 $ Was NOW ONly Per month 58 * Per month $1465 FACTORy REBATE UP TO $ *Call for details Over 120,000 satisfied custOmers caLL noW, Quantities are LiMiteD! Furnace Diagnostic service Was 29 UNION GAS REBATE $850 UP TO + + OAC $650 OPA REBATE UP TO $99 ONly $ 49 9 Locations to serve you better Heating & Cooling www.aireone.com 905-849-4998 1-888-827-2665 event was during work hours." Since its inception, volunteer hours have been tracked and recorded and those achieving specific milestones are rewarded for their efforts, said De Sousa, also a Blue Wave volunteer. "Sometimes companies or charities come to us for help and sometimes we reach out to them to offer our help," De Sousa said. Whenever an event needs their assistance, a call for volunteers is sent out to the 187 employees currently signed up for the program, De Sousa said. "Those who have the time -- and the ability to help at the event -- will come out," De Sousa said. "They can come from all regions, not just from the area where an event is being held. "Not everybody is physically able to help at every single event. For some, wrapping Christmas presents works for them. Others are able to sell food or help with clean-up tasks or offer their services during one of the many charity walks held every year. "We give our volunteers the flexibility and freedom to participate It's really part of who we are. It's part of the culture of our organization. Since 2010, 14 volunteers have been recognized for achieving a 96hour milestone. They're given $500 to donate to charities of their choice as well as some brand clothing, such as jackets. Recognized volunteers are also invited to a special luncheon twice a year. Blue Wave volunteer, vice-president marketing, First Ontario Credit Union Mary De Sousa when and for whatever they can." Blue Wave volunteers also participate in various school nutritional programs where they help with the breakfast programs, chopping up food, serving breakfast and with clean-up afterwards, De Sousa said. The Blue Wave initiative has become more than just a corporate program, De Sousa said. "It's really part of who we are," she said. "It's part of the culture of our organization." Since 2010, 14 volunteers have been recognized for achieving a 96hour milestone, De Sousa said. "They're given $500 to donate to charities of their choice as well as some brand clothing such as jackets," De Sousa said. "Recognized volunteers are also invited to a special luncheon twice a year." Recently, Denise Weaver of Cayuga was recognized for her second 96-hour volunteer work and she's now given 213 hours of her time to the program. The 96-hour milestone might seem like an odd number but there is a reason it's 96 and not rounded off to 100. If you join the program, organizers hope you can volunteer at least one hour each month or 12 hours each year. Volunteers receive a certificate for every 12 hours they get a gold sticker to place on their certificate. There are eight spaces on each certificate so over a year that equals 96 hours. Present: In Partnership With Raffles & Giveaways Monday, December 21, 2015 Film.ca Cinemas, 171 Speers Road, Oakville Doors Open & Private Reception: 9:00am Private Screening: 10:00am Proceeds Support: Nanny Angel Network Adults: movie, 2 raffle tickets, large pop & popcorn--$25 HST included Children 12 and under: movie, 2 raffle tickets, small pop & popcorn-- Meet Flower $20 HST included Pot Dee Everyone is welcome! Clown Tickets must be pre-ordered Tickets can be purchased: -In person at the OMDREB office located at 125 Navy Street, Oakville -By downloading a registration form at https:/ /www.omdreb.on.ca/download/fm/721 and e-mail to events@omdreb.on.ca, or fax to 905-844-6699 -By telephone, contacting Darth Vader at 905-844-6491 ext. 111